From figuring out how to talk about your work to navigating your next career move, building visibility, making meaningful connections, and understanding what you want to be known for — we’re tackling the questions that don’t always come with easy answers. Expect honest conversations, hands-on sessions, lively debates, and plenty of opportunities to meet people who are figuring it out too.

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8:00–9:00 AM | Breakfast & Registration
Start the day with coffee, breakfast, and conversation. Check in, meet fellow STEMPeers, and settle in for the day

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9:00–9:15 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
Get to know STEMPeers — where we started, the story behind our community, and how we got here. We’ll also look ahead at where we’re going and why this year’s conversation matters

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9:15–10:00 AM | Standing Out in STEM in the Age of AI: Storytelling, Relevance & Individuality (1/3)
Fireside Chat: Before you can tell your story to anyone else, you have to believe it’s worth telling. Start the day with a conversation about finding the human thread in your work, and what makes your story worth hearing

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10:00–11:15 AM | Standing Out in STEM in the Age of AI: Storytelling, Relevance & Individuality (2/3)
Storytelling Workshop: Ever been asked, “So, what do you do?” and wished you had a better answer? Bring your rough draft and leave with a clearer, sharper way to talk about yourself and your work

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11:15–11:30 AM | Coffee Break & Networking

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11:30 AM–12:15 PM | Rethinking Networking: What Works for Different People 
Interactive Panel: Not everyone walks into a room the same way. Whether networking energizes you or terrifies you, learn how to build relationships and be remembered without performing a version of yourself that isn't you

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12:15–1:15 PM: Lunch & Networking

1:15–2:30 PM: Speed Networking: Hear How People Tell Their Stories (3/3)
Speed Networking | Parallel Sessions: How does your work look to a manager, recruiter, collaborator, or even your family? Get candid perspectives from people at different career stages and across different paths, and have the conversations nobody has with you in grad school
 

2:30–3:30 PM | Navigating the First 2–3 Years Post-Transition: What Actually Matters vs. What people think matters
Career Debate: Skills? Hustle? Being liked? Visibility? Leadership? Hear different perspectives on what really moves your career forward

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3:30–3:45 PM | Break 

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3:45–4:30 PM | Keynote - Standing Out in the Age of AI: Building Your Personal Brand Through Meaningful Relationships
AI may change how we work, but relationships still shape how opportunities find us. Explore how to build connections that last — and a reputation that reflects who you actually are.

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4:30–5:00 PM | From Insight to Impact, Crafting Your Personal Strategy Beyond Today
Special Talk - A look at STEMPeers' professional development initiative, featuring our career coach and the people helping make career growth more accessible and connected.

5:00–5:30 PM | Sponsor Spotlight: Harmonizing Omics workflow to scale with precision!

5:30–5:40 PM | Closing Remarks