Career Development
Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS)
The Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS) assists GSAS students and alumni in preparing for their professional future. Through individual advising, workshops, guest speakers, and extensive online resources, MCS provides information about career opportunities within and beyond academia, as well as guidance in the processes of self-assessment, career exploration, and the job search. Mock interviews are also available for students at the interview phase of the job search process.
Career Navigator
A one-stop service center connecting Harvard bioscience master’s, doctoral, and professional students with resources, events, news, and providers related to skills and professional development.
Curriculum Fellows Program
The HMS Curriculum Fellows Program offers courses in teaching and learning, nanocourses typically related to highly focused scientific content, research techniques, or the development of professional skills, a teaching certificate program, and other professional development resources.
Enrichment & Certificate Programs
In addition to the teaching certificate programs below, PiN students can apply to certificate programs in therapeutics and translational medicine.
Alumni Advising
The MCS Firsthand Advisers platform connects students to career mentoring with PiN and other Harvard alumni. PiN students can also connect with program alumni through the PiN Alumni Directory, the PiN LinkedIn Group, or the program administrator.
Teaching
While there is no formal teaching requirement, PiN strongly encourages students to make the most of teaching opportunities during their time in the program. Typically, PiN students are required to pass their PQE before taking on a TF position and are invited to apply to TF the introductory Python courses in August and January, Thinking about Data, and Math Tools in the fall, and the year-long core course for first-year students, the Discipline of Neuroscience. Many PiN students also TF undergraduate courses at Harvard College in Cambridge, medical school courses, and courses at Emmanuel College. Students interested in teaching have access to training and support resources offered by the HMS Curriculum Fellows Program and the Derek Bok Center for Teaching & Learning and can apply for the SEAL Teaching Certificate or the Bok Teaching Certificate.
Internships
PiN considers internships to be an integral part of a student’s educational experience and career development. Typically, upper-level students interested in a career outside academia will plan a full-time summer internship in their final year before graduating. Students can find a centralized database of internships and schedule internship advising appointments at Crimson Careers and on the HMS Graduate Education Career Launchpad and should review the OGE PhD internship guidelines before planning an internship.
In addition to the OGE PhD requirements, PiN students are required to schedule a special meeting with their DAC before their internship is approved to outline a clear plan for completing their thesis work after they return, a summary of which they should attach as an addendum to the OGE PhD Internship Approval Form.
Student Groups
MCS collaborates with several career-oriented graduate student groups. Join a student group to explore career options, connect with students who share your career interests, meet professionals in the field, build skills, and gain relevant experience. For a full listing of Harvard GSAS student groups and events, visit GSAS Engage.