Skip to Navigation Skip to Content Skip to Search Skip to Site Map Menu
Search

Postgraduate Retreat

The 28th of July saw the first Genetics Otago Postgraduate Retreat for almost a decade. Dunedin didn’t disappoint with the weather and postgrads from anatomy to zoology, along with several staff members spent a beautiful day at Orokonui Ecosanctuary. 
 
The formal part of the day began with a session of tips and tricks for travelling to and presenting at conferences presented by Dr Tanya Major. It was great to hear about the importance of networking and participants enjoyed practising their ‘elevator pitch’. 
 
A panel of academics visited and held a Q and A session discussing their academic career in genetics. The variety of panellists, that spanned from fresh post-docs through to PIs, gave valuable insight into the charm and challenges that come with an academic career and students enjoyed hearing their personal experiences. 
 
After a great lunch in the Orokonui Café, we all enjoyed getting out into nature and exploring the ecosanctuary. Feedback on the venue was only positive with many emphasizing that it was great to get away from campus and be outside. 
 
The final session for the day saw a visit from Jo Budai from the Career Development Centre who talked about CV writing and job applications. This was followed by an informal discussion about some of the struggles and issues students have faced during their study and where to go for help. 
 
Everyone who attended thought that it was a worthwhile event and would love to see it happen on a more regular basis. The day wouldn’t have been possible without the huge effort put in by our student rep, Anežka Hoskin, to organise everything. So thank you Anežka and thank you, everyone, who came along and helped make the day such a success.  

Leave a comment