Preparing students and postdocs for what comes next.
At UCSF, academic training and career development go hand in hand. Alongside the support within your program, students and postdoctoral scholars have access to a dedicated career office staffed by experts focused on teaching you the knowledge and skills needed to:
- Engage in self-reflection about your professional identity and goals
- Explore career options and make informed, strategic decisions
- Position yourself competitively for your preferred career path
- Navigate professional environments and relationships with confidence and integrity
Our three goals are to:
- Demystify career development by making it visible, understandable, and actionable at each stage of your training
- Partner with UCSF’s academic departments and schools to enhance the learning experience and ensure your training translates into successful career outcomes
- Advance UCSF’s commitment to workforce development by preparing the next generation of biomedical professionals and leaders to succeed in career paths aligned with their skills, interests, and values
Who uses career services at UCSF?
59% | 30% | 96% |
| Percentage of students using our services | Percentage of postdocs using our services | Percentage of departments/programs using our services |
Check out resources for:
What are students and postdocs saying about us?
The Office of Career and Professional Development has consistently rated +95% approval rating (Very satisfied or satisfied) in UCSF's annual student success survey. Read some quotes below:
Dental Practice Owner’s Panel with ADEA:
“AMAZING EVENT!!! I think this should happen every year. THANK YOU :)."
Ask a Career Consultant Newsletter:
“I wanted to say that the ‘Ask a Career Consultant’ series is very helpful. I often have similar questions but cannot articulate them. Therefore, reading the questions and answers helps me crystallize my questions and get the answers I need.”
Preparing for Professional Conversations Workshop:
“I feel more prepared to make self-advocacy a priority in clinical environments rather than passively follow directions and ignore my learning goals.”
Application Materials Writing Retreat:
“I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to thank you both for your expertise and support during the June writing retreat. The retreat gave me the incentive and focus that I needed to complete my qualifying exam and dissertation proposal papers. I also greatly appreciated the guidance on how to restructure my CV. The result is that I passed my quals and got approval for the dissertation proposal! I will not hesitate to attend future retreats. Thank you so much for all that you do at the OCPD.”
News and Advice
Career updates and practical guidance: How OCPD supports our students and postdoctoral scholars
Career Exploration: The Making INformed Decisions (MIND) program is back!
Career exploration should not feel isolating or overwhelming. The MIND Program provides UCSF PhD students, postdocs, and select Master’s students with structure and community to do that work. Over 16 weeks, participants gain practical tools, peer support, and guided access to professionals across sectors to make informed, confident career decisions.
Q. Can I apply to two internships at the same organization at the same time?
This week, a master's student asks: I saw two different internships posted at the same company, and I'm interested in both. Is it appropriate to apply for two internships at the same company at the same time? Or will that make it look like I'm not serious?