My name is Joshua Vaughan and I am currently a 5th year PhD graduate candidate at the New York University (NYU) School of Medicine. I would like to take this opportunity to report from an attendee perspective on the "Careers in Risk Assessment: Early Career Scientist" webinar, the first of the Careers in Risk Assessment Webinar Series, which was held on November 19, 2014.
In the past, I have actively participated in several career workshops and talks provided by numerous Society of Toxicology (SOT) Specialty Sections. However, in this last year I had the pleasure of meeting Betina Lew, Chair of this particular webinar, at an early morning "Chat with an Expert" seminar held at the SOT Annual Meeting in Arizona, sponsored by the Hispanic Organization of Toxicologists HOT). After an engaging roundtable conversation, she extended herself as a mentor who is currently maintaining that role with me. Therefore, I would like to extend my thanks to you, Betina, as well as all of the committee members and sponsors who contributed toward the organization and production of this terrific series.This fruitful webinar, Co-Chaired by Dr. Lew, John C. Lipscomb, and Jose Torres, and sponsored by the Career Resource and Development (CRAD) Committtee, Risk Assessment Specialty Section (RASS), and HOT, was particularly interesting from the perspective of an increasingly anxious student at the tail end of my graduate studies.
The format was very well done, starting with John C. Lipscomb’s concise, yet excellent, opening overview of the basics and tenets of risk assessment, then onto Donna A. McMillan’s emphasis on the critical points that are considered for candidates from the point of view of an industrial hiring manager, she provided unique insight, from the "other side" of the interview table. Ron Brown’s government perspective was an excellent contrast, wherein he provided an insightful focus on the importance of training beyond formal degree avenues, particularly fellowships, extracurricular continuing education, risk assessment boot camps, and other training opportunities that most students would not normally consider.
Minerva Mercado-Feliciano’s personal discussion of her journey was a good addition regarding the "after-life" in the postdoc realm, specifically, her talk of her previous career experience as an environmental manager who then decided to go back to graduate school and, ultimately, to her journey through postdoctoral training. Finally, I found Brian Wall’s experience as a successful young scientist in industry and his discussion of his choices and considerations most relatable as an "early career" attendee. Most notably, I found his advice to consider the interview as "bi-directional" a very interesting take-away.
These talks were followed by a very engaging panel discussion in which the audience had the opportunity of having some of their questions and concerns addressed by the panelists. Overall, the themes of the seminar left a lot for me to reflect on moving forward; particularly, the webinar’s reoccurring advice to acknowledge the dichotomy of the broad nature of toxicology as a vast field, all the while maintaining yourself as a candidate who brings a unique skill set as a specialized core scientist. Therein, being able to apply your specific skill set to the greater focus of your organization, whether it is in the realm of governmental policy or a capital venture of a company.
To view this webinar, please visit the SOT website.