Inside the Postdoc: Roles, Realities, and Readiness

Are you considering a postdoctoral fellowship but unsure what the day-to-day experience truly looks like? Wondering how to choose the right advisor, negotiate expectations, or decide whether a postdoc aligns with your long-term goals?

Join Grad Girl Wellness, for a supportive and clarity-building workshop designed to help you navigate the transition from PhD to postdoc with confidence.

Through a blend of expert guidance, panel conversation, and interactive reflection, this session offers a transparent look at the realities—both the opportunities and the challenges—of life as a postdoctoral fellow.

During this workshop, you will:

• Learn the different categories of postdoc positions and what each entails
• Understand the expectations around publishing, teaching, funding, and mentorship
• Hear how identity and institutional culture shape the postdoc experience
• Identify potential red flags before accepting an offer
• Develop a personalized vision for the type of environment you want and need
• Gain access to tools and a take-home handout to guide your postdoc search

You’ll also hear from a panel of current and former postdocs who will share their honest perspectives, career paths, and practical advice.

This workshop is for you if you are:

• A graduate student considering a postdoc
• A newly minted PhD preparing for the next career stage
• Curious about whether a postdoc is the right fit for your goals
• Looking for mentorship, clarity, and community during the transition from graduate school

By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with actionable insights, greater self-awareness, and a clearer sense of how to move into the postdoctoral phase with intention—not confusion.