Office of Professional Development
The Office of Professional Development (OPD) provides biomedical graduate students and postdoctoral trainees with resources and opportunities in career education and professional development.
Contact the OPD for help with: career planning (IDPs, networking, job search strategies, setting goals, etc.), job materials review (cover letter, resume/CV, diversity statement, teaching statement, etc.), presentation practice, interview practice, negotiating, transitions and exit strategies, managing mentoring relationships, time management, assertiveness, and resilience.
- Graduate Students
- Postdocs
- Prospective Grad Students and Postdocs
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Graduate Students
Resource Toolkit from the Graduate School.
Connect with campus and student organizations.
Many of our graduate programs have active student groups that the OPD collaborates with to offer career and professional development opportunities:
Graduate Program in Neuroscience Career Facilitation Committee
Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology Career Development Committee
Pharmacology Graduate Student Commitee -
Postdocs
The University of Minnesota Postdoctoral Association (PDA) represents postdocs from across the UMN campus and the mission of the University of Minnesota Postdoctoral Association is to improve the quality of the postdoctoral experience and to facilitate the long-term success of our members. Join us!
The Office of Postdoctoral Initatives (OPI) advocates for postdoctoral fellows and researchers. We collaborate with faculty, administrators and departments across the University to provide the support and resources our postdoctoral scholars need as they prepare for their future careers.
The National Postdoctoral Association provides a national voice and seeks positive change for postdoctoral scholars.
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Prospective Grad Students and Postdocs
We are excited that you are considering the University of Minnesota for the next step in your training. The following individuals can answer questions you have about our programs and life in Minnesota:
Sharolyn Kawakami-Schulz, PhD, Director of Graduate and Postdoc Professional Development (sharolyn@umn.edu)
Danielle Watt, PhD, Director of Diversity, Inclusion, Outreach, and Retention (watt0175@umn.edu)
Don't see what you're looking for? Reach out and ask - we're happy to help!
About the Office
Contact the Office of Professional Development
Sharolyn Kawakami-Schulz, PhD, Director
sharolyn@umn.edu | Twitter @UMNMedOPD | phone: 612-625-2297