Attend ASBMB’s career and education fair

At the ASBMB Annual Meeting, there’s a lot going on: research symposia about topics including RNA biology, lipid and membrane biology, chemical tools and every other aspect of BMB you can imagine. There are workshops about teaching, writing, advocacy, funding, research and more. There are meetups for getting to know people in your field as well as poster sessions for all career stages. 

On Monday, April 14, ASBMB will hold its first career and education fair. Career fairs are a low risk, high reward way to feel out the job and education landscape since you can meet a variety of representatives from universities, independent research institutes and industry in one place. You also can get a sense of what each career sector has to offer, network with people in fields that interest you and maybe even find a new career path. 

Roya Jaseb, ASBMB’s director of meetings, described the opportunity: “Whether you're a student, recent graduate or professional looking to take the next step, this event opens doors to both educational and career opportunities that can shape your future.”

Prepare

Get the most out of the event by preparing in advance:

• Research the exhibitors: Knowing which tables to prioritize will help if it’s crowded or you have limited time.
• Update your LinkedIn profile: Make sure your profile reflects you and your experience well.
• Bring business cards: These can be useful for easily sharing your email address or LinkedIn profile and include a QR code to help people find your digital presence.
• Brainstorm questions: Maximize the information you get out of each interaction. This way, you won’t get home and realize you’re missing key information.

When exploring graduate programs, it’s important to understand how they support students academically and financially. Key questions to ask include how the program is structured — whether it follows an umbrella model or separate departmental tracks — as well as how students choose labs, what coursework is required and whether stipends are guaranteed or vary by department.

When considering a postdoctoral position, find out if professional development opportunities and support are available. Key questions to ask include whether there are postdoc networking events or meetups, how mentorship is structured and whether teaching opportunities exist.

When transitioning from academia to industry, understand what employers look for in candidates. Key questions to ask include what entry-level positions are available, how the hiring process works and what the workplace culture is like.

At the fair

Maximize your time at the fair. Opportunities to directly compare schools, employers, etc. are rare so take advantage.

• Get your questions answered: Now is your chance to get all kinds of information.
• Take notes: collect answers to your questions, key points from conversations, things you notice, impressions you had and reminders about the people you met.
• Exchange contact info: Share your business cards and LinkedIn info freely and collect others’ contact information. This can include fellow attendees, not just the representatives.

Follow up

After ASBMB 2025, it’s time to follow up with the people you met and the information you gathered.

• Decide if you want to apply: Some programs have rolling admission, in which case you might be able to apply immediately.If not, note when applications open and make a plan.
• Follow up: Did you discover a role in industry or an institution that seemed right for you? Do some more research about it.You can also find people online and request an informational interview.
• Keep in touch: If you made connections at the fair, send thank you emails and/or connect via LinkedIn.
• Stay involved in the community: Join (or renew) your ASBMB membership, follow relevant communities on social media and attend meetings and webinars.

Attending the ASBMB career and education fair is a great way to explore new opportunities, make valuable connections and gain insights into potential career paths. Whether you leave with a clear next step or simply a better understanding of your options, the experience will help shape your future decisions. Take advantage of the resources available, follow up on new connections and stay engaged with the ASBMB community to keep building your career.