On April 10, 2026, PACM welcomed back three alumni who earned their PhDs through our graduate program to participate in a career panel for current graduate students. The event provided an opportunity for students to learn firsthand about diverse career paths after graduation and to engage directly with alumni who have successfully navigated the transition from graduate school to professional roles. The panelists shared their career journeys following completion of the PhD. They reflected on their experiences after leaving the program and discussed key lessons learned throughout their careers.
Throughout the panel, the alumni offered practical advice to current graduate students. They emphasized the importance of pursuing internships during graduate studies to explore whether an industry career might be a good fit. They also encouraged students to take full advantage of mentorship opportunities by engaging with their advisors and other researchers. For those interested in academic careers, the panelists highlighted the importance of working on independent research projects, developing original research ideas, and building a strong scholarly profile. Additionally, the alumni stressed the value of professional networking, particularly through making connections with other scientists at conferences. They encouraged students to present their work broadly by creating posters and giving talks to reach broader audiences.
The panel was well attended, and students actively participated in the discussion. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive; students found the panel insightful, valuable, and highly useful for thinking about their future career paths. Overall, it was a successful and meaningful event that fostered informal conversation and strengthened connections between current students and graduates of the program while providing actionable guidance on career development. To learn more about our panelists click here.