Career Development

Ignite Your Career Development in Cancer Research and Unlock Your Potential for Advancement and Impact

Career and professional development resources help trainees pursue careers in cancer research by identifying their values, interests, and skills; understand how their skills relate to professional life.

We offer various resources, programs, and activities to help trainees grow and advance in their careers. These opportunities include training and education courses, workshops, and programs that provide trainees with new skills and knowledge in the field. Mentorship and networking opportunities to connect with experienced professionals in the field and gain valuable advice and guidance. Training opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the field, learn new skills, and develop professional relationships.  Conferences and events opportunities to attend professional events, meet new people, and learn about new developments in cancer.

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EMPOWERING LIFELONG LEARNING

Investing in career and professional development is essential for long-term success in today's fast-paced and ever-changing job market. By empowering lifelong learning, trainees can continuously develop and acquire new skills, knowledge, and experience to stay competitive and relevant in the fields. 

Investing in Career and Professional Development

Trainees and Mentee hosting lab tours and teaching cancer research basics

Professional Development Workshops

A series of events on topics of professional development. Some events are organized and convened by GPB staff, others by UCLA partners such as the Graduate Division, Biomedical Library and the Career and Writing Centers.

Professional Development Workshops
Side profile of building on campus

Career Center

The Career Center has the tools and resources to help! From career exploration to skill development, the dedicated staff works with you to help you discover your professional strengths as you prepare for graduate school or full-time employment.

Career center
Blue light photo of Dr. Memarzradeh in lab with trainee dicussing experiments.

UCLA Extension Continuing Education

UCLA Extension is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive continuing education programs. Its resources are tailored to the needs of working adults and lifelong learners, with open enrollment and evening, weekend, daytime and online courses.

UCLA Extension Continuing Education
Mentor and trainee in lab

Individual Development Plan (IDP)

An individual development plan (or, IDP) is a customized way to assess your professional goals and design a roadmap for accomplishing them. The IDP process guides you to reflect on your ultimate career goals, where you are now, and define specific actions

Individual Development Plan (IDP)
Pathway on campus

UC Learning Center

The UC Learning Center offers a wide range of training programs, courses, and resources, covering a variety of topics such as leadership development, technical skills, compliance training, and more. Employees can access the UC Learning Center from any loc

UC Learning Center
Stack of colorful text books for UCLA Core Competencies

UCLA Core Competencies

In order to guide graduate students and postdocs to be well-rounded, effective professionals in their current and future careers, university faculty and administrators across the country have developed a series of proficiency areas that we all strive to d

UCLA Core Competencies

Building Your Network

A strong network can provide numerous benefits, including access to job opportunities, mentorship and guidance, industry insights and trends, and potential collaborators or clients. Building a network can be achieved through a variety of methods, such as attending events and conferences, joining programs, organizations, or networking groups, reaching out to colleagues and peers, and participating in informational interviews. By investing time and effort in building and maintaining a strong professional network, trainees can expand their opportunities and increase their visibility, ultimately enhancing their career prospects and potential for success.

As the national voice of the postdoctoral community, the NPA is the one national entity representing both postdocs and their institutions. Their mission is to improve the postdoctoral experience by supporting a culture of inclusive connection. At the individual, organizational, and national levels, they facilitate enhanced professional growth, raise awareness, and collaborate with stakeholders in the postdoctoral community. Join over 20,000 individuals and 230 organizational members as a member of the NPA.

National Postdoctoral Association 

NIH Intramural Scientific Interest Groups (SIGs) are assemblies of scientists with common research interests. These groups engage with their members via a listserv; sponsor symposia, poster sessions and lectures; offer mentoring and career guidance for junior scientists; help researchers share the latest techniques and information.

Scientific Interest Group

UCLA offers many different student organizations. Join the community that's right for you!

Student Groups and Organizations