For several years, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty at Boise State University noticed that a majority of the students who graduated with a BS degree in chemistry or biochemistry were not seamlessly transitioning to their post-baccalaureate careers and advanced degree programs. Instead, many students were waiting until after graduation to apply for jobs or advanced degree programs, leaving many students in a state of limbo. In 2019, after participation in an RSCA-sponsored “Compass Faculty Workshop” and a Boise State University Center for Teaching and Learning-sponsored course design workshop, we began offering a one-credit “Preparing for Post-Baccalaureate Careers in Chemistry” course as an elective available to Chemistry majors and other students conducting undergraduate research in the department. The class includes skill and career exploration opportunities, modules on scientific ethics, and interview, resume, and personal statement preparation, among other topics. Based on end-of-semester student evaluations, students have responded positively to career exposure and having a professional portfolio that includes a resume and examples of cover and thank you letters at the end of the course. In our first year, we asked students to attend scientific talks outside of the course. The students indicated that this was an additional time burden and not as important to their needs. During the Fall of 2020, due to COVID, we pivoted to virtual learning and took the opportunity to bring in professionals from industry and academia, which has been positively received. In addition, this year, we were intentional to bring in guest speakers who were past graduates from Boise State, which students have commented positively on. Now, after four years of being offered as an elective, we are working to require the class for all sophomore or junior majors. These and other details of the career course will be described.

Implementation of a careers in chemistry preparation course at Boise State University

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