Career Development Alumni Symposium 2024
About the Symposium
Join us for the 8th Career Development Alumni Symposium, hosted by the Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto.
This event brings together renowned experts, industry leaders, alumni, faculty, students, and postdoctoral fellows for rewarding discussions, networking opportunities, and career development sessions.
When: June 25, 2024
Where: Great Hall, Hart House
Registration starts at 12:30 pm
Reception starts at 5:15 pm
Symposium Highlights
- Keynote Presentations: Hear from world-renowned molecular genetics, genomics, and biotechnology experts.
- Demo Informational Interviews: Learn how to conduct an informational interview by watching our student volunteers interview four professionals in different career roles.
- Networking Reception: During our wine and cheese reception, connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and sponsors and forge valuable professional relationships.
Symposium Agenda
12:30 pm • Registration opens
1:00 pm • Opening remarks
1:15 pm • Roundtable 1
1:45 pm • Keynote 1: Dr. Veri
2:20 pm • Roundtable 2
2:50 pm • Keynote 2: Dr. Schachter
3:25 pm • Coffee break
4:00 pm • Roundtable 3
4:30 pm • Demo informational interviews
5:10 pm • Closing Remarks
5:15 - 7:00 pm • Wine and cheese reception
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Amanda Veri, Manager of the Office of Research Trainees at the University Health Network (UHN): "Laying the Foundation: Practical Tips for Landing your Dream Job"
Dr. Nathan Schachter, Therapeutic Area Head for Breast & Gyne Cancers at Merck: "From Academia to Pharma: Navigating the Transition from Scientific Research to a Career in Medical Affairs"
Demo Informational Interviews
Learn about different roles and sectors, jobs and careers by following four live "informational interviews" that we conduct on stage with these professionals.
- Dr. Kali Iyer, Science and Strategy Consultant at sixsense strategy group.
- Douglas Hamilton, President and CEO of NeuraViva Therapeutics
- Michelle Harwood, Bioinformatics Scientist at Roche.
- Dr. Chris Go, Senior Medical Writer, Red nucleus.
Visit the Career Coaching Table
Hosted by Dr. Sarah McClymont (MoGen Career Connections Coordinator) and Sun Ooi, MSW (Molecular Genetics Career Advisor) for personalized career exploration.
We're offering career coaching at the symposium to help grad students with career goals, skills development, and more. Gain insights and tips for effective interviews, resume building, and professional advancement. Bring your IDP, resume, or CV for a brief individualized review.
Mentor Line-up
We have a line-up of over 20 mentors for conversations at roundtable discussions. We will match you with your preferred mentors for three rounds of small group conversations. Represented careers include Business Developer, Computational Scientist, Consultant, Genetic Counsellor, Manager, Medical Writer, Product Development Scientist, Professor, Program Manager, Research Scientist and more.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Showcase your organization's commitment to innovation and talent development by sponsoring the 8th Career Development Alumni Symposium.
Partner with us
We offer sponsorship packages for our partners to gain exclusive public relations exposure and networking opportunities at various levels. Please message us at mogen.communications@utoronto.ca