Now in its third year, the four-part workshop connects Knight Campus trainees with a cross-section of industry leaders for an immersive day of panels, informational interviews and mentorship conversations. 

At the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, preparing for life after a PhD is built into academic training and culture. Through initiatives like the Career Exploration Series, doctoral and post-doctoral trainees gain the tools to build meaningful careers beyond academia.  

Launched in 2023, the Career Exploration Series is a professional development initiative designed to help doctoral and post-doctoral trainees build career capital: the networks and professional skills needed to thrive across research, industry, and innovation sectors.
The final session offers numerous immersive opportunities — ranging from expert panels to one-on-one informational interviews — demonstrating a broader commitment to workforce readiness.  

"Career exploration isn’t just about landing a job, it’s about building the confidence and clarity to navigate your own path, wherever it leads,” said Stacey York, senior director of professional development and workforce readiness.
 
Guided by York, who helped shape the Career Exploration Series as part of her work with the Knight Campus Impact and Student Success Team, the sessions draw on diverse voices from biotech, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and global health. As panelists, industry partners share insights about transitioning from academia into industry, the value of mentorship and the skills that helped them succeed.
 
The Career Exploration Series is one of several initiatives at the Knight Campus that help students think broadly about how to apply their training, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting their professional growth and fostering contributions that extend