{"id":99331,"date":"2024-08-22T19:49:07","date_gmt":"2024-08-22T23:49:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/?page_id=99331"},"modified":"2026-07-23T14:29:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T18:29:33","slug":"career-exploration-transition","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/","title":{"rendered":"Explore Career Options and Strategize your Career Transition"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><strong>Explore PhD Career Areas<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">A Plethora of Career Options after a PhD<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>PhDs have transitioned into and have had fulfilling careers across a wide range of sectors (academia, <a href=\"https:\/\/careersbiotech.com\/summary.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">private sector<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/transitioning-into-the-non-profit-sector\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">non-profits<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/transitioning-into-government-roles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">government<\/a>) and job functions (research, business development, administration, communication, consulting, teaching, marketing, fundraising, policy, pharmacovigilance, intellectual property, patent law, product development&#8230;).<\/p>\n<p>To support you in your career exploration journey, we have compiled PhD career stories, articles and videos, job simulations, and career transition resources on 20 career areas biomedical science PhDs can transition into. The goal of these resources is to help you learn about different career options, make choices of the career option(s) you would like to pursue, and initiate your transition:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/academic-careers-postdoc-ing-and-professor-ing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Academic careers &#8211; Postdoc-ing and Professor-ing<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/academic-careers-beyond-the-professorship\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Academic careers beyond the Professoriate<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/field-application-scientist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Application Scientist and Field Application Scientist<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/business-development\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Business Development<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/clinical-research\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Clinical Research Roles<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/consulting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Consulting<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/data-science-analyst\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Data Science\/Analyst<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/entrepreneurship\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Entrepreneurship<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/ip-patent-law-and-tt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Intellectual Property, Patent Law, and Technology Transfer<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/medical-affairs-msl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Medical Affairs &amp; Medical Science Liaison<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/medical-technical-writing-communications\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Medical\/Technical Writing and Communications<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/product-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Product Management<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/project-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Project Management<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/regulatory-affairs-ethics-compliance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Regulatory Affairs, Ethics, and Compliance<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/research-development-rd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Research and Development (R&amp;D)<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/sales-and-marketing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sales and Marketing<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/science-communications-and-journalism\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Science Communication &amp; Journalism<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/science-policy-and-advocacy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Science Policy and Advocacy<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/teaching-education-and-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Teaching, Education, and Training<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/professional-development\/career-exploration-transition\/venture-capital\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Venture Capital and Investment Banking<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Please note that these resources are updated regularly &#8211; feel free to check the webpages linked above out from time to time, and <a href=\"mailto:bgnan@bu.edu\">share any resources<\/a> you come across to help keep these career area resources up-to-date for your fellow student and postdoc colleagues.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3><strong>Prepare for Job Applications &amp; Interviews<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">On-demand, Online Career Development Modules (graduate students)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/gps\/resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Graduate and Postdoctoral Success (GPS)<\/a> provides self-paced online resources through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/gps\/phd-progression\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PhD Progression<\/a>, their digital badging professional development program for Master&#8217;s and PhD Students. Modules from the <a href=\"https:\/\/bu.badgr.com\/public\/issuers\/rInNNJmUTyKC9E7Ve7lVSQ\/pathways\">Career Development Pathways 1 and 2<\/a> are especially helpful for career exploration and transition purposes.