Correspondence: Nicole G. Gravagna, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Denver, AMC, 12800 19th Ave, Mailstop 8307, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. E-mail: Nicole.gravagna@ucdenver.edu

¹is a Neuroscience PhD candidate at the University of Colorado Denver. She founded the Alternatives in Science Club and acted as President for the first 18 months. She is currently working to develop a biotechnology doctoral degree program at the University of Colorado Denver.

Received 14 October 2008; Revised 14 October 2008; Published online 18 November 2008.

Abstract

Traditional scientist training at the PhD level does not prepare students to be competitive in biotechnology or other non-academic science careers. Some universities have developed biotechnology-relevant doctoral programmes, but most have not. Forming a life science career club makes a statement to university administrators that it is time to rework the curriculum to include biotechnology-relevant training. A career club can supplement traditional PhD training by introducing students to available career choices, help them develop a personal network and teach the business skills that they will need to be competitive in science outside of academia. This paper is an instructional guide designed to help students create a science career club at their own university. These suggestions are based on the experience gained in establishing such a club for the Graduate School at the University of Colorado Denver. We describe the activities that can be offered, the job descriptions for the offices required and potential challenges. With determination, a creative spirit, and the guidance of this paper, students should be able to greatly increase awareness of science career options, and begin building the skills necessary to become competitive in non-academic science.