Dr. Po-Tsan Ku (UT/CNS Career Development Office)

"Individual Development Planning for Scientific Careers"

Abstract: CNS graduate students have successfully pursued many academic and non-academic career paths. An individual development plan (IDP) is a career planning tool that can help you to identify and prepare for a fulfilling career path. I will discuss the three simple steps in career planning: choose a career path for you, identify, and develop skills and build a supporting network. I will also share both on-campus and off-campus resources, services, and steps you can take to develop an IDP to help you navigate your graduate training.

Bio: Dr. Ku has been the Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Career Development Specialist for CNS since March 2014, providing individual coaching for graduate students and postdocs in career exploration, job searches, and professional development. He also plans, develops, and executes career exploration and professional development seminars and workshops, networking and recruitment events, and establishes and maintains relationships with employers. Before coming to UT Austin, he has been product marketing professional with over thirteen years of experience in the biotechnology industry, including Ambion, Life Technologies and EMD Millipore. Prior to joining the biotech industry, he completed postdoctoral training at both UT Austin and Baylor College of Medicine. He received an MBA from UT Austin, PhD in Cell and Development Biology from Harvard University, and BS in Biology from University of South Florida.