Beyond the PhD (Previously AIOG) was formed in 2018 at the University of Connecticut by Robert Pijewski, PhD and Giulia Vigone, PhD. They created the group to help students understand their career options after completing their PhDs. Knowing academia was not the only track students were taking and the uncertainty of landing a position in academia, Rob and Giulia formed a local networking group and monthly career seminar series called Academia-Industry Opportunities Group (AIOG). AIOG provided a space for students to hear from and meet professionals on a variety of interesting career paths. Since 2018 we have grown in several ways… below is a timeline of some of our achievements.
In the first 2 years we had hosted 2 in-person networking events and monthly seminars.
During the 2020 shutdown we made a website that is now viewed by students all over the world.
Spring 2021 we co-hosted an online networking event with Dimensions Sciences for US and Brazil students in STEM fields.
Summer 2021 We rebranded to Beyond the PhD
Fall 2021 we sent the first Beyond the PhD Weekly Digest with blog articles on careers, events, advice for students by students, and resources for job hunters.
Spring 2022 we selected the first two Campus Ambassadors from the University of Hartford to join the Beyond the PhD.
This summer we held our first Summer Office Hours for students to receive peer review of their job application materials. And Beyond the PhD began partnerships with Cerneos Group and Westchester Biotech Project.
This September we will host a 2-part workshop for that will teach students how to “brand” themselves during the job search with Amy Aines.
All the while each month we host 2 STEM professionals in our Career Discovery Seminar Series via Zoom.
ALL FREE Events
Now we are asking for donations to help cover the costs associated with the paperwork and legal fees to file to become a 503(c) nonprofit organization. As a 503(c) nonprofit organization we will gain access to grant funding opportunities, business development resources, and many free or below cost tools that will enable Beyond the PhD to better support students and their career development in STEM.
If Beyond the PhD/ AIOG benefited you in some way or if you believe in our cause please donate by clicking http://gf.me/u/3hh2j7
Every dollar gets us closer to our goal.
Thank you!
-Beyond the PhD Team
