The Faculty Expands Support for Graduate Student Professional Development

The Faculty of Medicine is strengthening its commitment to professional growth and personal development for graduate students through initiatives that bridge the gap between technical training and professional success. This semester marks the launch of two major initiatives aimed at providing students with essential tools for a successful academic and scientific career.

A new course, "Professional Skills: How to Navigate and Thrive in Academia," led by Dr. Liron Rozenkrantz, focuses on the "soft skills" needed for success in academia—skills that are often not formally taught. Drawing from her experience with similar courses at MIT and the Weizmann Institute of Science, Dr. Rozenkrantz creates a supportive and welcoming environment where graduate students can tackle academia's unspoken expectations while gaining practical tools for effective scientific communication, networking, leadership, and balancing career with personal life. Additionally, the course addresses sensitive issues that are relevant in academia (and any ambitious career), including imposter syndrome, conflict management, burnout, and more.

Complementing this hands-on training, Faculty member Dr. Nir Qvit has authored The Ultimate Student's Guide to Scientific Research (Routledge, 2024), an in-depth roadmap for a scientific career. The book, based on extensive academic experience, covers key topics like research design, securing funding, lab management, and career development. This guide focuses on critical decision points in a scientific career and offers practical guidance for both traditional and alternative career paths in science.