What questions should *I* ask in an interview?

A second-year postdoc asks - At an interview, what are the best questions to bring when they ask “do you have any questions for us?” I never know what to say, and I just end up asking about the hiring process logistics or asking them what they like about the company.

Is it too soon to start applying for jobs?

A PhD student asks - I’m planning to be done next December. I know I’ll need to apply for jobs, but I don’t want to apply too soon. When is a good time to start?  

How do I get people to contact me on LinkedIn?

An early-stage postdoc asks- I’ve been on LinkedIn for 6 months, but no one is contacting me (except for a bot that wants me to upgrade to premium). What should I add to my profile so more people will reach out to me?  

How important is having a one-page resume?

A postdoc asks- I’ve read that a resume always has to be exactly one page. But it is really hard to capture everything I’ve done. How important is the one-page resume rule? 

Is networking really necessary?

A late-stage postdoc asks-  Is networking really necessary? I don’t like the idea that ‘who you know’ is more important than ‘what you know.’ I’ve done a lot of great research, and when I get a job, I want it to be because of my work, not my schmoozing. It feels like cheating. But, I’m also just...

We've had a staffing change

Our esteemed colleague Linda Louie, PhD, Assistant Director, PhD Career and Professional Development, has started the next chapter in her career. We thank her for her incredible contributions to our community and wish her all the best in her new role at the Berkeley Lab!

Uncomfortable in networking situations? New videos from OCPD intern, Jaysón Davidson, can help!

Jaysón Davidson, a PhD candidate in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics, and a member of the Career and Professional Development Leadership Program at the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD), has created a

Looking for tips for navigating career exploration?

Linda Louie, PhD

OCPD Launches Peer Teams

This winter quarter the Office of Career and Professional Development at UCSF piloted peer teams as a new way for students and postdocs to engage with each other through professional development. Seven peer teams kicked off in January and will conclude at the end of March 2023. With the success of...

Grow your professional community during National Mentoring Month in January

January is National Mentorship Month! Every student and postdoc could benefit from having a mentor in their circle of support, so we're celebrating with opportunities for UCSF trainees to learn the skills to build their own professional community.