Course: GRAD 696-001 – Professional Career Development for STEM PhDs

1 Credit – Fall 2023 - 7 week 1st

Are you wondering what your career options are outside of the academy and how to explore them? How can you best position yourself for your future by developing the necessary skills and experiences?

In this course, we will explore the diverse array of careers available to you, meet STEM professionals, create your network, and design an individual career development plan that will guide you through your graduate experience and prepare you for diverse careers. This dynamic and interactive “flipped classroom” course provides guidance and resources to help you make informed decisions about your professional options with a PhD in a STEM field.

All applicants must be currently enrolled in a PhD program at the University of Arizona in a STEM discipline.

How this course works: Most weeks there will be a short (10-15 minute) video to watch and a short related assignment due prior to class. These assignments will include writing short reports and reflections on weekly tasks such as self-assessment, decoding job ads, creating a networking/mentoring list, informational interview questions, creating a career plan, and a personal career journal designed to help you with your job materials and interviews.

We will meet each week to have energetic and involved conversations about diverse careers and address your questions and concerns about your career path. This will be your opportunity to ask questions and practice your career related skills in an inclusive and welcoming environment. You should come out of this course with an assessment of your own career interests, skills, and experiences; an Individual Career Development Plan; a network of relevant STEM professionals; and expertise in conducting informational interviews with STEM professionals.