Planning Your Time at UCSF

No matter what stage you're in, your time at UCSF is just that - yours! These tools can help you use your time here in the way that's right for you.

blue outline of a compass dial

Not sure where to start? Use our timelines!

Our timelines show the full array of OCPD's programs and resources laid out over the duration of a PhD or postdoc in a Gantt-style chart. See what we offer and when we suggest checking it out, and then make a plan for when you'd like to engage with us.

Making a Plan

Making progress during your time at UCSF will involve a lot of communication and negotiation with your research advisor. Visit this page for resources and guidance for having a career-focused conversation with a mentor or supervisor and tools for creating an Individual Development Plan (IDP).

Navigating Lab Rotations

Choosing a thesis lab is a pivotal decision in your PhD, and the data you need for making that decision comes from your rotations. Visit this page for support with conducting successful rotations and choosing a thesis lab, two important processes that happen in your first year at UCSF.

Planning to Finish

Preparing to leave UCSF and securing your ideal next position—and finding the time to do everything involved—can be daunting! Visit this page to learn how you can build a game plan for finishing your graduate program or postdoc.