Supporting Graduate Students' Academic and Professional Success
Are you thinking about continuing in academia after graduating? Do you feel uncertain about the prospects of entering the academic job market? Would you like to hear people sharing their experiences from moving into academia? If so, you are in luck. For this quarter, we have Career Pathways Week – an entire week dedicated to these very questions.
[Image Description: Jack Black riding a motorcycle and reminding everyone that knowledge is power, “For real.” ]
Pictured: Knowledge is power!
This is a whole week dedicated to talks, workshops, and clinics, all centered around entering academia in a professional capacity. This blog post will cover a few of the many exciting events we have planned for you, but you can register for and read about as many events as you want by going to the Career Pathways Week 2023 website.
Important note: you must register before 5 p.m. the day before the session you want to attend to receive the Zoom link. If you have any questions, email gradsuccess@ucr.edu. Now, without further ado, let us dive right in.
The week will start Monday, November 6, with a keynote address by Dr. Lidia Kos! Dr. Lidia Kos is UCR's new Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies. She will share her perspective and insight into pursuing a faculty position at a research university. Born in Brazil, Kos received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and a Ph.D. in Neurobiology from UC Berkeley. She did her postdoctoral studies as a Fogarty Fellow at the National Institutes of Health. Kos joins UCR from Florida International University, where she was a Professor of Biology, Associate Dean of the University Graduate School, and Associate Vice President of the Office of Research and Economic Development.
This session is held in-person at the XCITE Commons (Rivera Library) and virtually (Zoom).
[Image Description: A male dressed in black is riding a beach wave on a surfboard. As he goes, flames are coming off the back of the surfboard.]
Pictured: Like a boss. Let’s do this.
On Monday, we will also be having a UCR Postdoc Panel. Postdoctoral positions are becoming increasingly important to stay competitive in the academic job market. This panel features UCR alums who participated in postdoctoral fellowships. Our panelists will discuss their experiences around the search and application process, position requirements, and time management.
This session is held in-person at the XCITE Commons (Rivera Library) and virtually (Zoom).
[Image Description: A white hedgehog running fast as he is running past a building.]
Pictured: A Hedgehog reminding all of us to keep going to the other events during Career Pathways Week.
In addition to Monday's events, we have an array of workshops and one more panel lined up for you. Do you wonder what the academic interview process is like? What should go into the cover letter? These are but a few of the questions that will be answered! The workshops are held by campus faculty and staff. We have invited recently hired faculty to come and share their experiences with the market and what their day-to-day looks like. The panel will discuss important topics such as the job search, the interview, workload, and negotiation.
Come to learn from those who have walked the path of knowledge and career advancement before you!
[Image Description: A young woman walking out of an interview and announcing that they got the job.]
Pictured: You are getting the job after listening to the amazing advice you will receive at our events.
On the second day of Career Pathways Week, join Dr. Annika Speer, Professor of Teaching, Theatre, Film, and Digital Production at UCR Theatre Department, in this workshop to learn tips for presenting yourself well during in-person and virtual interviews.
On Wednesday, join Lauren Hammond, the Coordinator of the UCR Graduate Writing Center, to learn the basics of effective academic cover letters and how you can better market your academic skills to a hiring committee. Make your cover letter stand out!
That same day, we have our UCR Recently Hired Panel. This panel consists of UCR alums who were recently hired at research universities (including at UCR!). The panelists will discuss navigating an academic job search, the application process, job talks, and interviews. Attend to become a well-informed and better prepared candidate in the competitive academic job market.
To end the day, we have partnered with XCITE and International Student Services for an hour of complimentary coffee, tea, snacks, and conversation at the XCITE Patio. Please bring your student ID. There will be a gift card raffle!
[Image Description: Spongebob on the verge of tears.]
Pictured: The sadness you will feel as Career Pathways Week ends.
Sadly, all good things end, but before that, we are ending this year's Career Pathways Week with an Academic Cover Letter Clinic. Bring the announcements for any jobs you are applying to and a draft of your cover letter; work with Graduate Writing Center consultants to tailor your cover letter to fit specific positions. Space is limited, so please sign up early to reserve your spot.
We look forward to seeing you at this year’s Career Pathways Week! To read more and register, go to the Career Pathways Week 2023 website.