Series: 2026 Navigating (beyond) Academic Waters
September 10 - November 19, 2026 / 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
Cyberseminar Series
- Hosted By:
- AGU Hydrology Section Student Subcommittee
- CUAHSI
Professional development activities targeting early career hydrologists effectively highlight career opportunities within and beyond academia; however, these conversations often overlook the specific needs of early career hydrologists as they embark on their careers. For this year’s Navigating Academic Waters webinar series the AGU Hydrology Section Student Subcommittee is developing a series of webinars to help early career hydrologists identify skill sets for non-academic careers, locate and secure project funding, and explore new data science tools for hydrology.
Presentations from this Series
Navigating Academic Waters: The Scientist Behind the Science - The Power of Storytelling in Academic and Professional Spaces
Sep 10, 2026 / 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
Our identities, experiences, and perspectives shape the science we do and the paths we take, and storytelling is how we communicate those experiences and connect them to our research. The ability to translate complex ideas into meaningful narratives is a powerful yet often overlooked scientific skill. The stories we tell influence not only how others understand our science, but also how they understand us as scientists. This seminar will highlight that science is not separate from the scientist, and that storytelling is an essential skill for applications, grants, networking, leadership, outreach, and career transitions. Whether crafting the "why" behind a grant proposal, writing a personal statement for graduate school, or communicating research to various audiences, participants will leave this seminar with tangible tools to improve their storytelling skills and their ability to share their story.
Navigating Academic Waters: Navigating Today’s Federal Job Market
Oct 8, 2026 / 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
The federal job market has changed significantly over the past decade, shaped by layoffs, hiring freezes, workforce reductions, and evolving hiring needs. This seminar will bring together federal workers and contractors to discuss the current landscape and provide a practical overview of today’s market. Participants will learn about the types of opportunities available across federal agencies and contracting organizations, as well as how to identify and apply for these roles. Through expert presentations and interactive discussion, the seminar will help participants better understand the challenges and opportunities in federal employment and explore strategies for navigating the current market.
Navigating Academic Waters: The Connected Researcher - Building Networks That Bridge Academia, Industry, and Beyond
Nov 19, 2026 / 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
Networking is the ultimate catalyst for an early-career researcher. Whether aiming to land a competitive postdoc, launch a career in industry, or drive change in the nonprofit sector, the people you know will have substantial influence on the availability of future opportunities. However, navigating these distinct professional cultures can feel like learning entirely different languages. This seminar will shed light on the process of building a multi-sector network. By breaking down the mechanics of outreach, participants will leave with an understanding of different tools and techniques to break the ice, communicate academic achievements to diverse audiences, and maintain long-term professional relationships.
Navigating Academic Waters: The Scientist Behind the Science - The Power of Storytelling in Academic and Professional Spaces
Sep 10, 2026 / 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
Our identities, experiences, and perspectives shape the science we do and the paths we take, and storytelling is how we communicate those experiences and connect them to our research. The ability to translate complex ideas into meaningful narratives is a powerful yet often overlooked scientific skill. The stories we tell influence not only how others understand our science, but also how they understand us as scientists. This seminar will highlight that science is not separate from the scientist, and that storytelling is an essential skill for applications, grants, networking, leadership, outreach, and career transitions. Whether crafting the "why" behind a grant proposal, writing a personal statement for graduate school, or communicating research to various audiences, participants will leave this seminar with tangible tools to improve their storytelling skills and their ability to share their story.
Navigating Academic Waters: Navigating Today’s Federal Job Market
Oct 8, 2026 / 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
The federal job market has changed significantly over the past decade, shaped by layoffs, hiring freezes, workforce reductions, and evolving hiring needs. This seminar will bring together federal workers and contractors to discuss the current landscape and provide a practical overview of today’s market. Participants will learn about the types of opportunities available across federal agencies and contracting organizations, as well as how to identify and apply for these roles. Through expert presentations and interactive discussion, the seminar will help participants better understand the challenges and opportunities in federal employment and explore strategies for navigating the current market.
Navigating Academic Waters: The Connected Researcher - Building Networks That Bridge Academia, Industry, and Beyond
Nov 19, 2026 / 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
Networking is the ultimate catalyst for an early-career researcher. Whether aiming to land a competitive postdoc, launch a career in industry, or drive change in the nonprofit sector, the people you know will have substantial influence on the availability of future opportunities. However, navigating these distinct professional cultures can feel like learning entirely different languages. This seminar will shed light on the process of building a multi-sector network. By breaking down the mechanics of outreach, participants will leave with an understanding of different tools and techniques to break the ice, communicate academic achievements to diverse audiences, and maintain long-term professional relationships.