Professional Development Day 2021

In an annual tradition, we bring back 10 of our accomplished alumni to share career advice with current students and postdocs.

For more information about the event, please contact Murali Balaji. Thank you to our Professional Development Student Committee who helped plan the event: Arlene Fernandez, Staci Jones, and Mohammed Salih.

Schedule

Morning Session - 9:30 - 11:00am

Welcomes and Morning Keynote: What is the future value of a Ph.D in a polarized world?

In the era of ideological and political tribalism and rejection of knowledge capital, having a doctorate can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword. Our panel discusses the ways in which the value of a doctorate has changed and what the future holds for ASC alumni amidst economic and social turbulence in the years ahead.

Speakers:

• Khadijah Costley White (Ph.D. ’13), Associate Professor of Communication and Media Studies, Rutgers University School of Communication and Information
• Claire Wardle (Ph.D. ’04), Co-founder and Director, First Draft News; Lecturer, Annenberg Undergraduate Program
• Rocio Nuñez-Shea (Ph.D. ’15), Lecturer & Internship Supervisor, Annenberg Undergraduate Program

RSVP for Morning Session

Breakouts: 11:05am - 12:05pm

Breakout 1 - From the other side: What do academic job committee members look for in a candidate? 

This panel will host more senior academics who have significant experience being on job committees over the years. They will talk about what matters most to a member of a job committee during the selection process. What qualities do they look for in a suitable/ideal candidate? How are decisions made among committee members? What do job applicants need to be aware of? 

Speakers:

• Emory Woodard (Ph.D. ’98), Associate Professor in Communication and Dean, Graduate Studies in Liberal Arts & Sciences, Vilanova University
• Lynne Edwards (Ph.D. ’95), Professor of Media & Communication Studies, Ursinus College

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Breakout 2 - Joining think tanks and advocacy organizations after your Ph.D 

How can a PhD holder with interest in policy join a think tank or an advocacy organization? This panel discuss the advantages and/or disadvantages of joining a think tank or advocacy organization versus a more academic position such as a postdoc.

Speakers:  

• Ali Perelman (Ph.D. ’13), Executive Director, Philadelphia 3.0
• Paul Falzone (Ph.D. ’08), Executive Director, Peripheral Vision International
• Susana Dilliplane (Ph.D. ’12), Deputy Director, Aspen Planning and Evaluation Program, Aspen Institute

RSVP for Breakout 2

Breakout 3 (for Postdocs only) - The dreaded third space: How to navigate a crowded market with a postdoc*

* Please note that this panel starts at 11:30am 

Postdocs are frequently competing with doctoral candidates and ABDs for academic and non-academic positions. Our panel shares tips on how to separate yourself from the pack when looking for that role after your postdoc. 

Speakers:

• Shane Mannis (Ph.D. ’16), Senior User Experience Researcher, Instagram
• John Christensen (Gerbner Postdoc 2011-12), Associate Professor, Department of Communication, University of Connecticut

RSVP for Breakout 3

Lunch Reception: 12:45 - 2pm

If you are in the Philadelphia area, please join us for an outdoor reception in the Annenberg Courtyard, where attendees can mingle safely while taking boxed lunches. 

RSVP for Lunch Reception