UC graduate students and postdocs!
Get ready to explore and prepare for industry careers through a UC-wide series of virtual workshops and programs this fall. Career centers and postdoc offices across the UC system are contributing sessions focused on biotech career pathways, open to all trainees. Together, these events create a shared learning experience with multiple perspectives and real-world insights, designed just for you.
PhD Careers and Culture in Industry
UC San Diego
Tuesday, October 7th, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Chris Dillon, Ph.D., Former Senior Director, Oncology Research Unit at Pfizer)
Register Here
Are you interested in learning more about careers outside of academia? This session will provide an overview of the various career pathways and roles available in industry and the different types of industry employers and companies. Participants will learn about the importance of culture in industry settings and how fit can be an important consideration for a role and within an organization. Differences between industry and academic cultures and tips for learning about and finding opportunities in industry will be discussed. don't miss this change to gain insights about industry careers and culture from a PhD who successfully transitioned from an academic postdoc position.
Exploring Postdoc Pathways in Industry: A Conversation with Genentech
UC San Francisco
Registration Opens Two Weeks Before Event
Tuesday, October 21th, 12-1pm
Alexandra Colón-Rodríguez, Ph.D., Sr. Program Manager, Genentech Postdoc Program.
Curious about what it’s like to pursue a postdoc outside of academia? This special session features the head of the Genentech Postdoctoral Program, who will share insights on designing impactful postdoctoral training in industry. We’ll explore how industry postdocs differ from academic appointments, the skills and opportunities they provide, and what makes candidates successful in the transition. Whether you are considering industry as a career path or simply want to broaden your perspective, this is a unique opportunity to learn directly from a leader shaping the future of biomedical training in the private sector.
Interviewing for Industry
UC Berkeley
Registration Opens Two Weeks Before Event
Tuesday, November 4th, 12-1pm
Andrew Green, Ph.D., Associate Director Graduate Students and Special Projects, UC Berkeley Career Engagement
At the interview stage, your accomplishments no longer speak for you; so join us to get advice on how to convey your value. This session covers the structure of a typical interview in biotech, how to prepare, how to respond to typical interview questions, advice to avoid common mistakes and Q&A we're well answer your questions.
Visa Considerations for Industry
UC San Francisco
Registration Opens Two Weeks Before Event
Thursday, November 13th, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
UCSF International Students and Scholars Office
Interested in U.S. private industry positions, but uncertain what your visa options may be? Identify your visa options while also determining best ways to answer that tricky question: Do you need visa sponsorship? This workshop is a collaboration between the Offices of Career and Professional Development and International Students and Scholars Review the Visa Considerations for Private Industry workshop materials to learn: How to identify companies that may hire foreign nationals; Visa options and considerations; and Strategies to respond to “Do you need visa sponsorship?” at varying points of the application process.
Networking Strategically: Informational Interviews
UC Davis
Registration Opens Two Weeks Before Event
Tuesday, November 18th. 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Leslie Peek, Lead Career Advisor, Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Career Services
Breaking into the biotech industry isn’t just about having the right skills - it’s about knowing the right people. In this interactive workshop, you'll learn how to leverage the network you already have to uncover opportunities and build meaningful connections. Whether you're a grad student or postdoc, you’re already more connected than you think. We’ll explore how to:
Use tools like LinkedIn’s alumni feature and company pages to identify potential contacts
- Navigate Handshake to find biotech positions, career fairs, and networking events
- Understand what an informational interview is—and why it’s a powerful tool for career exploration
- Conduct effective informational interviews, including how to reach out, what to ask, and how to follow up
- Ask insightful questions that help you learn about roles, company culture, and career paths
By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a strategy to network with intention, uncover hidden opportunities, and confidently take your next step toward a career in biotech!
About this Series
This Industry Series is part of a UC-wide effort launched by UCSF with support from the NIH Advancing Research Careers (ARC) grant. In partnership with career centers and postdoc offices across all ten UC campuses, we are piloting new ways to leverage this collective expertise and build community among UC PhD students and postdoctoral scholars - creating more comprehensive career and professional development opportunities for the next generation of scientific leaders.
*Please note that this event is for UC PhD graduate students and postdocs only!