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Launch & Learn: 10 Steps of Career Exploration for Life Science Trainees

The first event in a series connecting life science and health job seekers with learning and networking opportunities in Central Texas

The career search process for trainees in the life sciences may feel like a never-ending rollercoaster. It is natural to look at the vast landscape of career opportunities and worry about how to choose or prepare. Understanding the big picture, especially through these unprecedented times brought on by COVID-19, will help you navigate your career search successfully.

Through discussion of each component of career exploration, participants will gain information and resources to strategize their next steps, no matter where they are in the overall process, and ultimately be successful by intentionally navigating the transition from their current role to their next.

Learning Objectives

Participants will gain perspective about the 10 components of career exploration and job searching including:

  1. Self-assessment

  2. Networking

  3. Researching potential career paths

  4. Identifying potential jobs

  5. Identifying skill gaps to target for skill acquisition

  6. Conducting informational interviews

  7. Preparing application materials

  8. LinkedIn profile

  9. Excelling at interviews

  10. Negotiating job offers

About the Speaker

Tracy Costello, PhD, draws from an array of professional experiences fueling her passion for improving the postdoctoral experience. She is currently a career coach and professional development trainer for PhDs (coach4postdocs.com) as well as the Oversight Officer and former Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Postdoctoral Association(NPA).

She has provided career development workshops and keynotes at STEMPeers, the American Heart Association, Society for Neuroscience, the Texas Medical Center’s Annual Postdoctoral Career Symposium, and numerous universities, as well as serving on study sections for both NSF and NIH.

Agenda Overview

12:00 pm Webinar opens

12:10 pm Speaker begins

1:00 pm Webinar closes


Who is Attending

  • Postdocs

  • Career seekers in Central Texas

  • Life science and health students

  • STEAM educators

  • Interested Community


Know Before You Go

✔️ You must RSVP to get the meeting link

📹 The meeting will use the Zoom platform and be recorded and shared

🚀 This is a pilot program and we'd love your feedback

✉️ Questions? Email howdy@capitalcityinnovation.org


About the Launch & Learn

Launch & Learn is a pilot program meant to prepare people for tomorrow's jobs. This series focuses on trainees in life science and their preparation for the workforce.

It is a collaboration of the Capital City Innovation Affinity Network, a regional network of organizations supporting health and life science innovation across Central Texas.