VCU Broadening Experiences for Scientific Training

VCU Career Services
Box 842007
Richmond, Virginia 23284-2007
Phone: (804) 828-1645
careers@vcu.edu

VCU BEST seeks to transform the culture of biomedical scientist training at VCU by developing AEGDS, a training platform that broadens student awareness of potential careers, provides opportunities to experience career paths, provides guidance for career paths(s) selection, allows students to develop the skill sets necessary to be successful and encourages students to share their experiences, thereby broadening exposure of others in the community. To register for any upcoming VCU BEST events log in to Handshake and search for "VCU BEST" in the event search.

Objectives

1. Create an innovative student/postdoctoral professional and personal development program that puts student on an optimized, individualized career path that incorporates their strengths and personal goals
2. Build a sustainable program that builds on existing/volunteer faculty and resources and unique training opportunities already in place at VCU (Each participating unit will be counseled in mechanisms to sustain and continue the program after the funding period in collaboration with a campus steering committee.)
3. Develop mechanisms to engage the entire VCU community, as well as alumni, and community partners — alumni engagement/participation, providing and encouraging interdisciplinary participation throughout schools/programs and with partner organizations, seminars for campus community
4. Empower students to engage and take responsibility for their future, improve self-knowledge and self-management, and to mentor others to do the same
5. Perform ongoing evaluation to optimize the program and ensure that it continues to meet the needs of trainees and mentors

Program requirements