Breadcrumb

Planning Your Career

Planning for your post-graduation career can be daunting at first. Below you will find sections with lists of different resources you can use in preparing for your future career be it in academia or other industries.

  • What the Heck Comes Next - Podcast

  • Career Planning Tools

    MyIDP: an assessment, career track, and goal-setting tool for graduate students in STEM fields. 

    ImaginePhD: an assessment, career track, and goal-setting tool for graduate students in the humanities, arts, and social sciences. 

    ChemIDP: an assessment, career track, and goal-setting tool for graduate students in the chemical sciences.

  • Resources for the Academic Job Market

    National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity: resources for graduate students and junior faculty in the form of webinars, writing support, and mentoring. Free access through UCR’s institutional account.  

    The Professor Is In: Dr. Karen Kelsky’s articles and webinars, “Unstuck” productivity program, and job application consultation services (fee-based). 

    NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education: resources for graduate students in the sciences interested in academic positions. 

  • Resources for the Non-Academic Job Market

    Beyond the Professoriate: free monthly webinars, blog posts, podcast and annual conference for PhDs exploring a range of career paths (both free and fee-based resources)

    VersatilePhD: forums and job listings divided into STEM and humanities/social science fields (free registration).   

    Cheeky Scientist: job search and training platform for PhDs transitioning into industry careers (fee-based). 

    NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education: wide range of resources for graduate students in the sciences interested in working outside academia. 

  • Additional Resources

    UCR Career Center: Offers one-on-one in-person & virtual appointments with Graduate Career Specialist, Dr. Vanessa Lee.  The Career Center also offers workshops and a weekly job search support group (with grad peer support staff) designed for graduate students. 

    UCR Alumni Center: offers a range of career services to UCR PhD and Master's program alumni. 

    After Grad: Academic Pathways Week: held annually during the fall quarter, this professional development event is geared towards graduate students interested in research-oriented academic careers. During this week, graduate students are invited to attend panels and workshops on navigating the academic job market, writing your job application materials, and finding mentors and funding. 

    After Grad: Career Pathways Week: held annually during the winter quarter, this professional development event is geared towards graduate students interested in non-academic careers. It features panels and workshops on interviewing techniques, turning your CV into a resume, the career paths of UCR alums, and more. 

    After Grad: Teaching Careers Week: held annually during the spring quarter, this professional development event is geared towards graduate students interested in teaching-focused careers. It includes panels and/or one-on-one meetings with liberal arts and community college faculty, as well as workshops on developing syllabi and delivering a teaching demonstration. A second track on Teaching Development offers interactive workshops on techniques to improve your teaching.

    Graduate Writing Center: provides writing assistance for graduate students through one-on-one consultations and workshops. Graduate students can schedule individualized consultations for assistance with any academic genre during any stage of the writing process, including job application materials for both academic and non-academic jobs.