Learning about non-traditional career opportunities in grad school

This survey is intended for the maker (Alex Weigand, alexjweigand@gmail.com) to gather data for the purpose of gauging interest in non-traditional academic careers among grad students, learning whether and how non-traditional career paths are discussed/promoted within graduate programs, and how this may vary by academic institution or field/program. All responses will be kept anonymous.

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* 1. Do you have any interest in a non-traditional career (e.g., industry, science communication, health policy, data science)?

Yes, definitely

I've thought about it now and again

Maybe, but I don't really know what options are out there

No, I'm planning to pursue a traditional career path (e.g., research at a university/medical center, clinical position)

(Post-grad) I'm already in a non-traditional career and I love it!

(Post-grad) I'm already in a non-traditional career and I wish I had taken a traditional path

(Post-grad) I'm already in a traditional career and I love it!

(Post-grad) I'm already in a traditional career and I wish I had taken a non-traditional path

Other (please specify)

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* 2. Would/did you feel supported by your program/department if you decided to pursue a non-traditional career?

Yes

Maybe

My program/department has never discussed these as options

Other (please specify)

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* 3. Has your program/department directly addressed non-academic career options with students? If yes, please expand below

Yes

Somewhat, but not satisfactorily

If yes, please expand

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* 4. Which of the following offerings would you find helpful regarding non-traditional career paths for grad students?

Presentation and/or curated list of non-traditional career options, along with resources to build a portfolio/network for each option, that is provided to all students (ideally early on within the program)

Speaker/panel discussion on various non-traditional career opportunities

Workshop on translating a CV into a résumé

Workshop on improving science communication

Optional course dedicated to pursuing non-traditional careers

Mentorship/sponsorship program that pairs students interested in non-traditional careers with alums (or other outside folx) who started in academia and chose a non-traditional career

Internships within these non-traditional fields

Other (please enumerate any additional ideas you have, or email alexjweigand@gmail.com directly)

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* 5. What is your current professional status?

Undergraduate

Post-bac

Graduate student

Medical or MD/PhD student

Post-doc

Professor/PI

Clinician

Researcher/worker in industry

Science communicator

Researcher/worker in health policy

Data scientist

Other (please specify)

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* 6. If you feel comfortable sharing, please note your university/department/program. If you are an alum, please name your former graduate program.

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* 7. Anything else you would like to share? (You may also email me directly at alexjweigand@gmail.com)

Thank you for participating! All responses will be kept anonymous and data will be aggregated.