A PhD student asks—

I recently did an RNAseq experiment and didn’t know where to get started. I decided to feed my DE gene list into ChatGPT and asked it to do some preliminary pathway analysis, and it was actually pretty helpful. This got me thinking about similar applications. I haven’t really been sure where I’m headed after my PhD (I’m pretty sure I don’t want to go down a faculty track), so I gave it my CV and asked what non-faculty roles I can do with my PhD. The answer really wasn’t helpful—it suggested a bunch of bench science roles, but I’m pretty sure I want to focus more on teaching. What do you think? Is there another way to approach this? 

I think AI tools can actually offer a lot for career exploration if you approach them as a brainstorming and thought partner. I really like using them to provoke ideas in me, and then diving deeper into what seems interesting. I’ve used a prompt along the lines of “I’m a fifth-year PhD Candidate studying immunology. I’m not that interested in bench science, but I don’t really know what else is out there. I want to do some structured reflection, where you will prompt me with twenty questions exploring my values and long-term goals. After I respond to every question, I want you to summarize my responses in a paragraph.”

So for your case, you might use a sample prompt like: “I am a third-year PhD student doing neuroscience research. I want to do some career exploration for careers involving some teaching, but am not sure where to start. I want you to ask me twenty questions focused around my values and long-term career goals. After I respond to each, I want you to summarize my responses in a paragraph.”

Then you can think through each of the questions and answer thoughtfully. A follow-up prompt could look like “Based on my responses, what are some career choices that could be a good fit for me?” Then look through the list that is generated and take stock—what resonates with you? Is there anything you want to learn more about?

This is my favorite way to use AI—as a tool to gain a better understanding of myself. Don’t take its responses and suggestions as absolute, but rather as another perspective to consider, and maybe push back against. Happy exploring! 

-Matt Arvedson, Career and Professional Development Leadership Intern