WIb 2007 Schedule

Are you curious as to what has been happening in the San Diego Life Sciences community? Are you interested in knowing where your next job might be coming from in 1, 5, or 10 years. Come to this session to find out more regarding the businesses that have been in San Diego and moved on, along with the new companies that are establishing roots and growing. Learn how to “discover new heights” in San Diego.

Medical Devices Back to schedule

Are you interested in a career in Medical Devices? Or would you simply like to learn more about the medical device industry? Learn what is hot in the medical device community, and find out about the story of one local device company and discover how their technology is saving patient lives. Discover what skills are needed for a career in Medical Devices and how best to position yourself for opportunities. In this session we will also cover how challenging and rewarding this career path can be.

Science and Policy/Adventures in Government Back to schedule

Ever wondered how the White House makes decisions on science and technology issues? Our speaker at the Science and Policy workshop will discuss how science policy decisions are made and how scientists can influence this critical process. Effects of these policy decisions can ripple across the entire scientific community and it is critical that we, the experts in the field, are able to provide the legislators with guidance in their decisions.

The Courage to Change - Alternate Careers In Communication Back to schedule

Thinking about a career change and don't know where to start? Want to learn more from individuals who have careers in science outside of research? The "Courage to Change" workshops are designed to provide an interactive opportunity to learn more about alternative careers from experts in various fields. This workshop will focus on careers, in which communicating science is an important aspect of the job. Come and learn from our speakers in the fields of science journalism, teaching, medical writing, public relations and community outreach.

11:05 - 12:00 Workshop II

Business Etiquette Back to schedule

In today's competitive workplace, you can't rely on just your qualifications to get ahead. Lack of social skills in professional situations could have serious effects on your ability to land that dream job or move up in your career. The Business Etiquette workshop will help you put your "best foot forward" in any business situation. Marie Betts-Johnson, an internationally recognized etiquette consultant, is the Founder and President of the International Protocol Institute of California. Ms. Betts-Johnson will show you how to make a great impression at any function, be it an interview, a networking event or any other professional setting.

Post-doc: Making the Right Choice Back to schedule

Thinking about doing a post-doc? Feeling overwhelmed and need some advice? Don't know if you want to remain in academia or how best to position yourself for a career in industry? Come and hear two speakers, one from academia and one from industry, who have used their post-docs to obtain their current positions. Learn from them what qualities are important in a post-doctoral position and what to avoid. A Q/A session will provide opportunities for individual questions to be addressed.

Pandemic Flu - the Next Wave? Back to schedule

Ten influenza pandemics have occurred over the past 300 years, on average once every 33 years. Three pandemics occurred in the 20th century, in 1918, 1957 and 1968; an influenza pandemic is seen as inevitable by WHO. The viral strains responsible for the 20th century pandemics arose from adaptation of an avian virus to humans (1918) or reassortment of avian-derived HA and PB1 gene segments (1857, 1968) with a human virus. The current avian virus subtype, H5N1, which has caused more than 100 deaths in humans, is regarded as the most likely source of the next pandemic should it mutate to allow human-to-human transmission. Local flu expert, Dr. Larry Smith from Vical, Inc. will provide an overview of the epidemiology of current avian flu strains and outline the approaches currently being investigated to limit the spread of the virus and mortality that is expected to occur should a pandemic strain emerge.

2:25 - 3:20 Workshop III

Nailing the Interview Back to schedule

On the job hunt? This session will discuss the key elements of an amazing interview. Whether you have just graduated or would just like to polish your interviewing skills, come to this session to learn what hiring managers are looking for. Discover the perspectives of those who have been involved in the hiring process. What do they really look for? How do they tell a good candidate from a bad one? How do they know that you will fit into the culture of the organization? Hear from the managers that make the hiring decisions and what affects the choices that they make.

The Global Market Place - Are You Ready? Back to schedule

What is happening in the global marketplace may affect your current career as well as your future. Come hear more about the changing climate for the global marketplace. What are the new businesses being created to service the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industry. How do you manage a business in a global market? Find out how to avoid the pitfalls and also how to transition a company in order to take advantage of this new wave of business opportunities.

The Cures in Your Backyard Back to schedule

Pharmaceutical companies spend billions of dollars developing new compounds to treat disease and fight infection, yet potential cures already exist in our world's diverse environments. The trick is to find them. The search for these natural products is a challenging and rewarding field of science, and it is one whose importance continues to grow. Come and learn about this aspect of drug discovery, and how research at Scripps Institute of Oceanography is leading the way.

The Courage to Change - Alternate Careers In Law & Business Back to schedule

Thinking about a career change and don't know where to start? Want to learn more from individuals who have careers in science outside of research? The "Courage to Change" workshops are designed to provide an interactive opportunity to learn more about alternative careers from experts in various fields. This workshop will focus on careers in law and business. Come and learn more from our speakers about how to transition into a role in intellectual property, corporate counsel, marketing, or business development.

3:30 - 4:25 Workshop IV

Surviving a Career Gap Back to schedule

Many women take time from their career to raise children, care for parents, or a variety of other reasons. Will your career be impacted if you take time away from work? How will it affect your salary and climb up the ladder? How do you make sure that your re-entry into the workplace will be as smooth as possible? The speakers will discuss their real-life experiences in transitioning back to work after an extended period away.

Lifecycle/Career Management Back to schedule

How do you know whether you have a career or a job? This session will cover some perspectives of how to balance work and life, especially in an increasingly competitive marketplace. The speakers will discuss key methods to position yourself for your next career move. Learn how to plan for running your own business and make it successful! This session will also cover some common misperceptions about management careers.

Where Did the Money Go? Back to schedule

Becoming an independent principal investigator (PI) at the time when NIH has the worst budget in 35 years is quite a challenge. The funding percentages are dropping from greater than 30% in recent years to below 10%, resulting in many established PIs struggling. "Where did the money go?" will provide you with insight into today's funding opportunities. Our speakers will discuss both traditional and alternative funding sources, increasing your likelihood to succeed in your search for funding. Professor Jean Wang, Moores Cancer Center & Assistant Professor Ananda Goldrath, UCSD will give you some important facts and information which could enable you to survive the funding challenge in 2007.

The Courage to Change - Alternate Careers in Drug Development Back to schedule

Thinking about a career change and don't know where to start? Want to learn more from individuals who have careers in science outside of research? The "Courage to Change" workshops are designed to provide an interactive opportunity to learn more about alternative careers from experts in various fields. This workshop will focus on careers in drug development. Come and learn more from our pipeline experts in the fields of formulations, regulatory affairs, project management and clinical studies.