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This section highlights resources that support professional development, career planning, teaching experience, and preparation for future independent roles. Postdoctoral scholars are considered trainees who are developing the skills needed for the next stage of their careers, whether in academia, industry, government, or other professional paths.

While career outcomes may vary, many of these resources are designed to prepare scholars for academic careers, including understanding faculty expectations, the academic job market, and the transition to independent research roles.

Preparing for Career Advancement

Postdoctoral training provides a foundation for a wide range of career paths. Scholars are encouraged to actively engage in both mentored training and independent professional development.

Key activities include:

  • Developing an Individual Development Plan (IDP) to define career goals and track progress (coming soon)
  • Engaging in professional development programs and targeted workshops
  • Building teaching, mentoring, and leadership experience
  • Participating in research presentations, seminars, and networking events

In addition to working closely with their faculty mentor, postdoctoral scholars are encouraged to take advantage of institutional resources that support career readiness. This includes preparing for academic career pathways, understanding faculty roles and expectations, and becoming familiar with the application and hiring process.

These combined experiences support a successful transition into academic, industry, government, or other professional roles.

Career Planning & Development

UNT Career Center

Provides career advising, job search support, resume and CV review, and interview preparation across a range of career paths, including academic and non-academic positions.

National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD)

Offers structured professional development programs, writing support, and career development resources tailored to researchers pursuing academic careers.

Faculty Success

Offers structured professional development programs, writing support, and career development resources tailored to researchers pursuing academic careers.

National Postdoctoral Association
The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting postdoctoral scholars through advocacy, professional development, and community building. The NPA provides resources on career development, mentoring, mental health, and best practices in postdoctoral training, while also promoting policies that enhance the postdoctoral experience nationwide.

Workshops & Skill Development

Professional Development Workshops

Workshops focused on research communication, leadership, teaching, and career advancement. These may include sessions on grant writing, academic job preparation, and transitioning to independent roles.

Training and Professional Development

Institutional training programs covering compliance, career skills, and professional growth opportunities.

LinkedIn Learning
Online courses covering technical skills, leadership, communication, and career development topics.
Coursera
Access to online courses and certifications across a wide range of disciplines to support skill development and career exploration.

Writing & Research Support

Writing Center
Provides support for academic writing, including manuscripts, proposals, and professional documents
Office of Research Consulting

The Office of Research Consulting (ORC) at UNT’s College of Education provides research and consulting services to internal and external researchers. It facilitates the exchange of knowledge on research design, data analysis, and reporting while promoting collaboration within the North Texas educational research community.

UNT Library

Research support services, including literature access, data management, and research consultations.

Teaching & Academic Experience

Teaching Skills & Certificates

Opportunities to develop teaching skills and gain formal recognition of instructional experience, which is often expected for academic positions. The Division of Strategic Educational Skills (DSI) is offering resources and training for faculty and graduate students, both of which are also open to postdocs.

Leadership Training

Programs designed to build leadership, mentoring, and team management skills that are essential for both academic and non-academic careers.

Networking & Engagement

Networking Opportunities

Postdocs are encouraged to engage in networking opportunities at the UNT campus and beyond. Attending Scientific Conferences is a great way to build your professional network.

Industry Engagement

Resources and programs connecting researchers with industry partners and career pathways outside academia

Funding for Professional Development

Travel Grants

Travel grants can support conference attendance, research presentations, workshops, and professional networking opportunities. Many professional societies and scientific organizations offer travel awards specifically for postdoctoral scholars and trainees.

Postdoctoral scholars are encouraged to explore funding opportunities within their discipline and through conference organizations. UNT is also working toward developing travel grant opportunities specifically for postdoctoral scholars.