UNMC Graduate Studies and its affiliated organizations continue to emphasize networking, as a way to enrich the student experience, and to enhance future professional prospects.
The Graduate Studies Engagement Council and Graduate Student Association sponsored a Jan. 25 panel event and Q-and-A session featuring two Grad Studies alums in nonacademic professions.
Special guests were:
- Lisa Bilek, Ph.D., medical science liaison at Sanofi Genzyme; and
- Chris Connelly, Ph.D., director of research and development, new product development, molecular division, Streck.
Student Nicholas Wojtynek said the questions session was scheduled for 30 minutes or so, but stretched to almost an hour thanks to enthusiasm by panelists and audience alike.
Wojtynek said the discussion was helpful in exposing students to the possibility of nonacademic careers.
He said the panelists also told the assembled students to go for jobs they are interested in — if you have strong scientific credentials, don’t get hung up on experience requirements.
“Basically, they told us we have hope,” Wojtynek said.
More than 25 students attended. Other recent alumni dropped in as well, as did Wayne Stuberg, Ph.D., president of UNMC’s alumni engagement council, and Dele Davies, M.D.
“We put this event together to increase student-alumni interaction,” Wojtynek said. “This is an opportunity to bring in and honor alumni who have been successful.”