Apply for the Workshop
Applications for the 2025 CKS will open in May
A workshop for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars transitioning into the professional workforce.
Location: Eli Lilly Headquarters鈥↖ndianapolis, IN
Pricing: Free
Date & Time:聽September 11-13, 2025
In partnership with Eli Lilly, ACS Bridge is pleased to offer a Career Kick-Starter (CKS) Workshop! This workshop provides graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the chemical sciences with the tools to conduct a successful career search and build a sense of community among those selected to participate. The ACS Bridge CKS Workshop helps develop interpersonal and communication skills used in professional and personal settings. This program is designed for participants aiming to find their first job in governmental, non-profit, academic, or industrial organizations in the U.S.
All travel and accommodations will be covered by ACS. All applicants must be based in the US.
Who Should Attend
- ACS Bridge Fellows
- Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers based in the U.S.聽
What You'll Do
The CKS Workshop interactive programming includes learning modules, discussions with a panel of professionals, one-on-one career consultations with a career advisor, and opportunities for creating meaningful professional connections.
Participants will:
- Identify individual values, strengths, and motivations
- Write guided personal statements and receive one-on-one feedback about improving their personal narrative
- Learn and practice constructive competitive graduate school applications
- Gain crucial insights and experiences towards expanding and nurturing a professional network
- Enhance professional development through educational and career coaching
What Previous Participants say About Their Experience
鈥淸鈥 This experience reminded me that there are change makers that look like me who are on the same journey to leave their mark and make life better for people around the world. [鈥鈥�
- Ky-Mani Miller,聽M.S. Student at Claflin University
2024 CKS Participant
鈥淸鈥 Beyond meeting exceptional fellow graduate students, this transformative experience has empowered me to聽evaluate my values, skills, and priorities, helping me chart a clear path toward my career goals. 聽[鈥鈥�
-聽Lelisse T Umeta, PhD Candidate at University of Nebraska
2024 CKS Participant
鈥淸鈥 During the workshop, I gained invaluable information into essential areas like resume/CV development, interview techniques, career options across the four major job sectors, networking strategies, and career consulting. One of the highlights was connecting with fellow doctoral students and postdocs from across the country [鈥鈥�
-聽Normanda Brown, PhD student at Clark Atlanta University
2024 CKS Participant
About Our Sponsors
Launched in 2018 with a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the ACS Bridge Program has supported students in pursuing advanced degrees in the Chemical Sciences through its participation with the Inclusive Graduate Education Network (IGEN).聽This program received further support from the Genentech Foundation (2020-2024), allowing the Bridge Program to enhance key initiatives dedicated to promoting inclusion and belonging in graduate education as well as expand its initiatives to include career and professional development opportunities. Now, Eli Lilly joins the mission by continuing to support students and sponsoring the ACS Bridge Career Kick-Starter.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact our team at bridge@acs.org.
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