Writing a research paper? Not a problem!  Book chapter? Done!  Writing a blog?  I have never done that! 

[Image Description: Vanessa Lee smiling at the viewer.]

Pictured: The face of grad student career know-how

When I was asked to write a blog post to talk about UCR’s Career Center and our services for graduate students, I was so excited!  I’ve never written a blog before!  So here it is: my first blog!  I'll be sharing with you what you could expect from the Career Center and hope after reading this blog, you would be setting up meetings with me or attend our events tailored for graduate students. 

Traditionally, the Career Center has been viewed as primarily serving undergraduate students. This notion is true to some extent and I understand the hesitancy of coming to use our services.  If you look at the job market, positions from employers/organizations that focus on university recruiting is flooded with entry-level positions. They want to come and meet lots of students and hope to get several positions filled through thee recruiting events. You, however, as graduate students – especially Ph.D. students – really do not fit into this recruiting formula. The jobs that you will be applying for – do not fit that type of recruitment strategy. Instead, grad student jobs will likely be coming out of boutique events, one-on-one conversation, networking, and targeting specialized fields.

[Image Description: Logo reading R'Grad: Professional Pathways, Resources and Guidance to Empower Your Future]

Pictured: A logos to remember when looking for grad student Career Center events!

With the current job market changing, the Career Center has re-organized to better serve our student body, and my position was born. As a Career Specialist for Graduate Students, I am tasked to provide one-on-one support for all graduate students’ career development needs. I will walk you through the entire job/internship search process from how to look for jobs/internships, decode a job description, tailor your resume/cover letter effectively, prepare for an interview (virtual or in-person), and negotiate salary. For those of you who are not so sure about your career path, I would be happy to re-examine your career goals, identify your values, interest, preferences, and skills (the VIPS), and brainstorm your next move.  My office, whether it's the physical or the virtual office, is a judgment-free zone.  I hope to create a space that you will feel comfortable to discuss topics such as possible changing career track or practicing your next interview. 

You can meet with me (virtually for now), by visiting Handshake to schedule an appointment with me.  Choose the “Graduate Student Career Counseling” category and then click on any appointment type, such as “Career Planning” and “Cover Letter Review.”  If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at Vanessa.lee@ucr.edu.

A little about me.  I received my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities (UMN).  I understand the challenges and opportunities for graduate students, and I would be happy to guide you through your career development journey.  During my free time, I like to walk with my dogs and find good milk tea spots. 

[Image Description: Vanessa standing on a path between bushes of yellow flowers. She is walking with two black dogs.]

Pictured: Next up, finding that good milk tea spot