This workshop will address key questions and issues essential to the professional development of young scientists at the beginning stages of their career. Participants will receive basic advice and mentorship through a series of lectures and group activities aimed to develop skills—referred to as soft professional skills—beyond those needed for science that are so often overlooked. The central themes of this workshop are:

Map of the academic world

Career planning and insights into academia

The fundamental laws of ‘scientific survival’ (know yourself, plan ahead, and play chess)

Publish or perish

Publishing quality papers, having an impact

Presenting your work to your peers (how to give a talk)

Funding in modern science

The job application

The job market for graduates in science and engineering (industry, national labs and academia; advantages and disadvantages)

Good advice for CV writing

CV workshop (group feedback)

Mock interviews