Giving Back to the Future of Science: My Experience with the Sloan Foundation UCEM at UCSD

The slides from my presentation, “Strengthening Your Online Presence,” can be viewed here.

During my doctoral studies, I was fortunate enough to be involved with an inspiring program that aimed to change the landscape of the scientific community by fostering diversity and inclusion. The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's University Centers of Exemplary Mentoring (UCEM) at University of California San Diego (UCSD) is a beacon of hope and progress, selecting students from under-represented groups to receive not just financial support but also mentoring and guidance to help them thrive in their doctoral programs and beyond. The Sloan Foundation UCEM initiative is designed to increase the diversity of the U.S. academic scientific and engineering workforce, recognizing the critical need for a diverse pool of talent to maintain the nation’s leadership in science and engineering.

My involvement with the Sloan Foundation UCEM started in 2015 when I was selected to be a Sloan Scholar. Since graduating in 2020, I have been invited to present to students frequently. The experience was not just an opportunity to give back to a program that strives to make a difference in the academic world; it was a deeply personal and fulfilling experience. As part of my contribution, I gave a presentation on "Strengthening Your Online Presence," sharing insights and strategies to help these brilliant young scientists navigate the digital world effectively. This presentation, borne out of my own journey and challenges as I neared the completion of my doctoral studies, aimed to empower these students with the tools they need to enhance their visibility and employability in a competitive job market.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I remember the daunting task of distilling years of hard work and achievement into a four-page CV. Despite the accomplishments I had made, the traditional formats did not seem sufficient to convey the breadth of my skills and the essence of who I am as a professional and individual. This realization led me to develop my personal website, seanbearden.com, and optimize my LinkedIn profile, not just as platforms to showcase my academic and professional journey but as spaces where I could authentically present myself to potential employers and collaborators.

In my presentation, I emphasized not only the importance of starting early in crafting an online presence but also the necessity of genuine engagement, particularly in platforms like Twitter, where a rich academic community thrives. Building a meaningful online presence requires more than just creating profiles; it demands active participation and interaction with the community over time.

Moreover, I stressed the significance of showcasing one's personality alongside professional skills. In today's job market, employers value diversity and the unique perspectives that individuals bring to the table. By presenting oneself authentically online, candidates can provide potential employers with a glimpse into their personality and work style, aspects that are crucial for team dynamics and culture fit.

Looking back, there are things I wished I had done differently or started sooner, such as engaging more actively with the academic community on Twitter. However, the essence of my message to the Sloan Foundation UCEM students was clear: start early, be authentic, and engage genuinely. Your online presence is an extension of your professional self and, when crafted thoughtfully, can open doors to opportunities that align with your skills, values, and career aspirations.

Through this presentation and my ongoing involvement with programs like the Sloan Foundation UCEM, I hope to inspire the next generation of scientists to leverage the power of digital platforms. It's not just about finding a position upon completion of their doctoral studies; it's about contributing to a diverse and inclusive scientific community that values and celebrates every individual's unique journey and contributions.

Giving back to the Sloan Foundation UCEM and its students has been an immensely rewarding experience. It's a reminder that as we advance in our careers, we have the responsibility and privilege to support and uplift those coming up behind us, sharing our knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned. Together, we can build a more inclusive, diverse, and vibrant scientific community for the future.

Learn more about the Sloan Foundation’s University Centers of Exemplary Mentoring here.