On April 1, the C3 hosted four panelists with advanced degrees and unique trajectories to share their knowledge and experiences with graduate students. Though we were unable to record the session due to the sensitive nature of some current employment, we hope the summary posted here will provide some of the insight. All panelists welcome connections on LinkedIn.
Quick recap
The panelists shared their experiences and career paths in the aerospace and defense industry, emphasizing the importance of networking, resilience, and continuous learning. They also discussed strategies to overcome imposter syndrome and the value of advanced degrees in the job market. The conversation ended with a discussion on the upcoming Graduate Student Appreciation Week and encouraged participants to connect with panelists on LinkedIn.
Summary
Aerospace and Defense Industry Insights
The panelists: Stephen Ryan, Dr. Daniel Shore, Dr. Mark Norris, and Bobby Strauss.
Bobby, the Chief Digital and AI Officer at the United States Space Command, discussed his transition from a consultant to a federal employee and his work in data science for national security customers. Dr. Daniel Shore, with a Ph.D. in workplace psychology, shared his journey from studying cyber security teamwork and leadership to developing a coaching and training curriculum for cyber security professionals. The panelists also discussed their experiences with graduate studies and their career paths that took them through many spaces.
Career Path Challenges and Resilience
In the meeting, the panelists discussed their career paths and the challenges they faced. Dr. Shore shared his journey from studying sports team dynamics to industrial organizational psychology, highlighting the importance of gaining skills and finding funding for research. Steve discussed his transition from academia to industry, emphasizing the value of networking and the importance of being open to opportunities. Bobby shared his experience of pivoting from psychology to national security, stressing the need for resilience and the importance of building a strong network. Dr. Norris emphasized the importance of being prepared for a job search, including informational interviews and developing a career narrative. The panelists also discussed the challenges of job searching, including rejection and the need for resilience. They encouraged attendees to build connections, package themselves effectively, and maintain a growth mindset. The conversation ended with a discussion on crafting and practicing an elevator pitch.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in the Market
The team discussed strategies to overcome imposter syndrome. Bobby suggested projecting confidence and setting time to prepare for meetings. Steve emphasized the importance of admitting one’s knowledge gaps and leaning into strengths. Dr. Norris shared his experience of learning a new field, emphasizing the need for patience and continuous engagement. Dr. Shore added that it’s essential to start practicing and using the market as a learning ground, understanding that building expertise takes time.
Advanced Degrees in Job Market
Michael led a discussion on the value of advanced degrees in the job market, with panelists emphasizing the importance of demonstrating the skills and knowledge gained through such education. He encouraged participants to connect with panelists on LinkedIn and to attend a Gator Career Chat next week. The meeting also highlighted the upcoming Graduate Student Appreciation Week, with various events listed on the graduate school’s website.
