Skoltech is an international graduate research-focused university that was founded by the group of world-renowned scientists in 2011. Skoltech's curriculum focuses on technology and innovation, offering Master's programs in 11 technological disciplines. Students receive rigorous theoretical and practical training, design their own research projects, participate in internships and gain entrepreneurial skills in English. The faculty is comprised of current researchers with international accreditation and achievements.

Career Talk: “What do you need to succeed in a faculty position? Truths and myths through real life experience”

We are glad to invite you to a career talk, titled “What do you need to succeed in a faculty position? Truths and myths through real life experience”

When: December 17, 2015, 16:00 – 17.30
Where: TPOC-3, Room 407

Faculty panel: Skoltech professors – Raj Rajagopalan, Natasha Berloff, Alessandro GolkarNikolay Gippius

Participants: postdocs, PhD and Master students, junior faculty

 Learning objective: At this panel workshop the participants will learn directly from Skoltech professors about their experience in building a faculty career in different countries.

 Proposed topics:

 How Does One Prepare for an Academic Career While Doing PhD or Postdoctoral Work

  • How can I assess and improve my chances for future faculty positions?
  • Why postdocs are often called trainees? I’ve done my PhD, my education is over.
  • What is more valued in the market – focused or broader research area?
  • What’s more important – strengthening research skills or teaching abilities?
  1. What Are the Expectations, Responsibilities and Obligations in Academic Career
  • Compare faculty commitments in universities in Americas, Russia, Europe, UK, and Asia.
  • It’s not a 9-to-5 job. How can I develop good discipline habits?
  • Combining faculty and administrative positions – pressures and compromises.
  1. How Does One Prepare for Interviews
  • Faculty selection – can support of an influential person outweigh merits of other candidates?
  • How can I get meaningful recommendation letters?
  • I have little international experience. How can I form a global network if I have no funds for frequent travelling?
  • Which ways do you find most effective for improving the writing skills?
  • What’s your experience in joining public presentation groups, e.g. Toastmasters Club?
  • How can I practice English in a Russian-speaking environment?
  1. What Does It Take to Advance in an Academic Career
  • Personal, professional and ethical issues in academia – any stories to share?
  • The role of communication skills and networking: the stories of those who advanced rapidly in their career largely due to their communication talent.
  • What’s more important – individual success in isolation or interaction with peers and teamwork?

Want to participate? Please RSVP to

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