Dressing professionally and bringing several copies of an updated resume is an example of a typical ‘career day’ event. But Thursday, a small crowd of casual-dressed graduate students carrying book-bags entered a Lockett Hall classroom and experienced a different example of ‘career day.’ The LSU Student Chapter of the Association for Women in Mathematics, LSU Chapter of the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics held another Career Day event for graduate students in mathematics.According to Silvia Jimenez, mathematics graduate student, every year the department organizes a Career Day event, where several professors give advice and experiences about their career paths to graduate students. ”This year, we have graduate students who have applied and got jobs to talk about their job application process,” Jimenez said. “The job application process is a mystery for graduate students, so this a way to give them help on what to do and when.” The Career Day event featured 8 panelists, including graduate students and one assistant professor, who received teaching positions or post doctoral positions at different places across the nation. Jeremy Aikin, mathematics graduate student who received a tenure track assistant professor position at Macon State College, said students should learn how to balance time and work in an efficient manner. He also suggested students should start applying for jobs as soon as possible. ”Apply for jobs that will allow you to get to your dream job,” Aikin said. “Try to sort through job openings and prioritize the jobs you want.” All of the graduate students and University assistant professor Hongchao Zhang suggested having an updated resume and networking is important when applying for jobs. ”Don’t be afraid to invite yourself to speak at universities,” said Jens Christensen, mathematics graduate student. “Learn how to sell yourself. Just make yourself known.” Jimenez showed a presentation with tips given by Susanne Brenner, University professor, on what every graduate student should do throughout their graduate student career from researching, teaching and professional development. While researching, students should find an advisor that is right for them by talking to other graduate students or taking classes with professors they are thinking of asking to be their advisor. ”It is important that students work on teaching,” Jimenez said. “Going to teaching workshops and teaching different classes will help students’ with their teaching skills.” Attending and participating in professional development programs, department seminars and keeping a brag folder are random things of which graduate students should take advantage. Another tip Jimenez left the crowd of graduate students and before lunch was served is, “We have no answers.” ”Everyone has an opinion on your career path,” Jimenez said. “But you have to realize that it is your decision, career and life.” —–Contact Kimberly Brown at [email protected]
Department of Mathematics held Career Day Event
April 15, 2009