Domain 5: Grow Professionally

Competent scientific communicators…

5.1      Create and maintain professional development and career advancement documents.

a.    Recognize and follow the appropriate format of career development documents (e.g., CVs, cover letters, biosketches).

b.    Maintain an up-to-date CV in the appropriate format that aligns with their career goals.

c.    Draft academic application materials, such as statements of research, teaching, and diversity.

d.    Maintain an up-to-date online presence that aligns with career goals (e.g., Harvard Catalyst Profiles page, LinkedIn profile, professional website).

e.   Leverage institution-specific resources and trainings on career advancement (e.g., CV workshops, promotion seminars). 

5.2      Describe themselves and their science to people who can advance their careers.

a.    Anticipate and be prepared to answer common interview questions.

b.    Utilize informational interviews to learn more about a job or field.

c.    Articulate career development goals to mentors, funders, potential employers and collaborators.

d.   Prepare for productive career development conversations with their supervisors (e.g., establish clear goals, recognize needs). 

5.3      Network effectively.

a.    Practice strategies for effective professional networking  in-person and online.

b.    Craft effective introductory emails and letters.

c.    Based on career development goals, seek out, build, and maintain relationships within their professional network.

d.    Leverage social media to build your personal reputation and establish connections.

5.4      Develop communication skills to support personal growth and increase effectiveness as a member of a team.

a.    Practice effective negotiation strategies to advocate for themselves and their science.

b.    Proactively engage in training on communication styles, emotional intelligence, and difficult conversations to pre-empt and resolve conflict.

c.    Contribute to a respectful and inclusive team culture by practicing cultural competence.

d.    Leverage available resources to navigate interpersonal communication challenges (e.g., Ombuds Office).

e.    Ask for and reflect on the kind of feedback that you need for personal and professional growth.

f.    Know from whom, where, when, and how to request feedback (e.g., from mentors, peers, mentees).

g.   Provide timely and high-quality feedback to colleagues (e.g., staff, mentees, mentors, co-investigators, peers).