Doctoral students develop deep research expertise, yet many struggle to translate their work into language that resonates beyond the lab. Through a collaboration between Career Development and the College of Medicine—alongside a current PhD student partner—we have facilitated structured conversations around professional identity, transferable skills, and the influence of AI in today’s job market.

This session centers the student collaboration experience and introduces a flexible concept map used to guide career translation discussions. Participants will engage in a structured pilot-planning activity to identify potential campus partnerships and low-lift implementation strategies. Attendees will leave with a concept map template, discussion prompts, and practical tools to integrate career readiness conversations into their own programs while maintaining a human-centered focus in an AI-influenced educational landscape.

Presenters

• Adam Barnes abarnes@southalabama.edu, University of South Alabama
• Alani Rodgers arodgers@southalabama.edu, University of South Alabama
• Haley Kominek had2221@jagmail.southalabama.edu, University of South Alabama