CogSci Career Forum

1. CogSci Career Forum October 30, 2007 Presented by: Prof. Dennis Proffitt, Dir. of CogSci Program Heather Rudd, Career Counselor

2. CogSci Overview • What is Cognitive Science? • Purpose of CogSci Career Forum • “What can I do with a degree in Cognitive Science?” • Finding and applying for opportunities • CogSci online resources • Helpful resources from University Career Services

3. U.Va. Graduates U.Va. Curry School of Education U.Va. Post-bac pre-med program JMU, Speech-Language Pathology VCU Health Care Administration University of Houston - Clinical Neuroscience Johns Hopkins Inst. of Polish Diaspora and Ethnic Studies VCU, MCV – Biostatistics ECU, Ph.D. in Physical Therapy UC Berkeley Grads Architecture Cognitive Science Communications Research Computer Sciences Industrial and Organizational Psychology Industrial Engineering Information Management & Systems Information Sciences Interior Design Law Linguistics Medical Science Neuroscience Speech/Language Pathology Theology “What can I do with a degree in Cognitive Science?” Some students choose to pursue their academic interests in graduate school immediately following their undergraduate experience.

4. “What can I do with a degree in Cognitive Science?” Job titles and employers of recent Cognitive Science graduates – these are their “First Destinations” after U.Va. (May 2005, 2006, 2007): • Research Assistant, Parent-Child Health Project at GWU Medical Center • Clinical Assistant, Applied Behavioral Consultants • Research Assistant, NIH • Systems Analyst, Delta Solutions & Technologies, Inc. • Systems Administrator/Webmaster, U.Va. Rare Book Program • Analyst, Goldman Sachs • Sales Associate, The Corporate Executive Board • Account Manager, Xerox • Private Junior Kindergarten Lead Teacher, Goddard School at Robius • Teacher, CEIP Aleberto Alcocer in Spain • Curatorial Intern, Monticello • Midfielder, Major League Lacrosse • AmeriCorps Volunteer, Philadelphia YouthBuild Charter School • Independent travel in Africa and Europe

5. “What can I do with a degree in Cognitive Science?” Job titles and employers of U.Va. CogSci graduates who have volunteered to offer career assistance to current students & other alumni: • Software Systems Engineer, Logicon TASC • Developer, The Harbour Consulting Group • Technical Training Engineer, The MathWorks • Software Development Manager, Rosetta Stone • Game Designer, Electronic Arts • Senior Consultant, Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. • Director of HR, Community Academy Public Charter School • Admissions Marketing and Public Relations Specialist, Darden School of Business • Sales Support Analyst, Mercedes-Benz USA • Math Teacher, Fairfax County Public Schools • Housing Counselor, Neighbor to Neighbor • Sous Chef, The Club at Seabrook Island

6. “What can I do with a degree in Cognitive Science?” Skills and abilities of interest to and developed by CogSci majors: • Ability to apply and integrate fundamental scientific principles • Research & laboratory experience • Strong quantitative skills • Attentive to detail • Effective communicator - present information clearly and effectively • Apply and integrate fundamental scientific principles • Statistical analysis skills • Analytic thinking and complex problem-solving ability • Use of technical tools and scientific equipment Source: Brain & Cognitive Sciences Majors Guide - MIT Careers Office http://web.mit.edu/career/www/infostats/science/braincog.html

7. Major-to-Career Connection • Interdisciplinary nature of the field • Explore and research options: • Self-assessment inventories • Occupational Outlook Handbook • Riley Guide • Books on the field that will address career paths from a broader perspective

8. Major-to-Career Connection Visit UCS for more information on strategies if you are: • Pre-law • Pre-health • Thinking about graduate school immediately following graduation • Interested in business-related careers

9. Major-to-Career Connection • Alumni trends: • Research Assistant in labs • Research Analysts for consulting firms • Web & tech positions • Business roles • Health-related careers

10. Identifying places of employment & job/internship opportunities Online resources for “Research careers” • See an interesting “First Destination” of a previous graduate? Search for the employer and current opportunities. • CAVLink (Job/internship listings by industry/interest area) • CareerSearch (Database of existing organizations that match your industry and geographic preferences)

11. CAVLink

13. CareerSearch

16. Pursuing CareerSearch Contacts & Employers • Quantitative Software Management, Inc. • Consultants in resource planning for computer applications efficiency. Publish research results. Hello. My name is _______ and I will complete my Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science from the University of Virginia in May. I have developed research and analytical skills by working for several of my professors, and I have also interned for companies assisting with their computer and technology operations (your qualifications). Quantitative Software Management (name of employer) caught my attention while researching organizations providing technology-related research services in Virginia because of the products, services, and resources it makes available to its clients (employer research). I did not see any position openings posted on your website but would like to be considered for future opportunities. Who would be the best person in the organization for me to speak with regarding my interest (follow up)?

17. Identifying places of employment & job/internship opportunities Utilizing personal contacts as resources • Professors • Friends/family/family friends • Alumni through HoosOnline/UCAN

22. Networking with Alumni • Sample email message for initiating contact: • Hi ____. My name is ____, and I am a student at the University of Virginia. Thank you for being a career resource in HoosOnline/UCAN for U.Va. students and alumni. I'm very interested in ____ (industry/field/job title) and am looking for more information on the field. I would like to conduct an informational interview with you to ask a few questions and learn about your experiences in the field. Would you prefer that I call or email you? If you prefer that I call, please let me know times that are most convenient for your schedule. Thank you for your assistance!

23. Networking with Alumni • Sample questions to ask during an informational interview: • How did you get your first job in this field? • Please describe what a typical workweek may look for you. • What do you find the most rewarding about your job? What are the challenges of the position? • What are the industry compensation norms for this career?** • What job search strategies do you think are most effective to find out about jobs in this field? • Do you mind if I send you a copy of my resume to review? As an employer in this field, what aspects do you think are strong? Need work? • Thank you for your time and advice. Do you know the names of 2-3 people who might also be willing to provide me with insight? • Do you know the names of 2-3 organizations that may be hiring?

24. Identifying places of employment & job/internship opportunities Sourcing opportunities through special events Diversity Career Day, Thursday, November 1 • Over 150 corporations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies are recruiting for internships and full-time positions. Spring Job & Internship Fair, January 30-31 • Last year 109 organizations sought full-time hires and 62 were interested in summer interns.

25. CogSci Online Resources Indiana Archives of Cognitive Science • http://www.cogs.indiana.edu/iacs/ Cognitive Science Society • http://www.cognitivesciencesociety.org/ Summer workshops & programs • See handout for existing opportunities

26. UCS Resources • Self-assessment inventories • Externships • Resume & cover letter critiques • Mock Interviews • Walk-in advising, M-F, noon-3:45 • Call 924-8900 to schedule an appt.

27. CogSci Career Forum Questions?