From goal to outcome: analyzing the progression of biomedical sciences PhD careers in a longitudinal study using an expanded taxonomy

• DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.13.548881
• Publication Date: 2023-07-15T05:05:11Z
• Authors: Abigail M. Brown; Lindsay C. Meyers; Janani Varadarajan; Nicholas J. Ward; Jean-Philippe Car...; Roger G. Chalkley; Kathleen L. Gould; Kimberly A. Petrie
• Keywords: Graduation (instrument); Career Pathways; Matriculation; Cognitive Information Processing; Career portfolio; Career Counseling

Abstract Biomedical sciences PhDs pursue a wide range of careers inside and outside academia. However, there is little data regarding how career interests PhD students relate to the decision postdoctoral training or their eventual outcomes. Here, we present goals outcomes 1,452 biomedical who graduated from Vanderbilt University between 1997-2021. We categorized using an expanded three-tiered taxonomy flags that delineate key milestones. also analyzed goal changes matriculation defense, reasons why became more- less-interested in research-intensive faculty careers. linked students’ at defense whether they did postdoc, duration time first non-training position, area job ten years after graduation. Finally, followed individual for graduation characterize movement different areas over time. found most changed during graduate school, declining numbers alumni pursued training, many entered positions than position was good indicator held 10 Our findings emphasize need development opportunities mentoring school prepare them futures research research-related professions.