Teaching, Education, and Training

Introductory Resources

Teaching/training others and supporting teaching activities (e.g., through curriculum development) come in multiple flavors, across sectors and institutions. Below is a short selection of teaching(-adjacent) roles and career paths:

• Choosing a career in undergraduate science education, 15-min iBiology video.
• Educational consulting – general info and overview, Indeed.
• Corporate Training jobs – general info and overview, WGU.
• Curriculum Coordinators – general info and overview, BU Vault.
• Curriculum Designer roles and career pathways, San Diego Online Degrees.
• Teaching clients – Application Scientist and Field Application Scientist, YouTube video.

Venturing further in this career area

• Curriculum Design and Development, History and theories (18-min video).
• The PhD Progression program provides resources and training on teaching (look for levels 1 and 2 Teaching pathways here; learn more about PhD Progression and register here before completing modules at your own pace and getting digital badges).
• Inclusive STEM Teaching Project (online course).
• Check out teaching practice support programs and services from the BU Institute for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

Learning by doing job-related tasks

Job Simulations are job-related tasks that can be completed in a few hours, to help you assess how enjoyable and how much of a good fit a specific job could be for you. Intersect Job Simulations have been created by PhDs for PhDs, to support their career transitions into a wide range of careers. To make the most of job simulations, please set up SMART Goals to perform each simulation in a reasonable timeline. When you have completed the task, fill out the Self-Reflection Sheet, which will help you reflect on what you enjoyed (or did not enjoy) about the simulation, and how it can help inform your career exploration efforts.

• Developing Educational Resources, Intersect Job Simulation.
• Science Policy Course Development, Intersect Job Simulation.

Preparing your transition into this career area

• Focus on your skills, Nature article.
• Explore and connect with members of the following professional societies:
  • Association of Science-Technology Centers.
  • Association for Science Teacher Education.
  • National Science Teachers Association.
  • Professional and Organizational Development (POD Network).
  • Science from Scientists.
  • Explore other educational/outreach initiatives, like LabXchange.
• Growing your network and having informational interviews with PhDs who have transitioned into careers of interest to you will enable you to learn more about the job’s daily responsibilities, hiring process, career progression, etc., and the sector as a whole.
  • Look for and join relevant thematic groups on LinkedIn, online communities, etc.
  • Look for BU Mentors and Alumni who have transitioned into this career area.
  • The Social Scientist enables early-career researchers to connect with folks who have transitioned in various career areas, including outreach.
• Analyze job descriptions to learn more about what institutions and organizations are currently looking for.
• Study companies’ and professional organizations’ websites, follow them on social media and YouTube.