The University of Cambridge climbed to first place this year among international institutions, up from 9th last year and 25th in 2006. One reason for the jump, says Oliver Jones, a postdoc in biochemistry and leader of the university's postdoc society, is the university's new focus on professional training. "If you want to learn some new skill there's usually some way of doing it."
About five years ago, the postdoc society began lobbying for career support services. In September, 2006, the university responded, hiring careers adviser Anne Forde to guide the approximately 900 postdocs in the life sciences. The program hit the ground running. In less than a year, Forde held approximately 170 one-on-one meetings, numerous workshops to critique resumes, and three seminars a year on topics including how to secure funding, jobs in industry, and non-bench career options.
An emphasis on collaboration and several new facilities are also helping ...
