MIT offers a wide range of career development resources to support postdoctoral researchers in their professional growth. Below, you will find key tools and services designed to help you with career planning, job applications, networking, and professional development.
Career Advising & Professional Development (CAPD)
CAPD offers personalized career guidance and strategies for industry, academic, and other tracks tailored to postdocs. Discuss your career plans or concerns and receive support tailored to your needs, such as developing your resume, CV, research and teaching statements, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile. Conduct a mock interview to strengthen your interview skills, and get help evaluating and negotiating job offers.
- Schedule an appointment (Handshake): Get one-on-one career advising sessions with CAPD professionals.
- Workshops & Events: Participate in career development sessions focused on job applications, interviews, and salary negotiation.
- Resources & Tools: Access career guides, job databases, and professional networking resources.
- Read the Career Development Handbook.
Visit CAPD and the CAPD-channel for Postdocs
Vice President for Research (VPR) Resources
The VPR office provides key career development resources in addition to the resources in CAPD, such as funding opportunities, and guidance for postdoctoral researchers.
- Professional Development:
- Postdoctoral Mentoring and Advising Toolkit:
- Initial Meeting Form for MIT Postdoctoral Researchers and Advisors – suggested discussion topics for an orientation meeting between a faculty advisor and new postdoc.
- Annual Development Review for MIT Postdoctoral Researchers – a suggested template for the postdoctoral researcher (Part I) and advisor (Part II) to complete during the annual review process.
- MIT Postdoctoral Training Checklist (for postdocs) – a list of possible skills to build; the postdoc can refer to it periodically to monitor progress.
Writing and Communication Center (WCC)
Effective communication is essential for career advancement. The WCC offers consultations to help postdocs refine their writing and speaking skills.
- Services Include: CV and cover letter reviews, fellowship applications, presentation coaching, and grant writing assistance.
- One-to-one professional advice: Schedule your next consultation here.
National Postdoctoral Association (NPA)
All MIT postdocs can join the NPA for free and take advantage of their career and professional development resources, including:
- Job search resources: Tools and strategies to help postdocs navigate the academic and industry job markets.
- SmartSkills series & Events: Webinars and workshops covering key career development topics.
- Career development webinars: Live and recorded sessions featuring expert advice on career planning and advancement.
- Guides for Postdoc Success:
- From Ph.D. to Professoriate Handbook: A resource designed to help postdoctoral women transition into faculty positions.
- Advancing Postdoc Women Guidebook: A comprehensive guide on professional development, mentoring, and career progression.
Individual Development Plan (IDP)
An IDP helps postdocs assess their skills, interests, and career aspirations while setting strategic goals for professional growth.
- myIDP: A career planning tool tailored for scientists and engineers.
- MIT Postdoc Services: Guidance on IDP development and mentoring relationships.
Postdoc Mentoring and Advising Toolkit
A strong mentoring relationship is crucial for career success. MIT provides a Postdoc Mentoring and Advising Toolkit to facilitate effective mentor-mentee interactions.
- Resources for Mentors & Mentees: Guidance on setting expectations, structuring meetings, and evaluating progress.
- Mentoring Agreement Forms: Templates to formalize mentor-mentee relationships.
Networking
At MIT, in greater Boston, and nationwide, you have opportunities to learn about job openings and develop your professional network.
- MIT Infinite Connection: The MIT Alumni Association provides a directory, job board and other resources through the Infinite Connection. Postdocs receive an email to join when they become eligible, after 9 months at MIT.
- MASS AWIS: The Massachusetts chapter of the National Association for Women in Science sponsors many local events (for all genders) related to science, mathematics, engineering and technology fields. (Contact awis@awis.org to receive free AWIS membership through MIT.)
- MassBio: MassBio hosts professional development and networking events for life sciences researchers.