During August’s Coffee and Careers, we shared 6 Must-Know Career Tips for Graduate Students. If you missed the presentation, keep reading for these tips!
Written by Cady Stehben, from a presentation by Kaylee Simmons.
1. Use Handshake!
Did you know there are currently 1,581 job or internship opportunities for graduate students on Handshake? Not only can you look for jobs on handshake, but you can also make a career advising appointment, research companies, and learn about employers coming to campus for career fairs.
3. Network In Person
Attending conferences, career fairs, and other campus wide events, such as “Coffee and Careers” is a way to connect with peers in person. You can also network by getting involved on campus with an RSO like the Graduate Professional Student Congress, or check out Hogsync for campus wide RSOs.
5. Research Job Requirements now!
Do you know if your degree program will cover every skill you need for the job you want? What if you’re leaving academia for an industry job? Check job descriptions now to see where you need to develop skills. Lynda is a free U of A service that has over 4,000 courses taught by industry experts to develop technical and soft skills.
Bonus Tip: Upcoming presentation on “How to Use Social Media Professionally”
Thursday, September 27th, “Coffee and Careers” will be hosting a presentation on “How to Use Social Media Professionally.” Come grab some coffee and a donut with presentations beginning every 30 minutes starting at 9am until 11am in the Graduate Student Lounge (GEAR 206). Registration on Handshake is not required, but is appreciated.
2. Network Online
70-85% of jobs are found through networking! So how do you do it online?
- Use LinkedIn’s alumni tool to search for alum by location, company, or degree. Reach out to an alum who works at your dream company and ask for an informational interview
- Your program’s social media allows you to connect with current members, alum, and faculty! Find out about research or job opportunities through your peers!
- Facebook has a search tool where you can search “friends of friends who work at..” or “friends of friends who live in…” Use the tool to see how you could be one connection away from the city you’re hoping to get a job in!
4. Find a Mentor
Faculty mentors and career mentors can both give encouragement, advice, and guidance for how to navigate your specific field. Additionally, they may have a colleague to connect you to for a future job!
6. Use the Career Development Center
Make an appointment for a CV review or a mock interview! You can also utilize the CDC’s online resources, or check out career events going on across campus. The Graduate School and CDC also have teamed up to provide Graduate Student Career Advising appts on Monday’s from 12:30-2:30pm in GEAR 206! Make an appointment online at Handshake for first priority, but walk-ins are welcome too!