| NPA SmartSkills |
 SmartSkills is a free, virtual course for postdocs who are members of the NPA. Monthly classes are taught by experts and focus on building skills critical to career and personal success. Postdocs that attend 10 out of 12 sessions within a calendar year live will receive a certificate of completion.Become a Sponsor  Navigating the Mentorship Spectrum: Advocating for Yourself and Guiding OthersJanuary 27, 2026Mentorship plays a vital role in academic and professional success. Whether you are seeking guidance, supporting others, or both, this webinar will offer strategies to build strong mentoring relationships, communicate effectively, and exchange feedback with confidence. Speakers: Ellen Dobson, Ph.D., GCDF, postdoctoral & graduate program manager, Morgridge Institute for Research; Anne-Sophie Bohrer, Ph.D., program manager for professional & career development for postdoctoral fellows, University of Michigan Register Now Building Resilience: Tools and Safety Nets for International PostdocsFebruary 24, 2026International postdocs studying in the United States are navigating a period of heightened uncertainty, from proposed visa changes to institutional layoffs. This session offers insights and practical tools to help postdocs advocate for themselves, identify institutional supports, and leverage community-driven safety nets that promote belonging and professional success. Speaker: Nabila Riaz, Ph.D., postdoctoral research associate, Dartmouth College Register Now Designing Your Life: Frameworks for Navigating Career PathwaysMarch 24, 2026This workshop applies a design thinking approach to career development, transforming career planning from a linear planning process into an iterative and reflective experience. The goal is to empower attendees to leverage a growth mindset to take charge of their professional growth, and to navigate career transitions during uncertain times. Speaker: Caleb McKinney, Ph.D., M.P.S., senior associate dean for training, program development, and academic innovation, Biomedical Graduate Education, professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine Register Now Making the Most of Your Individual Development PlanApril 28, 2026Unlock your potential with this Individual Development Plan (IDP) workshop for postdocs. This interactive session demystifies the IDP process, showing you how to use IDPs to set strategic goals and identify skill gaps. Learn how to leverage your IDP as a powerful tool for professional growth, mentorship conversations, and long-term success—whether you're pursuing academia, industry, or other fields. Speaker: Jennifer Aumiller, Ph.D., M.Ed., director, Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Training and Advancement, University of Maryland, School of Medicine Register Now Connecting to Career Opportunities through Strategic NetworkingMay 26, 2026One of the best ways to connect to opportunities and to advance in the application process, particularly in a competitive job market, is by conducting career conversations. In this workshop, we will share tips for finding and identifying individuals to intentionally connect with to help you access the hidden job market, the portion of jobs that are never posted publicly or only after a candidate has already been identified. Join us to learn strategies that can increase your success in finding and securing a position in any job market. Speaker: Heather Dillon, career and professional development program manager, Office of Postdoctoral Scholar Affairs, Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs, University of California, San Diego Register Now Career Design for Postdocs: Find Your Fit, Design Your PlanJune 23, 2026Navigating career choices as a postdoc can feel overwhelming, but a thoughtful, structured approach can make the process more manageable and empowering. This interactive workshop will guide participants through self-exploration activities to identify skills, values, and interests. From there, we will introduce resources and strategies for career exploration, as well as practical approaches to the job search process. We will emphasize how to align your personal values and address skill gaps. Towards the end of the workshop, participants will begin building a strategic professional development plan designed to prepare them for their career(s) of choice within a realistic time frame. Attendees will leave with greater clarity, practical tools, and concrete next steps to move confidently toward their next professional step. Speaker: Fatima Saldaña Morales, Ph.D., assistant director for postdoctoral affairs, University of Virginia Register Now Navigating the EU: A Postdoc's Journey with a Focus on GermanyJuly 28, 2026Details to come. Speakers: Anne Schreiter, executive director of guidance, skills and opportunities; Alexandra McCormack, coordinator, German Postdoc Network Register Now Daunted by Networking? Try the Scientific MethodAugust 25, 2026Details to come. Speakers: Ellen Dobson, Ph.D., Morgridge Institute for Research; Jevin Lortie Register Now Supporting the Whole Postdoc - Part ISeptember 22, 2026Details to come. Speakers: Amber Ismael, Ph.D.; Elizabeth Salm, Ph.D. Register Now Supporting the Whole Postdoc - Part IIOctober 27, 2026Details to come. Speakers: Amber Ismael, Ph.D.; Elizabeth Salm, Ph.D. Register Now Personal Branding: Managing Your Online FootprintNovember 17, 2026Details to come. Speakers: Rebekah Leyton Register Now Planning for Teaching Excellence as an Early Career Faculty MemberDecember 15, 2026Details to come. Speakers: Melissa Scheve Register Now |
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