2027 HBCU Doctoral Career Pathways Conference

Through a joint collaboration between the Graduate School and HBCU alumni, this (annual) virtual event brings together recent doctoral graduates, and current doctoral students to explore the diverse career pathways available to those with doctoral degrees.

The event features panels of doctoral alumni focused on the following: non-profits/foundations, the federal government, biotech/pharma, international/world issues, data science, postdoctoral careers, education, communications/marketing, policy/advocacy, research careers (Social Sciences), research careers (STEM), start-ups/entrepreneurship, academia, health and consulting.

How to Prepare for Alumni Career Panels                                         

  1. Create or update your LinkedIn (see best practices from the Academic Designer here).
  2. Register to have your CV/Resume reviewed on Howard University’s Handshake site.
  3. Read this document to take full advantage of career panels.
  4. Get to know the panelists by clicking on the panel links below (most are on LinkedIn).
  5. Use your networking skills to connect with the speakers or other colleagues.
Conference Sponsorship

Organizations/Companies have approached the Graduate School about involvement.  While, the conference itself works with Howard and other HBCU doctoral alumni speakers, the conference is open to sponsors.  All funds benefit graduate fellowships. Further information can be obtained by emailing Anna De Cheke Qualls (annadecheke.qualls[at]howard.edu.

Registration and Information

Schedule | Monday | March 22, 2027

11:00 AM | Academia Panel

TBD

12:15 PM | Public Service (local/federal)

TBD

1:30 PM | Nonprofit Panel

TBD

2:45 | Health Careers Panel

Dr. Jeanni Simpson

Dr. Chantay Moye

Dr. Lia Rohlehr

Dr. Damian Elias

Dr. Sislena Ledbetter

Tuesday | March 23, 2027

11:00 AM | Primary/Secondary Education

Dr. Brittany Lee-Wright

Dr. Melanie Holmes

Dr. Rayeanne King

Dr. Adrianne Sterling Holmes

12:15 PM | Research in Industry (STEM/Social Science)

TBD

1:30 PM | Hot Topic of the Year: AI and Its Influence on the Job Market

TBD

2:45 PM - Biotech/Pharma Panel

TBD

Wednesday | March 24, 2027

10:00 AM | Consulting

TBD

11:15 AM | International/Diplomatic and Related Overseas Careers

TBD

12:30 PM | Policy and Advocacy Panel

TBD

1:45 PM | Communication, Marketing and Public Relations Panel

TBD

 

Thursday | March 25, 2027

10:00 AM | Start-ups and Entrepreneurial Panel

TBD

11:15 AM | Postdoctoral Panel

TBD

1:30 PM | Doctoral Program Preparation: A Guide for Masters and Undergraduate Students

Miriam Okine-Davies