This panel features PhD professionals, including Penn State alumni and former postdocs, working in a variety of career areas including AI/machine learning, business development and sales, communications and writing, computer engineering, and medical affairs. Panelists will share advice on transitioning to impactful careers in industry. Learn about different career paths, gaining related skills and experiences, and successfully navigating the job search.
Stay tuned for further details.
About the Facilitators:
Jennifer Nicholas, Ph.D. in Workforce Education and Development, oversees the university-wide Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. She leads postdoctoral policy, initiatives, and programming, and also provides career coaching in both 1:1 and small group settings. She loves supporting postdocs in articulating their strengths, stories, and pursuing diverse career pathways within and beyond academia.
Jessica Kirkwood, M.S. in Counseling, serves as the Director of Graduate Career Services at Penn State College of Medicine. She provides career and professional development for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars/fellows in the biomedical sciences and public health. Jessica offers individual career counseling/coaching and manages approximately 25–30 programs and events annually, including workshops, networking opportunities, and alumni/professional panels aligned with graduate student and postdoc needs and interests. She also manages employer relations and engagement efforts.