About | Professional Development

BU’s BEST (Broadening Experience in Scientific Training ) began in 2014. As one of only 17 (BEST) schools chosen by the National Institutes of Health to receive this award, Boston University enhanced biomedical career development curricula for Ph.D. students and postdoctoral scholars by supporting career exploration and transitions both inside and outside academic research.

BU’s BEST focused on identifying the needs of the biomedical workforce, providing professional development workshops, connecting students and postdocs with field-specific mentors, and helping them identify engaging and satisfying career options. The book BEST: Implementing Career Development Activities for Biomedical Research Trainees provides more information about the BEST programs around the U.S. and their impact.

After the NIH BEST award ended, BU’s BEST transformed into multiple professional development offices dedicated to graduate student and postdoctoral career and professional development, currently, the GMS Professional Development office and the BU Graduate and Postdoc Success office (GPS).

We are extremely grateful to Erika Ebbel-Angle, PhD, for the Angle Professional and Career Development Program Fund, which has so far enabled:

• Dozens of graduate students to get certificates in specialties aligned with their career goals (e.g., in the business of biotech, project management, regulatory affairs), and
• Dozens of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to attend career and networking events for free (e.g., PhD Mix and Mingle events, STEMPeers Career Conference) and meet with professionals across sectors and fields.

“I think throughout your doctoral training, you have extensive experience doing research and hearing about some academic tracks. It’s really eye-opening to just see all the different career options that are out there and the things that you can really do with your degree,” said Chelsey Skeete, former PhD student upon attending the 2025 STEMPeers Conference.

Bénédicte Gnangnon, PhD (Béné) is currently the Director of Professional Development at GMS. Email her at bgnan@bu.edu if you have any suggestions for professional development events or have any questions!

To access current GMS professional development and career coaching services, please visit the GMS Professional Development website.

To access upcoming GMS professional development events, please visit the GMS Professional Development calendar.