Inaugural Graduate Symposium Will Prep Students for Career Journey

Students pursuing their master’s and doctoral degrees often find themselves faced with an uncertain and unfamiliar future. After years of hard work in the academic setting, it can be exciting and perhaps a bit uncomfortable to prepare for a new reality and begin a professional journey.

With these students in mind, ABRCMS 2022 will feature an inaugural Graduate Symposium. The day-and-a-half program will provide graduate students with important networking and professional development opportunities as they prepare to embark on their careers. The symposium will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 8-9, at the Anaheim Marriott across the street from the Anaheim Convention Center prior to the official start of ABRCMS 2022.

“This inaugural symposium will cultivate community-building, resources and belongingness in diverse environments as our ABRCMS graduate students continue to navigate STEM pathways,” said Tiffani Fonseca, senior specialist in education at the American Society for Microbiology.

Participating students will share presentations in one of the 12 scientific disciplines recognized by ABRCMS and receive peer-to-peer feedback. Professional and scientific experts also will provide their perspectives on the research presented. This is not only a valuable opportunity for students to highlight their research, but also a chance to build their communication and public speaking skills.

In addition to the oral presentations, attendees will participate in professional development sessions focused on issues like diversity, equity and inclusion, postdoc opportunities, career exploration, as well as coaching and mentoring advice. Each of these sessions will feature instruction for navigating the initial steps of a career journey. Whether an attendee plans to pursue a career in industry, government, academia or nonprofit work, they will gain a better understanding of the steps necessary to achieve their career goals. Attendees also will have the opportunity to gather for two networking lunches during the symposium.

Graduate students must be registered for ABRCMS 2022 to register for the Graduate Symposium. Registration for the symposium is first-come, first-served with a maximum attendance of 225 students. The symposium schedule is below.