Some of the 800-plus attendees during a break from the symposium

Animated speakers and an eager crowd of more than 800 NIH trainees defined the first annual NIH Career Symposium, held April 9 at the Natcher Conference Center.

Keynote speaker Peter Fiske, author and CEO of of a California-based technology company, set the tone—serious and playful—in describing the significance of having the letters “Ph.D.” follow one’s name.

These letters, Fiske said, reflect an educational process that has conferred on degree holders (the postdocs and graduate students in the audience) an assortment of highly valued transferable skills and character traits that are advantageous in any chosen career field—and, he added, having a Ph.D. means that people think “you are a lot smarter than we know you actually are.”

Throughout the day, Fiske and other panelists echoed the sentiment that Ph.D. candidates often sell themselves short. They urged trainees to value their skills and abilities and make them shine in their true lights on CVs and any other job-seeking description of oneself.

Another recurring theme was the need to make oneself available to new options and be ready for opportunities when they arise. “It is the prepared people that have all the lucky things happen to them,” said Sharon Milgram, director of the Office of Intramural Training and Education, encapsulating OITE’s goal for the event. Her office, which co-hosted the symposium, encourages trainees to learn how best to prepare for a scientific career, including how to gracefully transition from one to another position, as well as to anticipate and achieve the skills necessary to move on to one’s desired destination. OITE staff and private consultants were on hand to discuss personal and career development.

More than 70 speakers from private consulting firms, government agencies, educational institutions, and biotechnology companies participated in 15 panel discussions.

The great strength of the event was the range of speakers—in fields represented, degrees held, and positions attained. Some were a few years into their career of choice; others had more than 30 years of experience.

Each panel was followed by a social period of information exchange and networking, and many panel participants were eager to speak with trainees after the event.

Some of the most popular sessions focused on how to get jobs in academia and industry—jobs that involve heavy bench work. But bench research, Milgram observed, is not the only path to advancing scientific excellence, education, and development in the modern world. Beyond technical ability, she observed, scientists need to master the skills needed to be team players, leaders, mentors, and professionals.

The larger-than-expected crowd, most of whom stayed for most of the day, reflects the event’s success. Many speakers expressed interest in participating again next year. Milgram declared the day “a huge step forward” in providing solid and comprehensive career development services. Co-sponsors of the event were the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences, the Fellows Committee, and the Graduate Student Counsel. 

Lori Conlan, director of the Office of Postdoctoral Services, OITE (left) speaking at length with a postdoc	NCBI visiting fellow Manoj Tyagi  (left) enjoying a post-talk encounter with keynoter Peter Fiske	Speaker Patricia Phelps, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill (left), touching base with Anthony Bount, a UNC-GPP student

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