All available career events are provided to assist our attendees when seeking employment or employees. The AAS Committee on Employment supports most career related sessions. Several more opportunities are listed under the Workshops tab.

Strategies and Tactics to Enhance Diversity and Excellence in the Hiring Process
Monday, 9 January, 12:30 pm- 2:30pm (In-Person)

This session will focus on best practices for equitable recruiting, interviewing, and hiring.

The University of Michigan's STRIDE (Strategies and Tactics for Recruiting to Improve Diversity and Excellence) committee provides information and advice to maximize the likelihood that diverse, well-qualified candidates for faculty positions will be identified, recruited, retained, and promoted at the University of Michigan. Prof. Bergin, a member of the STRIDE committee for 6 years, will provide a sample of this presentation where we explore the research that illustrates the various ways hidden bias can be present throughout the search process. We also discuss strategies that can be applied to minimize the effects of this unconscious bias and hire the candidate you wish to attract. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion, which will include additional POVs on hiring from industry and government labs. This session is supported by the AAS Committee on Employment.

Astronomers Turned Data Scientists (ATDS 5)
Tuesday, 10 January, 9:00 am- 4:30 pm with breaks (Hybrid)

Talks by professional data scientists and astronomers will cover a wide range of topics aimed at astronomers who use data science techniques in their research as well as astronomers turned data scientists currently working in industry. In addition, there will be career-related presentations for aspiring data scientists. To learn more please visit our website: http://tinyurl.com/atds2023

Astrophysics and the Space Industry: Idea Exchanges for the Future
Tuesday, 10 January, 2:00 pm- 3:30 pm (In-Person)

For students and early-career astronomers, an understanding how their work is related to the space industry is a critical advantage because of the doors it easily opens for career trajectories beyond academia. And yet, most astronomers are unaware of the potential alignment between their skills and scientific interests and the burgeoning multi-hundred-billion dollar space industry. In this session we will facilitate new conversation, stimulate powerful and fruitful intellectual partnerships, and support the careers of members of the AAS by having a fireside chat with experts in both industries about career opportunities. This conversation will expose members to the many science and career opportunities available in industry. The session will consist of a short presentation to set the stage for the conversation and a panel discussion with members of industry and academia who can speak to the power of partnerships between the two.

Beyond Academe: Exploring Astronomy-powered Career Paths
Wednesday, 11 January, 2:00 pm- 3:30 pm (In-Person)

Need guidance and advice to make the transition from academia into other fields? Then this is the career session for you. Please join us as a panel of astronomer alumni from a wide spectrum of fields discuss how to start and thrive in a career outside of academia. The session format will consist of 4-5 short talks from representatives of various career domains in government and industry, followed by Q&A from the audience.

Topics will cover advice on marketing your existing skills for non-academic positions; what highly sought skills will increase your competitiveness; the relevance of postdoctoral experience in different employment domains; what to expect in the interview process; what the transition will be like, and more.

After this session, attend the Beyond Academe Round Table Discussions in the exhibit hall. You’ll join small groups broken down by the various career domains (e.g., data science, science writing, aerospace) for the deep dive on that particular job market.

Beyond Academe Roundtable Discussions
Wednesday, 11 January, 3:30 pm- 4:30 pm (In-Person)

To provide first-hand insight into the wide variety of career paths available to those with degrees and/or advance training in the astronomical sciences, the AAS Committee on Employment (EC) is convening representatives from various career arenas beyond research universities — e.g., the aerospace and data science industries; national labs; science policy institutes/agencies; science writing; small colleges — for an hour of informal discussions with attendees of AAS 241. Several career path representatives will be drawn from the panel at the associated Beyond Academe: Exploring Astronomy-powered Career Paths, and the remainder will be AAS 241attendees and exhibitors specifically recruited by the EC to adequately cover the various career domains. Each representative will serve as a discussion lead at the roundtables in the exhibit hall. After a brief welcome and introduction by the EC Chair, participants will be invited to choose and circulate among the “Career Path Rep” tables as they see fit, sitting down to ask questions or just listening in on the conversation.

One-On-One Career Consultations with Alaina G. Levine
Monday - Thursday, 20 minute sessions scheduled upon registration

Alaina G. Levine of Quantum Success Solutions will meet individually with AAS 241 attendees to provide confidential, customized career advice. Bring your CV, résumé, or cover letter if you wish to have them evaluated, or just bring your questions. Registrants will be contacted by organizer via email to schedule their individual appointment.