What is the purpose of your committee, in your own words?

The ASA Committee on Career Development’s mission is to provide support and information about career decisions to statisticians. CCD’s motto is “Helping Statisticians Achieve Success”—which I think encompasses many types of career support. This includes professional development outside of traditional technical skills such as communication, networking, and developing your online presence, as well as considerations for the wide variety of career types and opportunities. CCD also provides information and resources across the ASA for professional development and mentoring. CCD sponsors and cosponsors events such as webinars and technical portfolio development, as well as workshops and sessions at the annual Joint Statistical Meetings each year, and CCD partners with other ASA organizations to provide resources for our community of statisticians and data scientists.

Why did you accept the positions of committee chair and co-chair?

I have always been passionate about professional development and mentoring. Working with CCD offers an opportunity to help develop initiatives and platforms to address the ASA community’s needs. There are so many aspects to career development beyond the technical—building your brand as a professional, power skills such as communication, and how to make an impact while defining your own unique career path. Mentors have been so incredibly important in my own journey. I am grateful for this opportunity to give back by helping design and offer events that provide value and guidance to our professional community.

How often does the committee meet to plan activities?

The Committee on Career Development meets monthly and coordinates via emails and shared documents. The CCD has three subcommittees: JSM and Mentoring, led by Daniel Elchert; Webinar and Podcast, led by Seonjin Kim and Christina Nurse, with Shelley Liu as a new member this year; and Portfolio Technology Adoptions, led by Matthew Krachey and Philip Waggoner, with Esther Pearson having helped to shape this initiative from the beginning. And, of course, we are extremely grateful for the assistance of the ASA’s Donna LaLonde, who helps us keep logistics running smoothly, and Mark Otto, who serves as our liaison to the ASA president’s membership committee.

What are some recent or upcoming committee events you would like to highlight?

We have already had some great events in 2022, including the CCD’s Distinguished Career Webinar in January. The webinar was part of CCD’s series, “Along Your Career Path in Statistics in Data Science,” which also features topics such as job searching and considerations for promotions. All three speakers shared advice about pursuing what you are interested in, as well as allowing your professional path to be affected by personal decisions. They agreed there is not one best career choice or path—each person will find their own best fit.

Another initiative is the Portfolio Project. About the project, CCD Vice Chair Christina Nurse said, “In the age of this new digital and remote working environment, the portfolio webinar helped people portray their work in an efficient and effective way online.”

What are some upcoming events you are most excited about?

I am thrilled about the CCD Guided Networking Session at JSM, which has become a capstone event for the committee. With the goal of helping students and early-career statisticians, the session provides an opportunity for them to practice meeting and greeting in a friendly environment. Mid- to late-career professionals can sign up to volunteer as mentors. According to Nurse, “The upcoming JSM networking event will be super informative and a great way to meet people!”

CCD is also cosponsoring a few other JSM events. Look for the free pre-JSM workshop, “How to Get the Most Out of Conferences and JSM,” on July 28 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET (register in advance), as well as the JSM First-Time Attendee Orientation and Reception August 7 at 12:30 p.m.

I am also looking forward to the panel, “From the Horse’s Mouth: How Mentoring Shaped My Career and How It Can Shape Yours, Too!,” cosponsored by CCD and hosted by the ASA’s Committee on Minorities in Statistics with the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Outreach Group. The panel will be held during the Diversity Workshop and Mentoring Program.

Finally, I am excited about a new CCD initiative under development to raise awareness of and encourage discussions about imposter syndrome. CCD also aims to continue its webinar series, “Along Your Career Path in Statistics and Data Science,” with topics such as changing careers and nontraditional career paths.

Any additional information or news you’d like to share about the committee with ASA members?

CCD events are always free and open to anyone. ASA membership is not required, but we hope CCD events encourage you to join the ASA. We also welcome ideas from the community.