On August 7-9, 2016, the University of Michigan CBI Program hosted a Career Development Conference that brought together >130 chemical biology graduate students from 12 CBI programs across the Midwest. We used this opportunity to develop a fantastic cohort of 25 panelists across science-related careers. The three-day agenda included sessions on entrepreneurial opportunities, government, biotech, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, scientific writing, law and intellectual property, consulting, predominantly undergraduate institution academic, science education, and research university academic careers. Additionally, workshops were held on constructing resumes, applying for postdoctoral and academic positions, communicating science to the general public, and a faculty-focused workshop was held on developing mentoring relationships with trainees. See the welcome message from conference organizer Professor John Montgomery.