CogSci Career Forum
October 30, 2007
Presented by:
Prof. Dennis Proffitt, Dir. of CogSci Program
Heather Rudd, Career Counselor
CogSci Overview
• What is Cognitive Science?
• Purpose of CogSci Career Forum
• “What can I do with a degree in Cognitive
Science?”
• Finding and applying for opportunities
• CogSci online resources
• Helpful resources from University Career
Services
“What can I do with a degree
in Cognitive Science?”
Some students choose to pursue their academic interests in graduate
school immediately following their undergraduate experience.
UC Berkeley Grads
U.Va. Graduates
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U.Va. Curry School of Education
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U.Va. Post-bac pre-med program
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JMU, Speech-Language Pathology
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VCU Health Care Administration
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University of Houston - Clinical
Neuroscience
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Johns Hopkins
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Inst. of Polish Diaspora and Ethnic
Studies
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VCU, MCV – Biostatistics
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ECU, Ph.D. in Physical Therapy
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Architecture
Cognitive Science
Communications Research
Computer Sciences
Industrial and Organizational
Psychology
Industrial Engineering
Information Management & Systems
Information Sciences
Interior Design
Law
Linguistics
Medical Science
Neuroscience
Speech/Language Pathology
Theology
“What can I do with a degree
in Cognitive Science?”
Job titles and employers of recent Cognitive Science graduates – these
are their “First Destinations” after U.Va. (May 2005, 2006, 2007):
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Research Assistant, Parent-Child Health Project at GWU Medical Center
Clinical Assistant, Applied Behavioral Consultants
Research Assistant, NIH
Systems Analyst, Delta Solutions & Technologies, Inc.
Systems Administrator/Webmaster, U.Va. Rare Book Program
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Analyst, Goldman Sachs
Sales Associate, The Corporate Executive Board
Account Manager, Xerox
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Private Junior Kindergarten Lead Teacher, Goddard School at Robius
Teacher, CEIP Aleberto Alcocer in Spain
Curatorial Intern, Monticello
Midfielder, Major League Lacrosse
AmeriCorps Volunteer, Philadelphia YouthBuild Charter School
Independent travel in Africa and Europe
“What can I do with a degree
in Cognitive Science?”
Job titles and employers of U.Va. CogSci graduates who have
volunteered to offer career assistance to current students & other alumni:
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Software Systems Engineer, Logicon TASC
Developer, The Harbour Consulting Group
Technical Training Engineer, The MathWorks
Software Development Manager, Rosetta Stone
Game Designer, Electronic Arts
Senior Consultant, Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.
• Director of HR, Community Academy Public Charter School
• Admissions Marketing and Public Relations Specialist, Darden
School of Business
• Sales Support Analyst, Mercedes-Benz USA
• Math Teacher, Fairfax County Public Schools
• Housing Counselor, Neighbor to Neighbor
• Sous Chef, The Club at Seabrook Island
“What can I do with a degree
in Cognitive Science?”
Skills and abilities of interest to and developed by CogSci majors:
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Ability to apply and integrate fundamental scientific principles
Research & laboratory experience
Strong quantitative skills
Attentive to detail
Effective communicator - present information clearly and
effectively
Apply and integrate fundamental scientific principles
Statistical analysis skills
Analytic thinking and complex problem-solving ability
Use of technical tools and scientific equipment
Source:
Brain & Cognitive Sciences Majors Guide - MIT Careers Office
http://web.mit.edu/career/www/infostats/science/braincog.html
Major-to-Career Connection
• Interdisciplinary nature of the field
• Explore and research options:
– Self-assessment inventories
– Occupational Outlook Handbook
– Riley Guide
– Books on the field that will address career
paths from a broader perspective
Major-to-Career Connection
Visit UCS for more information on
strategies if you are:
• Pre-law
• Pre-health
• Thinking about graduate school
immediately following graduation
• Interested in business-related careers
Major-to-Career Connection
• Alumni trends:
– Research Assistant in labs
– Research Analysts for consulting firms
– Web & tech positions
– Business roles
– Health-related careers
Identifying places of employment &
job/internship opportunities
Online resources for “Research careers”
• See an interesting “First Destination” of a
previous graduate? Search for the employer and
current opportunities.
• CAVLink (Job/internship listings by
industry/interest area)
• CareerSearch (Database of existing
organizations that match your industry and
geographic preferences)
CAVLink
CareerSearch
Pursuing CareerSearch
Contacts & Employers
• Quantitative Software Management, Inc.
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Consultants in resource planning for computer applications efficiency. Publish research results.
Hello.
My name is _______ and I will complete my Bachelor’s degree in
Cognitive Science from the University of Virginia in May. I have
developed research and analytical skills by working for several of
my professors, and I have also interned for companies assisting
with their computer and technology operations (your qualifications).
Quantitative Software Management (name of employer) caught my
attention while researching organizations providing technologyrelated research services in Virginia because of the products,
services, and resources it makes available to its clients (employer
research).
I did not see any position openings posted on your website but would
like to be considered for future opportunities. Who would be the
best person in the organization for me to speak with regarding my
interest (follow up)?
Identifying places of employment &
job/internship opportunities
Utilizing personal contacts as resources
• Professors
• Friends/family/family friends
• Alumni through HoosOnline/UCAN
Networking with Alumni
• Sample email message for initiating contact:
• Hi ____. My name is ____, and I am a student at
the University of Virginia. Thank you for being a
career resource in HoosOnline/UCAN for U.Va.
students and alumni. I'm very interested in ____
(industry/field/job title) and am looking for more
information on the field. I would like to conduct an
informational interview with you to ask a few
questions and learn about your experiences in the
field. Would you prefer that I call or email you? If
you prefer that I call, please let me know times that
are most convenient for your schedule.
Thank you for your assistance!
Networking with Alumni
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Sample questions to ask during an informational interview:
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How did you get your first job in this field?
Please describe what a typical workweek may look for you.
What do you find the most rewarding about your job? What are the
challenges of the position?
What are the industry compensation norms for this career?**
What job search strategies do you think are most effective to find out
about jobs in this field?
Do you mind if I send you a copy of my resume to review? As an
employer in this field, what aspects do you think are strong? Need work?
Thank you for your time and advice. Do you know the names of 2-3
people who might also be willing to provide me with insight?
Do you know the names of 2-3 organizations that may be hiring?
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Identifying places of employment &
job/internship opportunities
Sourcing opportunities through special events
Diversity Career Day, Thursday, November 1
• Over 150 corporations, non-profit organizations, and
government agencies are recruiting for internships and
full-time positions.
Spring Job & Internship Fair, January 30-31
• Last year 109 organizations sought full-time hires and
62 were interested in summer interns.
CogSci Online Resources
Indiana Archives of Cognitive Science
• http://www.cogs.indiana.edu/iacs/
Cognitive Science Society
• http://www.cognitivesciencesociety.org/
Summer workshops & programs
• See handout for existing opportunities
UCS Resources
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Self-assessment inventories
Externships
Resume & cover letter critiques
Mock Interviews
Walk-in advising, M-F, noon-3:45
Call 924-8900 to schedule an appt.
CogSci Career Forum
Questions?