The group of graduate students are gathered around Tyler Martin, M.D., CEO of Great Plains Biotechnology, and listening with interest as he describes his career beyond academia.
Dr. Martin is the second speaker in a new series through UNMC Graduate Studies, called “Fireside Chats.”
“The purpose of these events is to give the students a chance to interact on a one-on-one basis with someone who has been successful outside of academia, but with a science-based background and in a science-based career,” Dr. Carmines said. “Business leaders who got a Ph.D. or an M.D. here, but who now have a science-based business. The attendees get real exposure as to how to apply their science training in the real world.
“And it’s also a great chance to network.”
Will Payne, a Ph.D. student in Pharmaceutical Sciences, said he enjoyed the events, which are capped at about 20 students to ensure that attendees will have time to personally interact with the speaker.
The format is informal, but it’s really relatable,” Payne said. “We were all sitting around, we’re all close together, and you feel like you can really ask questions. It’s not someone lecturing us, telling us what to do with our careers or how we need to do things.”
Payne said the students can discuss their own job prospects, and the speakers’ career paths are interesting and informative.
“There’s a lot to be gained from people with this kind of experience. The reality is, all these people have such diverse experience and careers and paths. When you hear from someone else, there’s always different stories and you always get something out of it.
“Students are beginning to appreciate that networking skills are important, and this event gives them the opportunity not only to build up their networking skills, but to build up their network.”
UNMC Graduate Studies is making a concerted effort to involve alumni and the local business community as formal and informal mentors for its scholars, Dr. Carmines said. This new series is a result of the initiative.