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BRET Career Development ASPIRE Program

General FAQs

 

What is the difference between BRET Office of Career Development and ASPIRE?

Nothing! Actually, in 2013, the BRET Office of Career Development within the Vanderbilt School of Medicine was recognized for its commitment to career development for biomedical sciences PhD students and postdocs through a BEST award, a $1.2 million, 5-year grant from the NIH Common Fund. This award was called ASPIRE, which stands for Augmenting Scholar Preparation and Integration with Research-Related Endeavors. (Academia loves acronyms!) The Office continues this programming still, and we use the names interchangeably.

Where is the BRET Office located?
The ASPIRE Program is located in Light Hall, on the 7th floor, Suite 707. Advising appointments are also in Light Hall 707. If you are visiting campus for a seminar, the closest parking is available in the VUMC Hospital Parking garages (see map below). Please contact our office for details about visitor parking.

View Light Hall in Google Maps

 

I am interested in ASPIRE Travel Scholar Funds. How can I use them?

ASPIRE Travel Scholarship funds are only be available to trainees who are part of the BRET/IGP/QCB programs and for career exploration and internship opportunities, not for training related to a student’s research project.

Other available scholarships are available through the Graduate School:

https://gradschool.vanderbilt.edu/costandfunding/internal-funding-opportunities/

https://gradschool.vanderbilt.edu/student-resources/professional-development/gli/gli-funding-opportunities/

What should I wear to a conference/symposia/interview?

Professional dress can be tricky! We share some ideas here.

Where can I follow you on social media?

We’re on Instagram with event photos and event announcements.

But, LinkedIn is where we share job postings, internship opportunities, and other professional announcements. We strongly recommend you follow our Page as well as join our Group.

Can you connect me to an alumnus? How can I tap the BRET alumni network?
The ASPIRE Program encourages you to network using your own contacts, as well as reaching out via LinkedIn. We do not provide a listing of former alumni, and we do not make introductions for you. On the other hand, we do encourage you to reach out to alumni for informational interviews to gain more insight on particular career industries, different paths taken, and “real world” information about life post-Vanderbilt. For more on informational interviews, visit the Path to Career page.

 

How do I join the LinkedIn group, Vanderbilt University Biomedical Research Graduate and Postdoctoral Trainees and Alumni?
The requirements for entrance into the Biomedical Research LinkedIn Group includes the following:

  • Must have completed research as a Ph.D. student, postdoc, or faculty member.
  • Must have a completed profile with education and experience information completed.
  • Must clearly show Vanderbilt in your profile history.
  • Must have at least 2 connections. (This confirms your identity and shows that you are using LinkedIn professionally and purposefully.)

The Biomedical Research group does not accept former or current Medical School students or recruiters.

 

I want to recruit physicians, undergraduates, and research assistants. Is this where I submit opportunities?
No. The ASPIRE Program works with scientists conducting research, NOT physicians from Vanderbilt’s residency program, undergraduates, nor research assistants. If you are interested in recruiting physicians, please contact the Office of Graduate Medical Education. Other requests can be facilitated by Vanderbilt Human Resources.

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