Resume Writing
Friday, February 14 12:30pm-1:30pm
Sunday, February 16 10:30am-11:30am
Organized by Judy R. Brobst, Colorado State University; Erin Fendrich, Colorado State University

What does it take to put together a resume that will catch the eye of a potential employer? What are the key components that you need to help an employer understand who you are and what you can do? Write a resume that will convey your skills and abilities during this hands-on workshop. An interactive session will have you writing or revising your current resume.

Pathways to Careers in Science & Technology Policy
Friday, February 14 1:00pm-4:00pm
Organized by Daryl Chubin, National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, Inc.; Amanda Hunt, AAAS

Science and Technology (S&T) policy is the realm where science, government, and society intersect. As the interactions intensify, the need for an S&T policy workforce equipped with the tools and training necessary to negotiate this relationship is greater than ever. But, the question is how does one enter this field? There are formal programs, much like postdoctoral appointments, which provide a policy experience for scientists or engineers; research interests that attract academics to full-time policy positions; and policy degrees that train specialists to enter organizations as staff. This workshop will explore the various pathways into these careers. It will include presentations from veteran S&T policy representatives, as well as representatives of the rising generation.

Job Search Skills for the Sciences
Friday, February 14 1:30pm-2:30pm
Sunday, February 16 11:30am.-12:30pm
Organized by Judy R. Brobst, Colorado State University; Erin Fendrich, Colorado State University

Spend this workshop discovering tactics for your science job search. Organize your search, view web based sites, and discover how to research companies will start you on your way.

Mapping Your Job Search in the Sciences
Friday, February 14 3:00pm-4:30pm
Organized by Pearl Freier, Yankeetek Ventures

Career columnist Pearl Freier will present an executive recruiter's innovative approach for organizing your job search and achieving milestones that will help move your career forward. Learn how to identify the employers to target and how to establish contacts in your chosen field. You will also gain insights into the hiring process and the current job market.

Content Plus: Writing Excellent Children’s Science Books
Saturday, February 15 10:00am-1:00pm
Organized by Julie Ann Miller, Science News; Wendy Saul, University of Maryland-Baltimore County; Maria Sosa, AAAS

For many children, their idea of science comes largely from books, whether picture books, biographies of scientists, or encyclopedic volumes. Popular books are widely used in the schools to enrich or replace texts. Children choose library books to investigate areas that interest them, such as space exploration, dinosaurs, or dogs. In this symposium, we will explore the type and quality of children’s science books now available and how youngsters use these books. We will also describe the best ways to use these books in both the classroom and informal educational settings, such as museums. We will present a publisher’s perspective on trends in children’s science books and hear from authors about how they go about writing these books. The symposium will be accompanied by a workshop, suggested by Shirley Malcom of AAAS, in which some of the speakers will work with about 25 participants who are interested in writing children’s science books.

SPEAKERS
Wendy Saul, University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Maria Sosa, AAAS
Dennis Schatz, Pacific Science Center
Donna Dieckman, University of Maryland Baltimore County
Jean Reynolds, Millbrook Press
Edward Saiff, Ramapo College
Jennifer Owings Dewey
Gloria Skurzynski

Talking to the Media: The "Do's and Don't's"
Saturday, February 15 1:00pm-3:00pm
Sunday, February 16 1:00pm-3:00pm
Organized by Mary Hanson, National Science Foundation; Stephen D. Nelson, AAAS

In the 21st century, the silent and secretive ivory tower is quickly becoming passé. For federally-funded researchers, its demise was inevitable. A democratic system of government rests on accountability and transparency. When researchers use public funds, the key stakeholder and ultimate "boss" is the taxpayer - who deserves and needs to know what's happening with the company funds. News media are a major conduit to the public. That's why working with the media is the right (and necessary) thing to do...but that doesn't mean it's easy! Here's your chance to learn: -what reporters really want (and need); -how to prepare for a media interview; -how public affairs professionals can help you.

Content Plus Writing Workshop
Saturday, February 15 1:30pm-3:00pm
Organized by Julie Ann Miller, Science News; Wendy Saul, University of Maryland-Baltimore County; Maria Sosa, AAAS

This hands-on workshop will help you implement the lessons of its companion workshop, "Content

Plus: Writing Excellent Children’s Science Books."

AAAS Fellowship Programs in Public Policy and the Mass Media
Sunday, February 16 10:00am-1:00pm
Organized by Claudia J. Sturges and Judy Kass, AAAS

This two-part workshop explores AAAS fellowship opportunities available to working scientists and engineers, as well as students and graduate students. Part I (10:00am-11:30): AAAS selects 50 scientists and engineers each year to learn about the interface of science and government in one-year policy fellowships in Washington, DC. A panel of former Fellows will share their experiences and explain the career implications for postdoctoral to midcareer scientists and engineers who apply their technical expertise in this non-traditional arena. Potential placements include congressional offices and a dozen federal agencies. Part II (11:45am to 1:00pm): Learn how to become a AAAS Mass Media Fellow. Fellows are placed for 10 weeks as reporters, researchers, and production assistants at newspapers, magazines, online sites, and at radio and television stations across the U.S., to communicate science. A panel of program alumni will share their experiences and discuss the numerous opportunities that the Mass Media Program has to offer advanced undergraduate, graduate students and post-docs in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering.

Next Wave and MiSciNet Present: The Transition to Graduate School--A Panel Discussion
Sunday, February 16 1:30pm-3:00pm
Organized by Karen Horting, AAAS and Science

An expert panel--comprised of graduate students, faculty, and administrators--will address a variety of key topics including: selecting the right graduate school, locating funding/financial support, finding a mentor, and dealing with feelings of isolation on a majority campus. Audience members will also have the opportunity to pose specific questions to the panel.

Interviewing Skills
Monday, February 17 9:30am-10:30am
Organized by Judy R. Brobst, Colorado State University; Erin Fendrich, Colorado State University

Once you’ve applied for a job you need to know how to navigate the interview. Learn what to say, what NOT to say, and how to prepare for an interview.

Advancing Your Career Through International Scientific Collaboration
Monday, February 17 10:00am-1:00pm
Organized by Elizabeth J. Kirk, AAAS

Getting Your Message Across: How to Speak in Public
Monday, February 17 11:30am-1:00pm
Organized by Gloria Bartholomew-Nelson, Speech, Public Speaking and Voice Images Services Center

Are scientists really more communicatively challenged than other people? Not necessarily, but ask yourself: Do your audiences have trouble staying awake? Do people misunderstand or interrupt you? Have you ever had a great idea, but no one listened until someone else said the same thing, and then they got all the credit? It’s not simply what you say but how you say it that makes people listen and remember you and your ideas. In this dynamic session you will learn the “How to Say It” part that can be applied to any subject area. This session will include demonstrations, illustrations, exercises, and handouts to enhance your learning experience. A practical, fact-filled session that is bound to enhance your career.