Graduate Center Resources for Career Success
Learn about the Graduate Center's treasure trove of workshops, webinars, and other events that support graduate students in their quest for job market readiness and career advancement.
We interviewed Dr. Shawn Nordell, the Associate Director of Graduate Career Services at the Graduate Center, who discussed the array of resources available to graduate students.
The Graduate Center is currently hosting a series of workshops and webinars designed to assist students in the academic job market or those planning to enter it within the next 1-2 years. These sessions cover topics such as academic career pathways, creating ePortfolios and establishing an online presence, developing teaching and research statements, writing diversity statements, crafting effective curriculum vitae and cover letters, and preparing for academic job interviews. The workshops are facilitated by experts in their fields, including faculty members from various disciplines.
Several notable features of these workshops are that they are all free, they are all recorded, and materials are made available to registrants after each session. This ensures that students can access the content even if they can’t attend the live events.
In addition to academic-focused support, the Career Services team offers workshops for students seeking careers in business, nonprofit organizations, and government sectors. Topics include resume preparation, how to meet and engage with employers, and navigating career fairs. While some of these events have already taken place, the recorded sessions and materials are accessible through the Graduate Center's website.
The Center also offers Graduate Career Groups that provide peer support and accountability partnerships. These groups meet once a week for one hour, and students can sign up at the beginning of each month.
A Short Success Story
Dr. Nordell shared some impressive stories about how students have benefited from these free workshops and services. One graduate student, for example, worked with the career team on customizing her job application materials and preparing for on-campus interviews. To her delight, she received five interview offers! This success is not an isolated event. The career team has numerous examples of other students who benefited from their support and secured multiple interviews.
You’re invited to join the successful students who have taken advantage of the Graduate Center’s comprehensive range of resources, workshops, and support services! Whether you are pursuing a career in the academy or aiming for success in business, nonprofit, or government sectors, these resources are designed to enhance your job market readiness and career prospects.
Take Action Today!
- Register: Sign up for upcoming workshops and webinars through Handshake. Secure your spot and gain valuable insights into your chosen career path.
- Access Resources: Resources are accessible on our website even if you can't attend live. All workshops are recorded. Materials are provided to registrants after each session, ensuring you don't miss a thing.
- Join Graduate Career Groups: Seeking support and accountability for your career goals? Join the Graduate Career Groups that meet weekly, providing you with guidance and a network of like-minded peers.
- Spread the Word: Share this valuable resource with your fellow graduate students. Together, you can embark on a path of career development and success.
Important Information on Upcoming Workshops:
Register for all our events through Handshake. Use our instructions to get started.
Preparing for Faculty Job Applications Series - These workshops are an excellent opportunity for students who are currently applying for jobs or are within 1-2 years of being on the job market.
Overview of Academic Career Pathways
- September 5, 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM Arizona Time
- Facilitator: Dr. Vignesh Subbian, Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering, Systems & Industrial Engineering
Creating ePortfolios and an Online Presence
- September 12, 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM Arizona Time
- Facilitator: Phyllis Brodsky, Associate Professor of Practice, University Center for Assessment, Teaching, & Technology
Developing Your Teaching and Research Statements
- September 19, 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM Arizona Time
- Facilitator: Dr Erin Galyen – Professor of Practice, University Center for Assessment, Teaching, & Technology
Writing Diversity Statements
- September 26, 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM Arizona Time
- Facilitator: Dr. Mascha Gemein, Assistant Professor of Practice, University Center for Assessment, Teaching & Technology
Writing Your Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter
- October 3, 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM Arizona Time
- Facilitator: Dr. Shawn Nordell, Associate Director of Graduate Career Services, Assistant Professor of Practice in the Graduate College
Preparing for the Academic Job Interview
- October 10, 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM Arizona Time
- Facilitator: Dr. Jenny Hoit, Director of Postdoctoral Affairs, Professor of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences
All workshops are recorded, and materials are made available to registrants after the workshop.
Each semester we offer two Salary and Negotiation Workshops in collaboration with the American Association of University Women
- The first addresses establishing your salary goals and is offered on October 24, 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM Arizona Time via Zoom.
- The second focuses on negotiation strategies and is offered on October 26, 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM Arizona Time via Zoom.
“Introduction to Graduate Careers” covers a new topic each week for a month. In this online, self-paced resource, you will:
- Discover potential career paths
- Create your professional LinkedIn profile and develop professional connections
- Learn how to craft and tailor your job application materials
- Prepare for interviews
- You can register in Handshake at any time. The program starts at the beginning of each month.
The Career Fair Preparation Program is designed to prepare you for career fairs and for any non-academic employment opportunity. Topics include:
- Using Handshake to find employers and job opportunities
- Researching potential employers
- Preparing a tailored resume
- Crafting a self-introduction to engage employers
- Creating a plan to continue building employer relationships
Graduate Career Groups provide students with support and accountability partners for their career needs. Groups meet once a week for one hour; sign up at the beginning of the month.
October Group: Career Planning and Networking
- Thursdays Oct. 12, 19, and 26 from 3-4 PM via Zoom
- Facilitators: Isis Burks, Dee Hunter, and Shawn Nordell