2026 HBCU Doctoral Career Pathways Conference

Through a joint collaboration between the Graduate School and alumni, this (annual) HBCU 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 23, 2026

11:00 AM | Academia Panel

12:15 PM | Federal/Local Government and Public Service

1:30 PM | Nonprofit Panel

2:45 | Health Careers Panel

Tuesday | March 24, 2026

11:00 AM | Education Panel

12:15 PM | STEM Research Panel (non-academic)

1:30 PM | Data Science | Cybersecurity | AI Panel

2:45 PM - Biotech/Pharma Panel

Wednesday | March 25, 2026

10:00 AM | Consulting

11:00 AM | International Issues/Careers Panel

12:15 PM | Policy and Advocacy Panel

1:30 PM | Communication and Marketing Panel

2:45 PM | Social Science Research Panel (non-academic)

Thursday | March 26, 2026

10:00 AM | Start-ups and Entrepreneurial Panel

11:15 AM | Postdoctoral Panel

1:30 PM | Doctoral Program Preparation: A Guide for Undergrads