On December 10th, 2015, the Council of Graduate Chemists (CGC) hosted a series of mock interviews for industry jobs, allowing graduate students to receive one-on-one interview practice and critical feedback. Thirty-three students each spent thirty minutes interviewing with an industry volunteer, whose valuable feedback stemmed from years of hiring experience. Volunteer interviewers were managers and executives from various industries, representing pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, analytical chemistry, energy, and biochemistry.

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Both the volunteers and students expressed they had a positive experience. Students were eager to hone their interview skills and network with local professionals in their field. Volunteers are excited to be involved with future events with the graduate program. Given the positive feedback, CGC is working to ensure this event becomes an annual endeavor.

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CGC is a graduate student organization aimed at enhancing graduate student life within the Department of Chemistry. The Mock Interview Marathon was the first professional development event hosted by CGC. Survey data was collected from both students and interviewers that participated and will be used to make future professional development events tailored to students’ needs.

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This event was graciously sponsored by the Chemistry Department Chairman’s office. Additionally, the CGC would like to thank Dr. Po-Tsan Ku (CNS Postdoctoral Career Development Specialist), Dr. Anne Tibbetts (Director for CNS Postgraduate Education), and Bruce Leander (Founder of BioAustin) for supporting this event with their time and expert advice.

 

To find out more about the CGC and upcoming events, visit http://sites.utexas.edu/cgchemists/.