Things might look a lot different than you imagined right now. Perhaps the
Things might look a lot different than you imagined right now. Perhaps the

June 2, 2020

In this issue: Research Reboot info, Badgers on Track career development resources, and more.
PhD Comic

Tips for Grads: Searching for non-academic jobs during COVID-19

By Lydia Gandy-Fastovich, PhD student
Things might look a lot different than you imagined right now. Perhaps the uncertainty of where you will land a job after graduation is heavy on your mind. You are not alone. With the uncertainties from the COVID-19 pandemic many people are concerned about their career planning. In Beyond the Professoriate’s (BtP) Career Conference last month, CEO of BtP, L. Maren Wood, PhD, gave relevant and timely advice about how to handle your job search during COVID-19. 
Career Planning
Move to Plan B. You might need to pivot your career plans, which could mean you are working with “Plan B” career goals rather than “Plan A.” But that does not mean you can’t prepare for your dream role by being ready to move when the market is open.
Build transferable skills. Think about the skills needed for your dream job and create a plan for how you can develop those skills at workspaces that are hiring now.
Take the path of least resistance. Outside of academia, folks change jobs every 3-5 years; your first job is not your last. Don’t be scared of entry-level or contract work. Remember you are “over credentialed, not overqualified” with your degree.
Maintain momentum. Identify action steps you can take to continue your job search, including plans to avoid feeling overwhelmed and utilizing online search strategies.
Networking
Connect to multiple sectors. Plan now and get connected to a broad range of sectors so that you are plugged into multiple job markets.  
People hire people. Tell a compelling story and be prepared to sell yourself with this story while networking, on LinkedIn, and in interviews
This edition of Tips for Grads was adapted from the Beyond the Professoriate Career Conference. Session recordings from the conference are available to UW-Madison students and postdocs through Aurora until June 16. Sign in to Aurora to access the conference replay.
 
GradConnections Weekly is looking for fresh perspectives on the graduate student experience.
If you have advice, counsel, or tips for UW grad students, you’re invited to write a guest column for “Tips for Grads.”
If you’re interested,
check out our infographic for details and email gspd@grad.wisc.edu to let us know.
DiscoverPD: Your guide to professional development
DiscoverPD is an innovative tool for UW–Madison graduate students to advance their academic and professional goals. Review the nine facets of professional development, complete a self-assessment, and get a customized report and recommendations.

Upcoming Professional Development Events

All event times and deadlines are listed in Central Daylight Time (CDT).
Graduate School Dean, William J. Karpus, and Grants Administrator, Jenny Dahlberg, will host a session on preparing a strong NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Fellowship (F award) application. The first portion will focus on the mechanics of the applications (sections, submission logistics, budget, etc). Then, Dean Karpus will share his experience as a member of study sections for the awards. Note: only US Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for NRSA awards. Register in advance to receive a link to the online session. 
Thursday, June 11 | 1 - 2:30 pm

In this webinar, you will learn: what resistance is and why academic writers experience it in pursuit of work we want and need to complete; how to identify what's holding you back from writing and completing your work (article, dissertation, book, grant proposal, etc.); the three most common types of writing funk and how to move around them; and how to create the types community, support and accountability for your writing that will help you to ride through whatever type of writing funk. To sign up, first activate your National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity account through the UW–Madison institutional membership.  
Badgers On Track
Badgers On Track offers career development resources and opportunities to help current students and recent grads move forward with confidence in the COVID economy. Check out the virtual workshops on topics like networking or virtual interviewing with confidence. Students can also browse micro-internships, which are short-term paid projects (typically five to 40 hours per week), to connect to employers and develop skills and experience.
Leading Discussions Online
Tuesday, June 2 | noon
Online | Blackboard Collaborate
Projects for Remote Learning
Wednesday, June 3 | 1 - 2 pm
Online
Discussions and Forums for Remote Learning
Wednesday, June 10 | 1 - 2 pm
Online
Blending Asynchronous and Synchronous Teaching
Tuesday, June 16 | 3:30 pm
Online | Blackboard Collaborate
Writing Center Workshops Available
Registration required, a link will be shared in your confirmation email
Online
  • JavaScript 1
  • Excel 2: Data Visualization
  • Illustrator 1
  • Photoshop 2: Effects and Filters
  • Excel 2: Analysis
What does a TAR Community Look Like During COVID-19?
Tuesday, June 9 | noon
Online | Blackboard Collaborate
Working from Home with L. Maren Wood, PhD
Thursday, June 11 | 11 am
Online | Zoom
Deadlines & Announcements

Survey explores impact of COVID-19 on careers

You may have received an invitation to participate in a confidential survey focused on the career impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. This survey was funded by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education, and the results will inform the university's response to the crisis in the months ahead. Participation is voluntary, but you are encouraged to fill out the confidential survey. The findings will help the university find the best ways to support members of our community.
Research Reboot Phase 1 Information Distributed to Campus
A recent message from the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education announced that the university is accepting applications from PIs to request returning to campus for research activities. Graduate students who are interested and whose research meets criteria, including access to physical materials held in a library, archive, or museum, should talk with their research advisors. The return to on-campus research is not mandatory. No one should feel pressure to return to their lab or research space, including students and staff. Only research activities that cannot be performed at home, that present low risk for viral transmission, and that can be conducted safety may be approved to resume on campus. Significant changes in workplace practices are expected for returning researchers, including new health and safety protocols. 
Wellness
Mindfulness Practices for Exploring and Nourishing our Connections during Isolation
Video | 32 min

UHS remote health services

Many medical, counseling, and wellness services are available by phone and accessible online. Visit uhs.wisc.edu/remotehealth for UHS services and resources that are available remotely, including SilverCloud, You@Wisc, videos, workshops, identity-specific resources, and ways to cope with COVID-19.

Mental Health Resources for Grad Students

According to the 2019 Healthy Minds Survey, 93% of UW–Madison graduate students do not think any less of a peer who seeks mental health care, and 89% of UW–Madison graduate students who used mental health care found it helpful.

For more mental health resources, visit the UHS website on mental health.

The Dean of Students Office provides resources to students struggling with a variety of issues, and can be your go-to spot for assistance as a graduate student. To contact the Graduate and Professional Student Assistance Specialist Elaine Goetz-Berman directly, email egoetz2@wisc.edu.
Funding Opportunities
Please note: Some graduate students may be ineligible to hold graduate assistantship appointments. Be sure to check with your graduate program coordinator about your eligibility before applying.

Campus Employment

Fellowships & Grants

The University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute (WRI) in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) seeks postdoctoral and post-master’s candidates interested in tackling science and policy challenges related to hydrology and stream flow in Wisconsin. Together, these programs will fund a Wisconsin Water Resources Science-Policy Fellowship in hydrology and fisheries. This fellowship will provide a unique educational and career opportunity for recent graduates who are interested both in aquatic resources and in the policy decisions affecting those resources in Wisconsin.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is currently accepting applications for the CPRIT TRIUMPH Postdoctoral Fellowship in Translational Cancer Research. This three-year fellowship provides basic, translational, and clinical training and aims to further develop talented PhDs or MD/PhDs into successful clinical/translational research scientists. Applications are reviewed quarterly with the next cycle due dates of June 30 and September 30. You can find additional information regarding eligibility, application process, and current trainees and program alumni profiles here. Please contact Dr. Kari Brewer Savannah, Program Manager, with any questions at ksavannah@mdanderson.org. 
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