Shaping the future of CGS students through career development programs

Shaping the future of MUSC trainees through career development programs

MUSC's College of Graduate Studies has been actively focused on empowering its graduate students and postdoctoral fellows through targeted career development initiatives. The Accelerate to Industry (A2i) and Accelerate to Academia (A2a) programs have delivered invaluable training, and we're reaching out to our valued alumni to play a key role in the continued success of these efforts.

Equipping trainees for industry careers

In March, the College of Graduate Studies hosted a series of Accelerate to Industry (A2i) workshops designed to prepare trainees for the diverse landscape of industry careers. Led by industry professionals, these sessions provided in-depth coverage of critical job search skills. Participants explored career options, honed their business communication abilities, and gained practical knowledge on crafting effective application materials and mastering interviewing techniques.

The workshops also offered guidance on navigating salary negotiations, building professional networks, conducting informational interviews, and understanding corporate culture. A2i's core goal is to bridge the gap between academia and industry, equipping MUSC graduate students, postdocs, and alumni with the tools they need to thrive in a variety of industry roles.

Launching academic research careers

For those pursuing careers in academia, the Accelerate to Academia (A2a) program took center stage in April. This workshop series focused on developing the skills essential for a successful academic research career. Participants learned strategies for identifying a cutting-edge research niche and navigating the complexities of the faculty job search

A key highlight of the A2a program was the Chalk Talk workshop. This intensive session provided hands-on practice in delivering research presentations without slides or digital aids, simulating a crucial aspect of the faculty interview process where candidates present their research vision. With the feedback given by our faculty professionals, our students are better prepared to answer technical, practical, and sometimes even insulting questions with grace under pressure.

Share your expertise and make a difference

The success of these program like A2i and A2a relies heavily on the engagement of experienced professionals who can offer real-world insights and guidance. We invite you, our valued alumni, to consider contributing to the professional development of current MUSC trainees.

We are seeking alumni to share their expertise and experience by:

• Serving as speakers at A2i or A2a workshops, sharing career journeys, industry knowledge, or academic insights.
• Acting as mentors to graduate students and postdocs, providing ongoing guidance and support as they explore career options.
• Connect on LinkedIn, offer availability for brief coffee chats, conduct informational interviews and encourage the importance of connectivity.

If you are passionate about ensuring the growing reputational quality of a CGS Graduate degree, while supporting the next generation of MUSC graduates and would like to get involved, please contact Catherine Butler, the CGS director of recruitment, outreach and career development at butlecat@musc.edu. Your participation can make a significant impact on the future success of our trainees.