From airport runway to social runs: Job Market Flyout Survival Guide
From your takeoff to saying goodbye, academic flyouts are a marathon of impressions. AMA DocSIG’s latest webinar brought together candid insights and hard-won tips to help you show up prepared, polished, and true to yourself.
Huge thanks to our amazing panelists—Melissa Baucum, Kaan Canayaz, and Michael Jenkins—for sharing honest, practical, and refreshing advice from their recent flyout experiences.
🎥 Watch the full recording on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/_2VLPnUx2Ew.
Key Takeaways from the Session
🧠Job Talk Structure & Preparation
Flyouts typically allow 90 minutes: 10 min intro (add a personal touch!), 40 min research content, 40 min Q&A, and preparing a robust appendix
Tailor talks for mixed audiences; practice with faculty from different backgrounds to refine delivery and prepare for curveballs
🗂️ Managing Difficult Questions
Stay calm during tech issues or interruptions
Some tough questions are tests of composure—acknowledge good points and pivot gracefully
đź‘Ź Engaging Presentation
Use visually polished slides—consider school colors and themes
Know your audience: research faculty ahead of time, and weave in local references
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Social Interactions & Etiquette
Small Talk: Ask about the local area—it shows genuine interest and helps you assess fit
Dress Code: Job talk = business formal; meals = business casual (take cues from your hosts); wear comfortable shoes
Dining: Stick to simple, familiar foods, avoid the priciest dishes, and take cue on alcohol
🧳 Logistics & Practical Considerations
Budget around $1,000 in upfront travel expenses—schools reimburse, but timelines vary
Always plan extra buffer time!
Share any accessibility needs early—great departments will accommodate and appreciate your transparency
This webinar is part of DocSIG’s continued commitment to preparing PhD students for the job market. Join us at the 2025 Summer AMA Pre-Conference for more mentorship, networking, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. We would love to have your contributions to our Who Went Where survey.
🌟 Hosted by Julia van de Sandt and Xiaoying Feng , supporting PhD students in their research journeys. DocSIG is led by Julia van de Sandt (Chair) and Ishita Nagpal (Chair-Elect). American Marketing Association Marilyn Stone Matt Weingarden
