Professional Development

The Division of Medical Sciences supports students' career exploration and professional development as a key component of their graduate experience.  From participating in student group activities and taking additional courses to building a professional network and exploring internships, there are resources, staff, and faculty to support and guide every student's career path. 

Career & Professional Development Navigator

The Career Navigator is a centralized professional development portal for Harvard bioscientists. It is a one-stop service center connecting bioscience students with resources, events, news, and providers promoting wellness, skills training, and professional development. The Career Navigator is a network of platforms, including

• Career Cognitive City > explore resources
• Career Planner > review our programming and sign up for events
• Career Launchpad > search for internships, postdocs, and long-term jobs; and engage with employers.  

Career Cognitive City is a resource hub for bioscience graduate students and mentors.  It is maintained as a free, public repository of resources to support graduate students through all their stages of professional development, ultimately leading to a successful and fulfilling career.  The central purpose of this platform is to connect trainees with resources for career exploration and the job search, as well as helping them to understand and prepare for transitions into the various career trajectories open to graduate students.  The interactive network map features a variety of resources such as books, research articles, podcasts, simulations and networking groups.  These resources cover a wide range of topics, including what to think about before graduate school (including career outcomes for biosciences graduates) and how to transition into graduate school with career preparation in mind (including connecting with relevant student and external organizations).  The framework of the platform covers how to attain funding, developing academic and professional skills, adopting strategies for wellness and safety, and enhancing interpersonal skills.  

Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS)

The Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS) assists Harvard Griffin GSAS students and alumni in preparing for their professional futures. Through individual advising, workshops, guest speakers, and extensive online resources, OCS provides information about career opportunities within and beyond academia, as well as guidance in the processes of self-assessment, career exploration, and the job search. Mock interviews are also available for students at the interview phase of the job search process. 

Mignone Center for Career Success Advisers

Advisers work confidentially with Harvard Griffin GSAS students and alumni on a wide range of career-related issues, from self-assessment and decision-making to specific advice on resume, CV, and cover letter preparation for academic and nonacademic job searches.

Laura Stark Director of Graduate Career Services,
Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences lstark@fas.harvard.edu

Caroline Rende Assistant Director of Graduate Career Services,
Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences cjrende@fas.harvard.edu

Firsthand Advisers 

Connect to career mentoring from fellow alumni.

Virtual Coffee Program

Engage with alumni and get helpful advice through the Virtual Coffee program. A diverse group of alumni from various backgrounds, disciplines, and walks of life have volunteered to help students navigate Harvard and life as a grad student, whether it’s imparting strategies for talking with your advisor, providing insight into different career paths, discussing an aspect of your scholarship and research, or talking with you about life after Harvard.

Interstride

Interstride is an interactive career platform designed to enhance the career exploration and job-search experience for international students. Although this resource is primarily for international students, it also provides a variety of other tools that can be utilized by all students. The platform includes: visa insights, country insights, jobs, and resources and webinars.

Harvard Innovation Labs

The Harvard Innovation Labs are an incredibly unique support system for Harvard students and select alumni to help them advance in their quest to explore the world of game-changing innovation and entrepreneurship.  They offer access to a network of highly curated advisors and mentors, peer collaboration and interaction, and comprehensive resource and programming support.