A successful job search involves more than checking job sites and buying a suit. Both should be helpful, but you also will need to:

  • create a well-planned strategy;
  • identify organizations for which you'd like to work;
  • research employers and their opportunities;
  • build a network of contacts;
  • create and polish your resume; and
  • practice your interviewing skills.

Some of the strategies to identify employers, talk with hiring managers, and build that valuable network of employer contacts include:

  • career fairs;
  • information interviewing;
  • professional conferences;
  • online databases and job sites;
  • on-campus interviewing; and
  • on-site visits to organizations.

Market yourself in the best fashion possible whether in the resume, cover letter, or when meeting recruiters. For many graduate students, especially those with little experience outside academia, the non-academic job search process can appear daunting as you learn to market your skills and experiences by transforming your academic experiences into practical skills sets.

Top