Stony Brook University’s Graduate School co-sponsored the 2025 “What Can You Be With a PhD?” (WCUB) symposium, an event focused on career development for PhD students and postdoctoral scholars. The symposium, hosted by NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City, is one of the largest events of its kind in the United States.
Stony Brook supported the attendance of 47 graduate students and 11 postdoctoral scholars at the two-day event held on October 25 and 26. Attendees participated in more than 20 panels and workshops led by over 90 experts from various fields. The sessions covered career paths in academia, industry, government, policy, and consulting. In addition to workshops, participants had access to professional headshot sessions and individual career coaching.
After the symposium, Stony Brook’s Graduate School organized a lunch for attendees to share their experiences. Many praised the event’s organization and variety of sessions. One participant said that the panels “offered valuable advice and opened my eyes to careers I didn’t know existed,” while others highlighted the diversity of speakers.
The practical aspects of the workshops were also well received. Students and postdocs valued opportunities to network with professionals from different sectors. Jonathan Plessis-Belair, a postdoctoral scholar at Stony Brook University, stated: “The WCUB event provides a space for students, postdocs and professionals from diverse perspectives to communicate and build their network, sharing both past and present experiences which have helped them shape their career prospects. Ultimately, WCUB is a great opportunity to explore careers and receive feedback from people that have found their calling as a PhD.”
Stony Brook University continues its commitment to supporting graduate students’ professional development through events like WCUB. The Graduate School offers various programs aimed at helping students consider different career options.
Looking ahead, Stony Brook will host its annual 3MT Competition and Postdoc Spotlight on March 13, 2026. Speaker registration is open until January 29, 2026. Graduate students and postdocs from all disciplines are invited to participate for cash prizes sponsored by the SBU Alumni Association.