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Join other postdocs preparing to transition into their next career step and broaden your skills toward your desired career context.
The Postdoc Academy provides skill development for postdocs as they prepare to transition into their next career step. Using inclusive, active-learning approaches, participants will build skills to (1) inform your approach to leadership, (2) build and supervise a team, (3) manage projects, (4) apply teaching skills beyond the classroom, (5) develop strategic communication skills and (6) prepare successful job application materials. Connect with other postdocs nationally and share your experiences within a second professional development MOOC built specifically for postdocs and created with postdocs. This course was created with funding from the National Institutes of Health grant number R25GM121257.
Describe the key attributes of leadership frameworks and apply to a current or future role.
Reflect on and practice supervision strategies you could use to build and manage an effective team.
Apply concepts of project management to your own project or position.
Describe effective teaching skills that are applicable in multiple workplace environments and apply them to several professional scenarios.
Apply your assets and strengths to create engaging and strategic responses to common interview questions.
Reflect on how to communicate your strengths to potential employers in the job application process.
Assistant Provost of Professional Development and Postdoctoral Affairs • Boston University
Director of the Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching • Northwestern University
Associate Dean, Graduate School • Michigan State University
How much does it cost to take this course?
All of the Postdoc Academy programming is available for free! There is an option to purchase a Verified Certificate from edX, but the content of the online course is the same either way.
What's the difference between the Audit (free) and Verified tracks of this course?
First and foremost, the content in the course is identical – whether you are in the Audit track or the Verified track. If you complete the course in the Verified track, you will receive a Verified Certificate from edX. If you complete the course in either track, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion from the Postdoc Academy directly. All learners can access their course materials indefinitely!
Why might I want a Verified Certificate?
We've asked this questions to the postdocs who have already received a Verified Certificate in this course. Some use the certificate as a way to stay motivated to complete the course. Many want to include it on their CV or LinkedIn. Some reported that their fellowships required it. Others wanted to support the program financially.
I'm interested in meeting other postdocs. How can I use the Postdoc Academy to do that?
Within the course there are opportunities to connect with other postdocs in the discussion forums. Create your own discussion thread or reply to your fellow learners.
Are there any opportunities to meet the instructors?
Yes! During the first week there will be live discussions hosted by course instructors where you can interact and ask questions in real time. Instructors will also create other opportunities to connect with participants. Details can be found in the discussion forum.