Since 2023, The TRaCE Talks series has connected graduate students and postdoctoral scholars with McGill PhD alumni working in a wide range of sectors. These conversations highlight diverse career paths, provide practical advice on career transitions, and create opportunities for mentorship between alumni and current students.
The series builds on the work of the TRaCE McGill project and demonstrates the many ways doctoral training contributes to society within and beyond academia.
Past TRaCE Talks
Explore recordings from previous TRaCE Talks, organized by career theme. Where available, links to recorded sessions are included. Some in-person events were not recorded and therefore do not have video links.
Research, Policy & Public Impact
Careers in Policy and Research Analysis (2025)
Learn how PhD graduates contribute to public policy and government decision-making through research, analysis, and strategic advising.
Watch Careers in Policy and Research Analysis (2025)
Careers in Research and Policy Analysis (2024)
Explore how PhD graduates apply research expertise to policy development, program evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making across sectors.
Watch Careers in Research and Policy Analysis (2024)
Careers in Community Development (2024)
Discover careers dedicated to strengthening communities through applied research, inclusive programming, and social change initiatives.
Watch Careers in Community Development (2024)
Careers in Non-Profit Organizations (2024)
Hear from alumni working in mission-driven organizations focused on education, philanthropy, equity, and social impact.
Watch Careers in Non-Profit Organizations (2024)
Careers in Research and Policy Analysis (2024)
Learn how doctoral training prepares graduates to evaluate evidence, inform policy, and contribute to decision-making in government and public organizations.
Watch Careers in Research and Policy Analysis (2024)
Careers in Research Management and Promotion (2023)
Learn how PhD graduates support and advance research through funding programs, grant development, and institutional leadership.
Communication, Education & Knowledge Mobilization
Alternative Academic Careers (2026)
Learn how PhD graduates have built meaningful careers in higher education administration, research funding, and mission-driven organizations while remaining closely connected to academic communities.
In-Person Event
Careers in Knowledge Translation and Communication (2026)
Explore careers that connect research, policy, and the public through knowledge mobilization, communication, and engagement.
Watch Careers in Knowledge Translation and Communication (2026)
Careers in Knowledge Translation and Communication (2025)
Explore careers that connect research, policy, and practice through communications, knowledge mobilization, public engagement, and strategic storytelling. Panelists share how they help research reach broader audiences and create meaningful impact.
In-Person Event
TRaCE Talks/Connected Academics: Journey from Academia (2024)
Explore how PhD graduates navigated the transition from academia to careers in cultural institutions, technology, and higher education while reflecting on the opportunities and challenges of career exploration beyond the professoriate.
In-Person Event
TRaCE Talks/Connected Academics: The Journey Beyond Academia for Arts Graduate Students (2024)
Arts PhD alumni reflect on career exploration, professional identity, and opportunities beyond traditional academic pathways.
In-Person Event
Careers in Teaching Beyond the Tenure Track (2024)
Discover education-focused careers where doctoral graduates apply teaching expertise outside the professoriate.
Watch Careers in Teaching Beyond the Tenure Track (2024)
Careers in Community Outreach and Education (2024)
Discover careers focused on education, outreach, and public engagement, and learn how PhD graduates are helping people access information, develop skills, and connect with their communities.
Watch Careers in Community Outreach and Education (2024)
Careers in Communications and Marketing (2023)
Hear how doctoral graduates leverage research, writing, and storytelling skills in communications and marketing roles.
Innovation, Industry & Organizational Leadership
Careers in Biotechnology and Medical Devices (2026)
Explore how PhD graduates apply scientific expertise in biotechnology, healthcare innovation, medical devices, and research-driven industry careers.
Watch Careers in Biotechnology and Medical Devices (2026)
Careers in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (2026)
Explore how PhD graduates are shaping emerging technologies through careers in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and applied research.
In-Person Event
Careers in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (2025)
Explore how PhD graduates are shaping emerging technologies through careers in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and applied research.
Watch Careers in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (2025)
Careers in Climate and Sustainability (2025)
Discover how doctoral graduates are helping address environmental challenges through careers in climate research, sustainability strategy, and public policy.
Watch Careers in Climate and Sustainability (2025)
Careers in Project Management and Leadership (2025)
Discover how PhD skills in planning, collaboration, and problem-solving translate into leadership and project management roles.
Watch Careers in Project Management and Leadership (2025)
Career Pathways for International Graduate Students (2024)
International alumni share their experiences navigating career opportunities and professional transitions after graduate studies in Canada.
Watch Career Pathways for International Graduate Students (2024)
Careers in Project Management and Leadership (2024)
Learn how graduates are leading projects, managing teams, and driving organizational initiatives across sectors.
Watch Careers in Project Management and Leadership (2024)
Careers in Technology Development (2023)
Meet alumni advancing innovation through research-intensive roles in technology development and industry.
In-Person Event
Careers in Climate and Sustainability (2023)
Hear from alumni applying their expertise to environmental research, sustainability challenges, and climate solutions.
To learn more about the alumni who have participated in the series, visit the alumni speaker directory.
Meet the Alumni Speakers
TRaCE Talks features McGill PhD alumni working in government, industry, nonprofit organizations, higher education, technology, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Browse our alumni speaker directory to learn more about past panelists and their professional journeys.
This work is licensed under a 