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Using AI in Your Career Exploration and Transition<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;AI can be a valuable tool as long as it\u2019s used to enhance\u2014not replace\u2014personal input&#8221; (<a href=\"https:\/\/careers.bu.edu\/blog\/2025\/01\/21\/how-to-use-chatgpt-to-write-a-cover-letter-that-sounds-like-you\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to use ChatGPT to craft a cover letter that sounds like you<\/a>, BU Careers Blog). Boston University provides access to multiple <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/aida\/ai-tools\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">AI tools with Data Protection<\/a>, including the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/tech\/services\/cccs\/desktop\/distribution\/microsoft\/microsoft-copilot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Microsoft Copilot chatbot (with BU Login)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more about:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>ways to use AI responsibly and ethically, feel free to check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/medlib-bu.libguides.com\/artificial-intelligence-AI\/ai\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alumni Medical Library Artificial Intelligence LibGuide<\/a>,<\/li>\n<li>approaches towards effective prompting, feel free to check out online resources like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/aida\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BU AIDA<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Center for Career Development (CCD) provides multiple resources, including\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.vmock.com\/bu\">VMock<\/a>, an AI-powered tool to help craft and refine CVs and resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and <a href=\"https:\/\/careers.bu.edu\/search\/?type=resource&amp;s=prepare+for+job+interviews\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">prepare for job interviews<\/a> (refine an elevator pitch, do mock interviews, etc.). You can also request feedback or specific interview questions from mentors and career advisors directly from <a href=\"http:\/\/www.vmock.com\/bu\">VMock<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/careers.bu.edu\/resources\/career-tool-vmock\/\">Get started with VMock (alumni can still access it for 2 years post-graduation)!<\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3><strong>Meet with Career Specialists to Discuss your Career Transition Plans<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Career Coaching (students and postdocs)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.propelcareers.com\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lauren Celano<\/a>, CEO and co-founder of Propel Careers, offers personalized one-on-one virtual career advising to graduate students and postdocs. You can meet with Lauren to review your CV\/r\u00e9sum\u00e9 and cover letters, prepare for interviews, discuss networking skills, learn social media tools for job searching and more! <a href=\"https:\/\/calendly.com\/propelcareers\/boston-university-career-coaching\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Reserve a free, 30-minute one-on-one coaching session with Lauren<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Founded in 2009, Boston-based Propel Careers is a life sciences search and career development firm with the unique distinction of being dedicated to networking, mentoring, and career development. Lauren is a BU alumna who has worked with thousands of students, postdocs, medical residents and professionals to advance their careers and with &gt; 50 companies to help them hire talent. She has a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Gettysburg College and an MBA with a focus in the health sector and entrepreneurship from Boston University.<\/p>\n<p>Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/calendly.com\/propelcareers\/boston-university-career-coaching\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">one-on-one coaching with Propel Careers here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Book a one-on-one meeting with GMS Professional Development<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/about\/meet-the-staff\/benedicte-gnangnon-phd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">B\u00e9n\u00e9dicte Gnangnon<\/a> (B\u00e9n\u00e9), Director of Professional Development for GMS, offers office hours for graduate students and postdocs seeking coaching or to discuss career exploration, job search, networking, and more&#8230; topics, and to review Individual Development Plans (IDPs) or job application documents.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/outlook-sdf.office.com\/bookwithme\/user\/785d54e24e1b4b5196e73116eec36f28@bu.edu\/meetingtype\/u5MQrg88CkStz35YMBLjbQ2?anonymous&amp;ep=mlink\">Book a 30-min appointment with <span>B\u00e9n\u00e9<\/span> here<\/a>, and <a href=\"mailto:bgnan@bu.edu\">email her<\/a> any documents that you would like her to review<strong> 24 hours before the appointment at the latest<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Postdoc Affairs Office Hours (Postdocs)<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>The BU Office of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/gps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Graduate and Postdoctoral Success<\/a> (GPS) manages Postdoc Affairs and provides professional development support to all postdoctoral scholars.<\/p>\n<p>Virtual one-on-one meetings can be booked to discuss or review an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/postdocs\/career-planning\/idp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Individual Development Plan (IDP)<\/a>, a CV or Resume, prepare for job interviews, or discuss any other postdoc life matter. Check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/postdocs\/career-planning\/\">Postdocs&#8217; Professional Development resources<\/a> page to learn about upcoming office hours, or email <em> <\/em><a href=\"mailto:postdocs@bu.edu\">postdocs@bu.edu<\/a> to request an appointment. You can also join <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/postdocs\/services\/test-postdoc-office-hours\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Postdoc office hours<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore PhD Career Areas Prepare for Job Applications &amp; Interviews Meet with Career Specialists to Discuss your Career Transition Plans<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20577,"featured_media":0,"parent":99317,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/99331"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20577"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99331"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/99331\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":108711,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/99331\/revisions\/108711"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/99317"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99331"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}