Continuing Conversations: Non-Academic Career Paths for Researchers Studying Families and Relationships
This free, virtual 4-part series will introduce graduate students and early career investigators (“emerging scholars”) to some of the non-academic career paths that researchers with graduate training in family-related disciplines have taken. NCFR membership is NOT required! Attendees must register for each Zoom event separately. Registration links and additional details about each session below.
Conversation 1: Research in Non-Academic Research Organizations
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT
Conversation 2: Social Science Research in Non-Research Industries
Thursday, Oct. 29, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT
Conversation 3: Applied Research at NCHS and the Census
Thursday, Nov. 19, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT
Conversation 4: Science Administration at NIH
Thursday, Dec. 3, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT
The economic consequences of COVID-19 have profoundly changed the academic job market for emerging scholars. More than ever, emerging scholars entering the job market may want to consider career opportunities outside of academia.
The Marriage Strengthening Research & Dissemination Center (MAST Center) and NCFR are sponsoring this 4-part Continuing Conversations series, which introduces emerging scholars to some of the non-academic career paths that researchers with graduate training in family-related disciplines (e.g., Family Science, sociology, psychology, human development) have taken. Each conversation will focus on the career paths taken by individuals in varied settings, including: (1) research in non-academic research organizations; (2) social science research in non-research industries; (3) applied research at National Center for Health Statistics and the Census; and (4) science administration at National Institutes of Health.
In each conversation, two to three presenters will share insight and knowledge on:
- their career path and how they landed their current job
- how their family-related research training helps them at this job
- the types of jobs in this industry for those with a master’s or PhD and a background in family-related research
- the day to day nature of work in this industry, and the skills needed to succeed
- successful strategies for marketing oneself for current opportunities, and how this differs from marketing for academic opportunities
- their organization’s perspective/response to diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring and in the workplace
The Continuing Conversations will each last one hour. The first half of each webinar will be used to address the topics above, and the second half will be open for general Q&A. Please come with any questions you may have!
Research in non-academic research organizations
October 20, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT
Presenters:
- Brian Goesling, Associate Director of Human Services Research, Mathematica
- Allison Hyra, Senior Associate, Abt Associates
- April Wilson, Senior Research Scientist, Child Trends
Social science research in non-research industries
October 29, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT
Presenters:
- Sarah Crissey, Senior User Experience Researcher, Google
- Kim Turner, Analytics Translator, Business Intelligence Principal, Humana
Applied research at NCHS and the Census
November 19, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT
Presenters:
- Anjani Chandra, NSFG Team Lead & Principal Investigator, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Barbara Downs, Director, Federal Statistical Research Data Centers, Census Bureau
- Gladys Martinez, Statistician, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Science administration at NIH
December 3, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT
Presenters:
- Rosalind King, Associate Director for Prevention and Health Scientist Administrator, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- Suzanne Ryan, Scientific Review Officer, National Institutes of Health
