Table 2.
“In-course” evaluation of the Navigating Academic Careers course
| Class statements | Likert scale response | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MODULE 1 | |||||
| 1. Academic Positions | Strongly Agree % | Agree % | Neutral % | Disagree % | Strongly Disagree % |
| I understand the different career paths available within academia. | 26.7 | 60.0 | 0 | 0 | 13.3 |
| I understand the considerations for appointment, promotion, and grant of tenure as faculty. | 33.3 | 40.0 | 13.3 | 0 | 13.3 |
| MODULE 2 | |||||
| 2. Networking | Strongly Agree % | Agree % | Neutral % | Disagree % | Strongly Disagree % |
| I understand the significance of getting to know my peers. | 100.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| I see the importance of taking advantage of alumni networks, social media platforms, and professional associations and societies. | 100.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| MODULE 3 | |||||
| 3. Preparing Application Materials for a Faculty Position | Strongly Agree % | Agree % | Neutral % | Disagree % | Strongly Disagree % |
| I have a better understanding of how to effectively draft a cover letter and CV. | 53.8 | 46.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| I have a better sense of how to draft a research and diversity statement. | 76.9 | 15.4 | 7.7 | 0 | 0 |
| 4. Preparing for the Interview to a Faculty Position (Part 1) | Strongly Agree % | Agree % | Neutral % | Disagree % | Strongly Disagree % |
| I understand the components of a chalk talk. | 62.5 | 37.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| I have a better sense of how to entice employers to get back to me. | 62.5 | 37.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 5. Preparing for the Interview to a Faculty Position (Part 2) | Strongly Agree % | Agree % | Neutral % | Disagree % | Strongly Disagree % |
| I have a better sense of how to properly prepare for an interview to a faculty position. | 71.4 | 28.6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| I understand how to negotiate the job offer. | 14.3 | 57.1 | 0 | 28.6 | 0 |
| MODULES 4 and 5 | |||||
| 6. Leadership and Laboratory Management | Strongly Agree % | Agree % | Neutral % | Disagree % | Strongly Disagree % |
| I have a better understanding of how to establish IACUC, IRB, and IBC protocols. | 55.6 | 11.1 | 22.2 | 11.1 | 0 |
| I understand the importance of record keeping and sharing resources and data. | 55.6 | 22.2 | 22.2 | 0 | 0 |
| 7. Managing Laboratory Finances | Strongly Agree % | Agree % | Neutral % | Disagree % | Strongly Disagree % |
| I have a better understanding of how to put together a grant. | 50.0 | 50.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| I have a better understanding of how to build and manage a budget. | 33.3 | 66.7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 8. Effective Management of Multiple Projects (Part 1) | Strongly Agree % | Agree % | Neutral % | Disagree % | Strongly Disagree % |
| I understand the importance of collaboration and delegation. | 85.7 | 14.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| I have a better understanding of the multiple techniques available for tracking progress. | 28.6 | 57.1 | 14.3 | 0 | 0 |
| 9. Effective Management of Multiple Projects (Part 2) | Strongly Agree % | Agree % | Neutral % | Disagree % | Strongly Disagree % |
| I have a better understanding of how to work on multiple research projects simultaneously. | 28.6 | 57.1 | 14.3 | 0 | 0 |
| I have a better sense of how to work with collaborators and how to track research progress. | 28.6 | 57.1 | 14.3 | 0 | 0 |
| 10. Recruiting and Staffing Basics (Part 1) | Strongly Agree % | Agree % | Neutral % | Disagree % | Strongly Disagree % |
| I have a clear understanding of the recruiting process. | 71.4 | 28.6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| I have a better understanding of how to interview and evaluate applicants. | 57.1 | 42.9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 11. Recruiting and Staffing Basics (Part 2) | Strongly Agree % | Agree % | Neutral % | Disagree % | Strongly Disagree % |
| I have a better understanding of how to screen applicants. | 37.5 | 62.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| I have a better understanding about how to staff and manage a lab. | 25.0 | 62.5 | 0 | 0 | 12.5 |
| MODULE 6 | |||||
| 12. Time Management and Work-Life Balance | Strongly Agree % | Agree % | Neutral % | Disagree % | Strongly Disagree % |
| I understand the multiple demands on academics’ time and how to carve out space for truly important but not necessarily urgent goals. | 71.4 | 21.4 | 7.1 | 0 | 0 |
| I have learned about practical and effective strategies for carving out time for my priorities including self-care. | 57.1 | 42.9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| MODULE 7 | |||||
| 13. Mentorship and Sponsorship (Part 1) | Strongly Agree % | Agree % | Neutral % | Disagree % | Strongly Disagree % |
| I understand the significance of mentorship in driving career success. | 78.6 | 21.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| I see how mentorship can make a difference, especially in the early stages of my career and/or in proposal development. | 100.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 14. Mentorship and Sponsorship (Part 2) | Strongly Agree % | Agree % | Neutral % | Disagree % | Strongly Disagree % |
| I understand the difference between sponsorship and mentorship in supporting career success. | 81.8 | 18.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| I understand how to develop and maintain sponsorship and mentorship relationships that fit my career needs and interests. | 54.5 | 27.3 | 18.2 | 0 | 0 |
| MODULE 8 | |||||
| 15. Developing your Niche: A pathway to independence | Strongly Agree % | Agree % | Neutral % | Disagree % | Strongly Disagree % |
| I understand the significance of actively planning my career and professional development and using the IDP as a tool for success. | 75.0 | 25.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| I understand how to leverage mentorship and other professional relationships in building my own network and gaining visibility as an independent scientist. | 75.0 | 25.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| MODULE 9 | |||||
| 16. Career Conversations, Part 1: Postdoc to Early Career Faculty Transitions: Landing the job and getting started | Strongly Agree % | Agree % | Neutral % | Disagree % | Strongly Disagree % |
| I understand the significance of staying funded (sustainability) and recruiting the best talent. | 100.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| I am aware of the support networks for new faculty. | 71.4 | 0 | 28.6 | 0 | 0 |
| 17. Career Conversations, Part 2: Early- to Established Faculty Career Advancement | Strongly Agree % | Agree % | Neutral % | Disagree % | Strongly Disagree % |
| I understand the significance of staying funded and recruiting the best talent. | 50.0 | 50.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| I am aware of the support networks for faculty. | 25.0 | 75.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |