After Grad: Academic Pathways Week came and went like a high-speed train, but the lessons it imparted will last forever. Join me as I give a short summary of what I and other graduate students learned from this week-long series of panels, presentations, and workshops designed to support graduate students and postdocs who are taking their first steps towards a post-graduation career.

[Image Description: Ben Stiller, in the film Dodgeball, says “Let me hit you with some knowledge” in an exaggerated way.]

Pictured: This author, coming to impart truth

During this week, we had a plethora of illuminating sessions and I can only cover so much in this blog. You can read about them and watch their recordings on the CPW webpage

I will highlight my impressions through a discussion of three main lessons we will title: "Understand what skills you and the company you're applying to are looking for"; "Technical skills get you the interview, but soft skills get you the job!"; and "You are always growing!"

Let us begin.

"Understand what skills you and the company are looking for"

Unlike the academic job market, job titles can be misleading in non-academic fields. Titles can change between companies, so searching for a specific job title can actually limit the number of hits you get. Instead, transferable skills are the key. Find out what skills you want to practice in your job and structure your job search around those. Certain job sites allow you to search by skill or tags, which makes the process easier. Here are some questions to consider when starting your job search: What aspects of your PhD or postdoc journey did you enjoy and would like to pursue further? Did you like teaching the best? Leading a lab? Advising students? These are some of the questions that can help you narrow down what it is that you are looking for.

[Image Description: Actress Rhona Mitra sits on a sofa holding her dog. She turns her eyes to the camera and holds up a finger in a thinking posture before saying “I’ll think about it.”]

Pictured: You, thinking about the things you enjoy doing

Consequently, your resume needs to reflect what you have learned and the job you are applying for. A resume is NOT a slimmed-down CV, but a marketing document introducing your skills to a potential employer. It should reflect what the employer’s needs are so that they can easily see how you can help them fill those needs. The resume is “the trailer to your movie.” How does your background make you uniquely suited for this company? This means that every item on your resume must be there to map to a part of the job announcement. Identify the skills and qualifications the company is looking for and highlight those skills through your resume.

[Image Description: The final piece of a puzzle is slid into place. Dramatic lighting shines through the cracks in the pieces.]

Pictured: Your specified resume fitting just right with what the employer is looking for

 

“Technical skills get you the interview, but soft skills get you the job!”

A UCR alumni panelist remarked that “Technical skills get you the interview, but soft skills get you the job!” Technical skills are what is highlighted on your resume. They are the competencies and experiences you have acquired through your professional life. Soft skills are how you interact with other people. Does it seem like you're a team player?

[Image Description: Akwafina and John Mulaney high five while hosting the Academy Awards. Afterward, Akwafina turns to the camera and says “yes.”]

Pictured: Your future employer, realizing you are indeed a team player

For this, Annika Speer had some valuable insights. First, acknowledge that by getting the interview you are already doing something right. Second, even if you are working through chaos, like a messy apartment or an unpredictable life, you should “perform professionalism.” This basically means, be prepared for your interview. Practice your talk aloud to yourself and others. Prepare questions you can ask the interview, preferably ones that highlight your understanding of their needs and showcase your ability to fill those needs – make yourself memorable.

[Image Description: Scar, from The Lion King, sings “Be Prepared” at the top of his lungs.]

Pictured: Just like Scar and his hyenas, we must be prepared for our job interview.

Communication really is key. Being able to communicate the research you have done to a wide audience may just make you more interesting in the interview. Additionally, as one panelist put it: “The interviewers want to see that you are a good fit in their team for the next 20-30 years.” Dress also as someone who belongs in the position you are applying to. If your interview is virtual, test everything beforehand. Do you have a virtual background on? Do you need to turn it off? How do your appearance and surroundings speak about you as a future employee? And with virtual interviews coming into the fray, make sure your technology is ready. What does your background look like? A blank wall is good and so is a bookshelf. Have your notes and questions readily available beforehand.

[Image Description: Internet phenomenon “The Cat Lawyer” who forgot to turn off a filter that turned him into a cat during a court hearing.]

Pictured: “Cat Lawyer” is not an excuse; be prepared for the interview.

"You are always growing!"

The third lesson I will take with me from Career Pathways Week is that you are always growing both professionally and personally. Being a part of your GSA, running a study group or a student organization, working at GradSuccess, running a lab, or teaching composition. These are all examples of moments where you had responsibilities that taught you skills valuable to both your life and your career. They are also ways for you to learn about yourself.

[Image Description: Natasha Rothwell, on the series Insecure, looks to a person off-camera and says: “You know what that is? Growth” while doing a flowering gesture with her hand.]

Pictured: You, growing every day

Naledi Saul spoke in her keynote address of the importance of “finding your peace” by figuring out your skills, interests, and values. Skills are what you do all day (e.g. research, teaching, law, biology, etc.). Interests are what you want to use the skills for (e.g. working with children, curing cancer, renewable energy). Values are where you feel you can retain your integrity and do your best work. Sadly, values tends to be where we make bargains as it is the one that most directly pertains to only us. Yet, with compromised values, your skills and interests begin to break down.

[Image Description: A person wearing a flower costume does an improvised dance before pumping their fist into the air as the words “Aww yeah” appear. A rainbow shoots from the person’s hand.]

Pictured: You, after having found your peace in a place where you can practice your skills, interests, and values.

Career Pathways Week covered a wide area of topics and I am only scratching the surface in this blog post. If you are interested in seeing the recordings from any of the sessions, you can find them at the After Grad: Career Pathways Week website here.