This symposium will focus on the many critical aspects involved in obtaining future career goals. Some of these will include how to negotiate your first job, the importance of mentorship and sponsorship, how to navigate different career options, work-life-balance, and fear of the professional unknown. The intended audience for this symposium will include graduate students, post-docs, dental students, dual degree students, and early career investigators. The session will be structured as an open agenda panel, with a moderator to help guide discussions. The following panelists have been identified from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to enrich the learning and discussion for this session.