Investigating Participation in and Perceived Usefulness of Activities Provided by Biomedical Postdoctoral Training Programs

• In Event: Career Development in the Professions: Mentorship, Training, and Transformative Learning

Abstract

This study examined postdoctoral scholars’ participation in institutional training activities at a U.S. research-intensive university. Exploratory analyses of survey data from 189 biomedical postdocs on ten common activities identified four distinct groupings: research-oriented activities, career and professional development, individualized career support, and departmental networking or social events. Postdocs most frequently participated in research-related activities and least in individual career support. Those with multiple mentors or whose mentors used an Individual Development Plan (IDP) reported greater engagement across several activity categories. International postdocs participated less in networking and social events but rated them as more useful than domestic postdocs. Findings highlight the importance of effective mentoring structures and inclusive program design in fostering equitable engagement among diverse postdoctoral scholars.

Authors

• Inah Ko, University of Michigan

• Jessy Martinez, University of Michigan

• Tina Creguer, University of Michigan

• Jessica Schwartz, University of Michigan