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Career Exploration Network

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Desktop with hands on a laptop and the logo with text: Career Exploration Network

About

The University of Texas System Career Exploration Network expands Ph.D. student and Postdoctoral trainee career preparation and exploration by:

  • providing personal and professional development

  • showcasing prospective career options

  • facilitating personalized professional connections

The program is entirely virtual and includes three elements: (1) LinkedIn Profile Workshop, (2) Networking Preparation Session, and (3) Virtual Career Exploration Networking Events.

 

Seekers & Guides Apply Now

 

 

Eligibility

Seekers

Seekers are either currently enrolled PhD students or active postdoctoral trainees attending one of the UT System Health Institutions. To get the most from the program, Seeker attendance and engagement is essential. Seeker Requirements: 

  • Attendance at the LinkedIn Profile Workshop

  • Attendance at 1 out of 2 Networking Preparation Sessions

  • Attendance at 2 out of 3 of the Virtual Career Exploration Networking Events

Guides

Guides are PhD-trained professionals with a minimum of 6-months professional experience. Guides can be alumni or friends of the UT System who are willing to share their experience and advice with science trainees from across the UT System. Guide Requirements:

  • Optional attendance at the Guide Peer Networking Connection event

  • Attendance at 1 or more Virtual Career Exploration Networking event

 

Program Details

The University of Texas System (UT) Career Exploration Network (CEN) uniquely leverages the size of the UT System to help facilitate personalized professional relationships. Throughout the program, Guides and Seekers can expect an engaging and nurturing environment centered around career exploration. Seekers will participate in a series of preparation events culminating in meetings with 4 different Guides. Events are scheduled during the lunch hour. Details:

  • Seeker LinkedIn Profile Workshop: Covers LinkedIn profile basics to develop a professional brand  

  • Seeker Networking Preparation Session: Offers tips and clarifies expectations for the subsequent virtual networking events  

  • Guide Peer Connection Event: Connects Guides with professional peers and clarifies expectations for the subsequent virtual networking events  

  • Seeker and Guide Virtual Career Exploration Networking Events: Provides tailored meetings with alumni and friends of the UT System to discuss careers and interests  

Learn more about the program

 

Contact:  cen@utsystem.edu

 

2022 Key Dates

The Career Exploration Network is hosted biannually. Typically, the program is held in the Spring and Fall semesters. The dates provided below represent the most recently scheduled program. Check back in for the Spring dates.

Seeker and Guide Applications Open
September 5, 2022
12 PM (CST)
Seeker Application Deadline
September 23, 2022
5 PM (CST)
Guide Application Deadline
October 1, 2022
5 PM (CST)
Seeker LinkedIn Workshop
September 29, 2022
12 PM to 1:30 PM (CST)
 
Seeker Networking Preparation Sessions
October 3, 2022
12 PM to 1:30 PM (CST)
October 6, 2022
12 PM to 1:30 PM (CST)
Guide Peer Connection Event
October 7, 2022
12 PM to 1:00 PM (CST)
 
Guide and Seeker Networking Events
October 12, 2022
12 PM to 1:00 PM (CST)
October 14, 2022
12 PM to 1:00 PM (CST)
October 20, 2022
12 PM to 1:00 PM (CST)

 

Participating Institutions

Logo for MD Anderson and UT HealthUTHSC San AntonioUT Medical BranchUT Southwestern Medical Center

Institutional Collaborators

Natalie Lundsteen, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean for Career and Professional Development   
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
UT Southwestern Medical Center   
natalie.lundsteen@utsouthwestern.edu

 

Kent L. Willis, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice President for Research 
Associate Dean of the Graduate School
University of Texas at Tyler  
kwillis@uttyler.edu

 

Barbara Strom, M.Ed.
Program Coordinator for Graduate Career Development 
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
UT Southwestern Medical Center 
barbara.strom@utsouthwestern.edu

 

Amanda E. Ramirez, Ph.D.
Assistant Director of Student Success
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
UT Health San Antonio 
ramireza45@uthscsa.edu

 

Daniel C. Jupiter, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, ad interim
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
University of Texas Medical Branch
dajupite@utmb.edu

 

Raquel Ybanez Salinas, Ph.D. 
Director of Student Affairs and Career Development   
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences   
MD Anderson Cancer Center and UT Health Houston
raquel.y.salinas@uth.tmc.edu

 

Jessica L. Nute, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Student Affairs, ad interim
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
UT Health San Antonio 
nute@uthscsa.edu