Career exploration can be a mysterious and sometimes isolating process. The mission of the MIND program is to provide structure, community, and guidance for students and postdocs exploring the broad range of career options in the biomedical workforce.
MIND is designed with the busy schedules of students and postdocs in mind. Our structured six-month program helps trainees maximize their learning about career(s) of interest, while minimizing the time spent away from research responsibilities.
Apply to Join the 2020 Cohort
Applications to join the 2020-2021 MIND program are now open! We will be accepting applicants on a rolling basis until August 28, 2020 or until the class is filled.
We held an info session on August 3, 2020; you can view the info session slides below, or read about the program and apply now.
The MIND Program
The MIND program has two main components: Catalytic Coursework, and career exploration in Peer Teams.
- Catalytic Course: During this coursework, trainees develop the basic skills needed to investigate career options that are best suited to their skills, interests, and values. The course is career-neutral, encouraging attendees to explore and pursue whatever careers are of greatest interest. It is designed to catalyze a career planning "reaction" that continues during the second part of the MIND program.
- Peer Teams: In the second part of the program, trainees are supported in beginning to direct their own career activities. Meeting twice per month, the peer teams are guided by volunteer facilitators. During this time, each trainee connects with professionals and UCSF alumni in a range of fields and jobs, to gather reliable and comprehensive information about their options.
The MIND program was previously funded by an NIH Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) award. "The Fantasy, The Ideal, and The Reality of Career Exploration" was originally developed and presented as an interactive chalktalk by Bill Lindstaedt, Liz Silva, and Gabriela Monsalve for MIND Catalytic Course participants.
