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Career Development Resources

Part of graduate school is nurturing students for careers both within and outside academia. Below, we've gotten started compiling some resources that can help you get ahead in the post-graduation PhD job scramble.

Please reach out to the current Beast Webmaster if you know any additional resources that would be helpful to other students!

  • Industry Job Search Tips

    So, you're looking to go into industry and are trying to land a job. Start here with tips compiled from older students who have gone through the job hunt themselves. *Note that the information may be out-of-date.

  • UC Berkeley Career Engagement

    Berkeley Career Engagement is here to help our Master’s students, Doctoral students, and Postdocs thrive in their career journeys, including Academic Job Search, Career Expooration, Application Preparation, Employer Connections, Confidential Advising Appointments and more.

  • UCSF Career and Professional Development

    Whether you're exploring career options, preparing for residency, applying for internships, or planning your next step, we're here to help. Meet with our friendly career coaches and advisors, attend workshops, and access resources designed to support your professional development.

  • Individual Development Plan

    Just like the scientific research process – which is undertaken with established methods and equipment – career planning is aided by instruments that help support, plan, and track career development and learning objectives. An annual IDP is one component of a broader professional development strategy and mentoring program.

  • Visiting Scholar & Postdoc Affairs

    Visiting Scholar and Postdoc Affairs (VSPA) is the central UC Berkeley unit for resources for postdoctoral scholars and the visiting researcher community. Their website also houses several career development programs such as Postdoc Industry Exploration Program (PIEP) and Berkeley Postdoctoral Entrepreneurship Program

  • CITRIS and the Banatao Institute

    The Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) and the Banatao Institute is a University of California research center focused on creating IT solutions that generate societal and economic benefits for everyone. The organization provides seed funding for early-stage research and hosts a variety of tech- and entrepreneurship-focused events.

  • Graduate Women of Engineering at UC Berkeley

    Graduate Women of Engineering comprised of graduate engineering students from all engineering disciplines at the University of California, Berkeley. The organization hosts several seminar and networking events throughout the school year.

  • UCSF Innovation Ventures

    Innovation Ventures at UCSF supports the unique journey of each project by closely collaborating with our research faculty and students to transition UCSF innovations from the lab to the marketplace. The division hosts a number of events surrouding AI, drug discovery and entrepreneurship in healthcare.

  • Biotech Connection

    Opportunities and resources for postdocs and students who are interested in biotech consulting.

  • SLAM: Science Leadership and Management

    This is a seminar/workshop series focused on understanding the many interpersonal interactions critical for success in a scientific lab, and some practical aspects of lab management. The target audience for this course is upper-level science graduate students with broad interests and backgrounds.

  • Startup @ Berkeley

    A list of general resources that support student entrepreneurs at UC Berkeley. *Note: Some listed resources may be out-of-date.

Internship Opportunities

Note: The following information may be out-of-date. Generally, internships are arranged on a per-student basis. Communicate directly with your mentor to conduct an outside internship during your PhD.

Many students choose to pursue an internship opportunity in industry as they approach graduation. To pursue an internship, students are required to:

  • Review with their Mentor, Home Campus Head Graduate Advisor and BioE Administration the value of the internship for the student, impact on their dissertation research, and other considerations.
  • Submit a written request, including the internship description, time line, dates, financial arrangements, approvals from their mentor and HGA to the BioE Program Administration on their Home Campus.

Considerations:

  • Internships are always after Quals and Advancement to Candidacy
  • Must be approved by the student’s BioE Mentor/PI in writing
  • Must be approved by the BioE Head Graduate Advisor from the student’s Home Campus
  • The BioE Program Administration of the student's Home Campus should be notified and kept informed
  • Most internships are conducted over the summer
  • Internships may impact your registration status and the following items:
    • Possible Leave of Absence (Generally not applicable during the summer)
    • Student Health Insurance
    • Funding plan
    • Non-Resident Tuition (international students)