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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
  • 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.

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

Offers proposal development support, editing services, and guidance for fellowship and grant applications, which are important components of academic career preparation.

UNT Library

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

Teaching & Academic Experience

Teaching Certificates

Opportunities to develop teaching skills and gain formal recognition of instructional experience, which is often expected for academic positions.

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

Events and programs that support collaboration, interdisciplinary connections, and professional networking across campus and beyond.

Industry Engagement

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

Funding for Professional Development

Travel Grants

Funding opportunities to support conference attendance, research dissemination, and professional networking, which are important for building visibility and professional connections.