Doctoral candidates organize club, author ‘Oceanography’ article
Three University of Maine marine science students authored an article about developing camaraderie and job skills in “Oceanography” magazine.
Doctoral candidates Karen Stamieszkin, Melissa A. May and Alison Chase wrote about their experience creating the Marine Science Professional Development Club (MSPDC) and planning three student retreats at the seaside Darling Marine Center in Walpole.
“Indeed, personal connection has been the consistent theme throughout the life of the MSPDC,” they wrote. “It is beneficial to learn from your peers, as well as build relationships that will later become professional collaborations.”
During the first two-day retreat, the 20 or so attendees shared prior experiences — which included goat farming and bat habitat specialization. Invited panelists discussed career paths and workshop leaders offered advice on interview skills and salary negotiation.
The second retreat included tips on personally connecting with different audiences and how to share compelling stories about their research.
At the third retreat, marine scientists gave attendees recommendations about securing a job, including tailoring the curriculum vitae and cover letters.
The students’ article, titled “Student-led retreats for graduate student cohesion and career success,” is in the March 2016 special issue Graduate Education in the Ocean Sciences. “Oceanography” is the official magazine of The Oceanography Society.
Stamieszkin is a doctoral candidate in oceanography based at the DMC. May is a doctoral candidate in marine biology and Chase in oceanography. They are based in Orono.