How do I calm my "interview nerves"?

A fellow health professional student recently asked if the following question can be shared in February's Career Tip of the Month: “I get so nervous during interviews. I have my first interview coming up next week. Any tips on how to calm my nerves during the interview process?” You are not...

How do I ask someone to be my mentor?

In honor of National Mentoring Month, January’s career tip is on how to ask someone to be your mentor.  Below are several tips that can help you with your mentorship request: 

New Workshop Alert: Teaching trainees how to have a career conversation with their research mentor

Everyone says it - students and postdocs should be having career conversations with their research mentor/PI. The challenge for students and postdocs is figuring out how best to bring up the topic and facilitate this important conversation.

What the Numbers Say: 27% of UCSF Postdocs Utilize the OCPD

We think that every UCSF postdoc should take one-two hours a month to invest in themselves and their own career and professional development. But life is busy, and when you're not sure what career path you want to pursue, or what experiences successfully position yourself for a particular career...

Cover Letters!

This month’s tip is on cover letters/letters of intent (“cover letter”). We recently received the following question from a UCSF health professional student:  "I am applying to a job that requires a cover letter. Do you have recommendations of who to address the letter to when this information is...

OCPD's Innovative Approach to Preparing Trainees for Academic Careers Wins AAMC Recognition

Laurence Clement, PhD, director of research in career education and program director of academic career development in the UC San Francisco Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD), has received a 2019 Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Innovations in Research and Research...

What is one way to stand out during an interview

This month’s tip is on how to stand out during an interview. Asking questions is one of the most important things you can do during an interview. Some may argue that your questions are just as important, if not more important, than your responses to interviewers’ questions. Your questions during...

How do I gracefully exit a conversation at a networking event?

This month’s tip is on networking. We recently received a question about how to gracefully exit a conversation at a networking event. This tip can also be helpful at any number of events including conferences, residency showcases, and pre-interview dinners. The process of ending a conversation...

How far back do I go on my CV?

This month’s tip is on CVs. One question we often receive is how far back to go on a CV. There are many different opinions on this subject, but at OCPD we recommend reframing the question. Instead of asking how far back to go, ask yourself whether that piece of information demonstrates a particular...