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OGPS Job Search Series Fall 2025

This workshop series helps graduate students and postdoctoral fellows build the professional skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market. With a focus on biomedical and life sciences, and biomedical engineering, you will gain the strategies and confidence to pursue careers in academia, industry, or beyond. Through interactive sessions that blend presentations with hands-on activities, you will practice proven approaches to job applications, networking, interviewing, and career planning, so you can stand out to employers and take the next step with confidence.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this series, you will be able to:

  1. Craft strong application materials that showcase your research expertise and transferable skills using the W.H.O. method.
  2. Build connections and network effectively with a strong elevator pitch and an optimized LinkedIn profile (Headline-About-Experience format).
  3. Succeed in interviews by applying the S.T.A.R. method and approach salary negotiations confidently.
  4. Design a strategic job search with S.M.A.R.T. goals and plan long-term career growth through an Individual Development Plan.




OGPS Job Search Series Fall 2025

Networking & LinkedIn: Building Your Professional Presence

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Taubman Library - 2955 (THSL 2955)
OGPS CPD Team

Description

Networking is one of the most effective ways to explore career options and uncover opportunities. In this workshop, you will learn strategies to build and maintain professional connections both in person and online. You will also discover how to optimize your LinkedIn profile to showcase your expertise, highlight your achievements, and increase visibility to potential employers. Through interactive activities, you will practice networking conversations and strengthen your professional presence.

Workshop Goals

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

  • Understand the value of networking and apply strategies to expand your professional community
  • Build confidence in starting and maintaining professional networking conversations
  • Optimize your LinkedIn profile with keyword strategy and a clear Headline-About-Experience structure
  • Use LinkedIn effectively for connecting, engaging, and showcasing your professional brand

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From Job Interviews to Offers: Interviewing & Negotiation Strategies

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Virtual
Livestream Available (Visible After Registration)
OGPS CPD Team

Description

Job interviews and negotiations can feel daunting, but preparation and practice make all the difference. In this workshop, you will learn strategies to present your skills and experiences with confidence, respond effectively to behavioral and technical questions, and navigate the interview process from start to finish. We will also cover essential approaches to evaluating job offers and negotiating salary and benefits.

Workshop Goals

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

  • Prepare for interviews by researching employers and anticipating common questions
  • Apply the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer behavioral questions clearly and effectively
  • Practice strategies to communicate strengths and handle challenging interview situations
  • Understand key principles of evaluating and negotiating job offers
  • Use BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) to guide your negotiation approach

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Managing Your Job Search Like a Project

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Taubman Library - 2955 (THSL 2955)
OGPS CPD Team

Description

A successful job search does not happen by chance, it requires strategy, organization, and persistence. In this workshop, you will learn how to approach your job search with the mindset of a project manager. By breaking the process into manageable steps, setting clear goals, and tracking progress, you can reduce stress and stay focused. We will introduce tools and strategies to help you plan, prioritize, and stay accountable throughout your search.

Workshop Goals

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

  • Understand the benefits of managing a job search as a structured project
  • Apply the SMART goals framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to define your search objectives
  • Use an Individual Development Plan (IDP) to reflect on skills, goals, and career growth
  • Develop a personalized system for organizing applications, deadlines, and follow-ups
  • Identify strategies to maintain motivation and accountability during the search process

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The CHAOS Model: A Fresh Approach to Career Planning

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Taubman Library - 2955 (THSL 2955)
OGPS CPD Team

Description

Career paths today are rarely linear. Unexpected opportunities, personal interests, and changing industries all play a role in shaping your journey. In this workshop, you will be introduced to the CHAOS model of career development, which emphasizes adaptability, curiosity, and openness to change. You will explore strategies for making career decisions in a dynamic environment and learn how to approach planning with flexibility while staying aligned with your values and goals.

Workshop Goals

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

  1. Describe the principles of the CHAOS model and how it applies to modern career development
  2. Recognize the role of chance events, flexibility, and adaptability in shaping career paths
  3. Apply reflective strategies to align career decisions with personal values and evolving goals
  4. Develop a mindset that embraces uncertainty as a source of opportunity and growth

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Crafting Resumes & Cover Letters That Stand Out

Session Is Over
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Virtual
Livestream Available (Visible After Registration)
OGPS CPD Team

Description
Your application materials are often your first impression with employers, make them count. In this workshop, you will learn how to craft resumes and cover letters that highlight your skills, experiences, and accomplishments in ways that resonate with employers. Through examples, discussion, and hands-on practice, you will discover how to tailor your materials to specific positions and present yourself as a strong candidate. Participants are encouraged to bring draft documents for review and feedback.

Workshop Goals
By the end of this session, you will be able to:

  • Identify the key elements of an effective resume, including layout, content, and style
  • Tailor resumes to specific opportunities by emphasizing relevant skills and experiences
  • Incorporate accomplishments effectively using the WHO method (What, How, Outcome)
  • Understand the purpose of a cover letter and how it complements your resume
  • Structure a compelling cover letter that balances confidence with professionalism

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Telling Your Career Story: Narratives & Elevator Pitches

Session Is Over
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Virtual
Livestream Available (Visible After Registration)
OGPS CPD Team

Description

Being able to clearly communicate your professional story is essential for networking, interviewing, and career advancement. In this workshop, you will learn how to craft a concise and compelling career narrative that highlights your background, strengths, and aspirations. You will also practice developing an effective elevator pitch that can be used in professional settings to introduce yourself with confidence and impact. Through guided activities and peer feedback, you will refine your story so it resonates with different audiences.

Workshop Goals

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

  • Define your career narrative and identify the key themes that showcase your strengths
  • Craft a strong elevator pitch to communicate your story succinctly
  • Adapt your narrative for different contexts, such as networking events, interviews, or LinkedIn
  • Practice delivering your elevator pitch with confidence and clarity


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OGPS Job Search Series Fall 2025
You May Choose As Many Sessions As You Want