Postdoc Professional Development Support

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ISU has a vibrant community of over 300 postdoctoral scholars who make important contributions to the university's research, teaching, and outreach missions. A postdoctoral scholar appointment is a brief, intense, and pivotal time in one’s career. Apart from engaging in state-of-the-art research, postdoctoral training represents a crucial period for enhancing the professional skills set and getting ready for the next phase of your career.

The Graduate College provides the postdoctoral scholar community with professional development opportunities to support readiness for a sustainable and successful career path. Postdocs are valued members of the academic community, and we are committed to creating an environment in which their advancement is promoted and recognized.

Take a purposeful approach to your postdoctoral scholar appointment. Plan your activities based on the New Work Week framework.

Succeed now diagram
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Advance Your Communication Skills

Individualized and group-based support for scientific writing, English writing, English speaking and multiple communication-focused events.

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Seek Career Guidance

Attend career development events and receive individual career coaching on long-term career planning, networking, mock interviews, and more.

Join the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) for community support and resources

Activate your NPA membership

Go to the NPA's Select Your Member Type page, choose “Organizational Member”, and use your @iastate email. It will take the NPA a day or so to add you, but then you will be able to benefit from their resources and register for their events for free any time.

Prepare for the next phase of your career with your Individual Development Plan