Apply for the Workshop
Applications for the 2024 CKS are now closed.
A workshop for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars transitioning into the professional workforce.
Location: Eli Lilly Headquarters Indianapolis, IN
Pricing: Free
Date & Time: October 17-19, 2024
In partnership with Eli Lilly, ACS is pleased to offer a Career Kick-Starter (CKS) Workshop! This workshop provides groups that are underrepresented in the chemical sciences with the tools to conduct a successful career search and build a sense of community among those selected to participate. The ACS Bridge CKS Workshop helps develop interpersonal and communication skills used in professional and personal settings. ACS encourages Black, Latinx, and Indigenous individuals to apply. This program is designed for participants aiming to find their first job in governmental, non-profit, academic, or industrial organizations in the U.S. All travel and accommodations will be covered by ACS for applicants based in the U.S.
Who Should Attend
- ACS Bridge Fellows
- Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers based in the U.S. from groups that are underrepresented in the chemical sciences
What You'll Do
The CKS Workshop interactive programming includes learning modules, discussions with a diverse panel of professionals, one-on-one career consultations with a career advisor, and opportunities for creating meaningful professional connections.
Participants will:
- Identify individual values, strengths, and motivations
- Write guided personal statements and receive one-on-one feedback about improving their personal narrative
- Learn and practice constructive competitive graduate school applications
- Gain crucial insights and experiences towards expanding and nurturing a professional network
- Enhance professional development through educational and career coaching
What Previous Participants say About Their Experience
“In addition to the valuable networking opportunity that the CKS workshop offered, it was a great experience for me to gain insights into various career pathways in chemical sciences, thus equipping me with the knowledge to excel in my career, especially as an underrepresented researcher.”
- Micheal Alowakennu, PhD candidate at Michigan State University
2023 CKS Participant
“The CKS was an amazing opportunity that opened my eyes to the many different paths that a PhD Chemist can take. I was also able to meet other chemists that look like me, which helped peel away at some of my imposter syndrome!”
- Isaac Fuentes, PhD candidate at Washington University in St. Louis
2023 CKS Participant
" [The Bridge CKS] was the first time that I traveled for a professional activity of this nature, to be able to share with other graduate students from many universities. It was a very enriching experience, especially being able to share with Hispanic minority students like me who share the same interests. In addition to the workshops and educational talks, I was able to learn about the work of other students."
- Melissa I. Ortiz Román, PhD candidate at University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
2023 CKS Participant
About Our Sponsors
Launched in 2018 with a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the ACS Bridge Program has aimed for increased representation of students from historically marginalized groups pursuing advanced degrees in the Chemical Sciences through its participation with the Inclusive Graduate Education Network (IGEN). This program received further support from the Genentech Foundation (2020-2024), allowing the Bridge Program to enhance key initiatives dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in graduate education as well as expand its initiatives to include career and professional development opportunities. Now, Eli Lilly joins the mission by continuing to support students and sponsoring the ACS Bridge Career Kick-Starter.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact our team at bridge@acs.org.
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