FIRST stands for Focusing on Industrial Recruitment of Scientific Talent. For the last 23 years, the conference has exposed, recruited, and employed top PhD talent from the African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American communities. The conference provides participants with a clear picture of the career opportunities, expectations, and challenges that exist in industrial research. Participants will learn about techniques and skills required to successfully execute and manage research and product development, explore professional growth and individual development opportunities, and learn about the realities of cultural and workforce diversities. As a result of this experience, we believe PhD Candidates and Postdoctoral Scientists will be able to make better and more informed decisions about their career choices. Further, the conference is also a great opportunity for participants to interact, in both a technical and a social context, with peers from all over the country.
The 23rd annual conference will be held September 15-18, 2013. As this unique opportunity will be offered to a limited number of candidates, applicants must have a doctoral degree or expect to receive one by September of 2014. The conference is primarily intended for African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American doctoral and postdoctoral scientists who want to learn more about industrial research careers, but other qualified candidates, including foreign nationals, will be considered. Applications are due by June 30, 2013.
More information can be found at www.facebook.com/PGFIRST or by viewing the FIRST video at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxPECt86v9s.
