Session Descriptions 2005-06

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Thesis management - Or how long should a thesis take?

Dr. Garry Clarke
Abstract: If you are just starting your thesis, right in the midst of it, or a postdoc ready to be a faculty supervising graduate students, this may be for you. Garry Clark will share his view and experience on the topic, and we will hopefully have a fruitful discussion.
PDF version of presentation

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The Federal Government Science Environment

Bruce Thompson
Abstract: Is a "science-based" federal government department like Environment Canada the right workplace for you? Information for the public, sound science to direct policy development, and research for the "public good" are statements that provide some insight into Environment Canada. What do they really mean to a scientist seeking a fulfilling career? I will share with you my 33 years of experience as an Environment Canada meteorologist, scientist and manager of applied research.
PDF version of presentation

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Working in the Private Sector: Self-employment, Start-up, Corporate, Consulting

Dr. Stephen Billings, Senior Geophysicist, Sky Research Inc.
Bob Humphries, Levelton Consultants Ltd.
Christian Reuten, Ph.D. candidate, Dept. EOS, UBC

Abstract: Are you a faculty member starting some collaboration with the private sector and want to learn about your collaborator's expectations? Are you a grad or postdoc contemplating a career in the private sector and wonder what is expected from you? Or simply curious? Find out what we have learnt working in the private sector for many years (and what we may not have learnt, yet): the common themes and the differences between small and large companies, manufacturing and service, engineering and consulting, self-employment and corporate hierarchy. We have a lot to share, even some second-hand information on NGOs, and everything is guaranteed to be subjective! So come along to ask questions and challenge opinions.

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Funding Resources and Grant Proposal Writing

Dr. Rich Pawlowicz

Abstract: ...For it's money-money-money makes the world go round...la-la...
In order to be a scientist and do science you need money (and smarts). Luckily there are people (funding agencies and others) willing to give money to you, if you go about it in the right way. In this talk I will discuss how much money we are talking about, what it gets used for, and where to find it. We will also cover the polite ways of asking for more (writing proposals), and how to phrase things in just the right way to maximize your chances of getting it (writing winning proposals).

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Working in Academia

Dr. Phil Austin
Dr. Kurt Grimm
Dr. Maya Kopylova

Abstract: Contemplating a career in academia, wondering if that is for you, or simply curious what it is like? Come join us for a relaxed Q&A session with three faculty members representing a very broad spectrum and get the inside view: juggling family life and tenure track, being bogged down by administration and teaching or chasing money while trying to do research, academic freedom and pursuing your research dreams,... Do not miss this rare opportunity to get so much time from three busy faculty members to address your questions, concerns, worries, dreams, and ambitions.

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Writing Academic CVs

Dr. Erik Eberhardt

Writing Research Proposals

Dr. Dominique Weis

Abstract: In this and the following session we cover the three main documents (and headaches) for academic applications: CV, research proposal, and teaching philosophy. In the first session Erik Eberhardt will teach us how to write CVs and Dominique Weis will share her experience with research proposals. There will be approximately 45 minutes for each topic. There are many resources on the Internet, but this is a great opportunity to get started or to get a quick answer to your questions if you feel that your application documents need some polishing.
PDF version of Dr. Eberhardt's presentation
Here is a presentation by NSERC on NSERC Research Proposals

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Teaching Statements and Philosophies in Job Applications

Dr. Philip Hammer

Abstract: Teaching ability, the skill of facilitating learning and communicating knowledge to others, is an important component in most jobs. In this session we'll discuss how to use your experience in academia to develop teaching statements and/or philosophies for job applications. Sometimes required, teaching statements can be incorporated to enhance almost any application for university or industry positions.
PDF version of presentation

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Assessing your Graduate Game Plan for Professional Development

Dr. Scott Kerlin, Graduate Student Professional Development Officer, Faculty of Graduate Studies

Abstract: Part of the experience of being a graduate student involves having the opportunity to reflect about your goals and objectives for the future while learning new things about yourself along the way. In this interactive session, you will learn about the new Professional Development for Graduate Students website launched in October by Dr. Scott Kerlin and Dr. Lynn Alden of the UBC Faculty of Graduate Studies. Dr. Kerlin will introduce you to the Graduate Game Plan, a guide developed to assist graduate students with assessing their personal strategies for academic, career, and personal success.
PDF version of presentation

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Making sure you are offered the academic job you have applied for!

Douw Steyn

Abstract: I will discuss how to prepare for the interview; what the interview process consists of; how to plan your interview seminar; what to ask (and not to ask) the interview committee; what to ask (and not to ask) potential departmental colleagues; and what to expect (and not to expect) in a job offer.

Mock Interviews for Job Applications: Academia

Douw Steyn

Abstract: Attendance only for those who submitted a hardcopy version of the job ad for a real academic position, a cover letter, and a CV to Dr. Steyn's mail box in the main office until the deadline. You do not need to apply for the position, but your qualification must reasonably match the job ad. "Job applicants" will be informed prior to the interview if they were chosen for interview. During the mock interview Dr. Steyn will perform a typical hiring committee interview. Afterwards the whole group will analyse the interview.

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How to Give a Seminar Talk

Susan Allen

Abstract: Susan Allen will talk about the important aspects of seminar talks. In particular, postdocs and grads applying for academic positions are required to demonstrate some of their skills through seminar talks. The impression made in these talks is an important factor in the hiring decision.
PDF version of presentation

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Resume and Cover Letter

Marlene Delanghe, UBC Career Services

Abstract: Applying for a job in government or industry requires a resume that clearly identifies what you can offer to a prospective employer. It needs to be focused and relevant and distinguishes you from other applicants! Come and learn specific suggestions and guidelines for creating an effective resume for non-academic positions. In this session you will gain guidelines for resume format, layout and key strategies for transforming ordinary resumes into great ones. You will also gain some tips for writing a cover letter.
PDF version of presentation
PDF version of sample resume

Accessing the Hidden Job Market and Networking

Marlene Delanghe, UBC Career Services

Abstract: Most available jobs are never posted. Learn how to access the hidden job market and gain some tips for building professional relationships.
PDF version of presentation

Mock Interviews for Private Sector

Marlene Delanghe, UBC Career Services

Abstract: For private sector mock interviews, all participants should be ready to volunteer as interviewee and are strongly encouraged to bring along a resume. We will work through different interview questions, various scenarios including common practices within large and small organizations.

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Tips for Industry Interviews

Sophie Bartek, UBC Career Services

Abstract: Do you feel prepared for your next job interview? Come to this session to learn interview essentials including how to prepare for the interview, types of questions used by interviewers and strategies for responding.
PDF version of presentation