PhD Pathways

• Confirmed Speaker:
  • Michele Rasmussen, PhD - Vice Provost for Student Affairs

Pathways will open with an opening, interactive plenary activity that will help you make the most of the day.

• Hear from a panel of PhDs pursuing scientific research and engineering careers in various sectors beyond academia.
  • Panelists TBA

• Learn from a panel of PhDs who have forged public service careers in different nonprofit and government settings.
  • Panelists TBA

• Learn from a panel of PhDs currently working different consulting roles, such as management, economic, and scientific.
  • Panelists TBA

• Internships, volunteering, industry postdocs, service, and more–there are many ways to explore careers beyond academia. Learn from a panel of current Stanford PhD students and alums who have embarked on diverse opportunities to gain experience in roles beyond academia.
  • Panelists TBA

• In this interactive workshop, learn the skills that will help you navigate challenges and the ups and downs of the job search in trying times.
  • Confirmed presenters:
    • Helen Hsu, Outreach Director, Counseling and Psychological Services, Stanford
    • Angela Estrella, Well-Being Coach, Vaden Health Services, Stanford

• Hear from a panel of PhDs and other professionals about pursuing career paths outside of the United States.
  • Panelists TBA

• In this panel, engage with PhDs who have forged various careers in artificial intelligence.
  • Panelists TBA

• There are many opportunities in various educational settings beyond the research university. In this panel, hear from PhDs who have forged diverse careers in education.
  • Panelists TBA

• What does it look like to transition from a postdoc to industry? How do you make the jump? Join a panel of former Stanford postdocs as they share their experiences and insight on transitioning from academic postdocs to industry careers.
  • Panelists TBA

• A large California public college is losing students at a rapid pace—can they use data science to turn the situation around? During the workshop, you will learn how you can apply your research skills to solve this real-world problem. Walk away knowing how to refine vague problem statements, approach challenges with a data-driven framework, and communicate solutions that drive action.
  • Confirmed presenters
    • Derek Chang, PhD ‘14, Electrical Engineering (Stanford) - Founding Partner, Stratus Data
    • Charles Pensig - Founding Partner, Stratus Data
    • Rachel Grant, PhD ‘22, Biology (Stanford) - Senior Data Scientist, Stratus Data

Connect, network, and learn from alums, professionals, and staff in informal conversations over lunch.

After lunch, we will reconvene as a group to reflect on what you learned in the first half of the day, identify new questions and ideas, and chart a path for the second half of the day.

• Join a group of PhDs working in various technical and non-technical roles in Big Tech. Learn about the pathways available and what it’s like to transition from the PhD to the tech world.
  • Panelists TBA

• Learn from PhDs who have pursued entrepreneurial careers and started their own businesses.
  • Panelists TBA

• In this panel, connect with PhDs working in various media, arts, and communication industries, including publishing, scientific communication, museums, and more.
  • Panelists TBA

• Finding and securing non-faculty jobs in the U.S. as an international PhD student or postdoc presents unique complexities and challenges. Learn from a panel of international PhDs as they share their experiences and insights navigating the job search.
  • Panelists TBA

• In this interactive case study, you will gain insight into what it’s like to be a UX researcher. You will apply your research, organizational, and communication skills to work on a project.
  • Presenter TBA

• What do data scientists do? Where do they work? Join a panel of PhDs working in data science across various industries to learn about their work and experiences.
  • Panelists TBA

• Hear from a panel of PhDs from a range of disciplines who have forged careers in various roles and sectors focused on sustainability.
  • Panelists TBA

• Wondering what employers think about when hiring PhD students and postdocs for non-academic roles? Hear from a panel of employers to get your questions answered.
  • Panelists TBA

• Former PhDs and postdocs will tell their stories about their experiences, including the transition to their careers and how they navigate the workplace. This panel creates an open space for conversations about the range of communities and perspectives that Stanford PhDs and postdoc contribute to the world of work.
  • Panelists TBA

• In this interactive workshop, learn how to identify and effectively communicate in professional settings the skills that you’re developing in your PhD or postdoc.
  • Presenter TBA

• Confirmed Speaker:
  • Kenneth Goodson, PhD - Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs

The day will end with a chance to reflect on the day’s activities and identify actionable next steps that will allow you to maintain momentum in your exploration and advance your career journey.