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Graduate Students

At UC Merced, we take a holistic approach to graduate student and postdoctoral scholar preparation. Whether your goal is a career in academia, industry, government, or elsewhere -- professional development can expand your options and make you more marketable to employers. The Student Career Center, together with the UC Merced Graduate Division, provides multiple resources, as well as workshops and career coaching to support the many paths graduate students choose to pursue.

At any point in your graduate career, we can help you develop as a polished, successful professional and realize your goals

UCMGradPRO: Career Guidance and Prep

Whether you are preparing for a career in academia, industry, government, or the nonprofit world, UCM GradPRO is here to support your journey. Explore tools to find the next steps that fit your goals

Graduate Student Professional Development Opportunities

UC Merced's Graduate Division provides a comprehensive array of services to support professional development initiatives for graduate students and postdocs. Learn More on Graduate Division's Professional Development Website. 

 

Career Launchpad: Tools for Graduate Students

Visit Graduate Division's Career Launchpad to learn more about Workshops and Courses to support Graduate Student Career preparedness and success. 

 

On Demand Career Resources

Current graduate students and alumni of UC Merced may access career resources available on-line, in-person and on-demand. Delve into great platforms such as Handshake, StandOut practice interviewing, Forage Virtual Experiences, Indeed.com Job Search Academy, Parker Dewey Micro-Internships, Global Mentorship Initiative, and more. Embrace these invaluable on-demand resources and equip yourself as you prepare for success.  Learn More about On Demand Resources available through the Career Center

 

Guide To Academic Career Paths

The Grad Guide Academic Careers includes tips and resources for conducting an academic job search,  researching the academic job market, writing a Curriculum Vitae (CV), preparing for an Academic On Campus Interview, and negotiating an Academic Job Offer.

Grad Guide - Academic Careers
 

Industry Jobs

Did you know? More than 50% of PhD holders in the U.S. pursue careers outside of academia (NSF Survey of Doctorate Recipients, Council of Graduate Schools). 

But if you are interested in a career in industry after graduation, or are even considering it as an option, let us  help you explore your options and take confident steps toward your future in a timely manner.

Year 1: Early Self-Development, Career Exploration & Peer Support

  • Attend a Career Center orientation/overview (e.g. Summer Bridge or GROW).
  • Complete a career/skills self-assessment offered by Student Career Center (e.g., Clifton Strengths).
  • Activate & complete Handshake Account.
  • Join us for an Industry vs. Academia career pathways overview session.

Year 2: Core Professional Tools & Prepare for Opportunities

  • Update resume + LinkedIn and request feedback: track accomplishments and transferable skills.
  • Attend at least one career & internship fair and connect with an employer.
  • Complete Forage Job Simulation or Parker Dewey Micro Internship.
  • International students: learn CPT/OPT eligibility and timelines with International Student Services.

Year 3: Explore Career Interests & Gaining Experience & Professional Skills

Year 4 - 5: Prepare to Launch Professional Career

  • Conduct at least 2 informational interviews.
  • Submit at least 3 job applications: Identify 2-3 reference contacts.
  • Networking: attend at least 2 employer events or conferences.
  • International students: Complete all CPT/OPT paperwork if applicable.

Download The Industry Career Timeline

ImaginePhD

Humanities and Social Science Ph.D.’s recognize the need for resources to help bridge the knowledge gap between doctoral students and the realm of career possibilities. ImaginePhD can help you with the following:

  • Assess your career related skills, interests and values

  • Explore Career appropriate to your discipline

  • Created self-defined professional development goals

  • Map out the next steps for career and professional development success

Learn more about ImaginePHD

 

Need Career Assistance?

Participate by scheduling an appointment with a career coach. Appointments can be made on the Handshake system.

Graduate Students looking for career options can find help and information through one comprehensive job board. Handshake contains thousands of jobs outside of academia and across a range of fields and industries

View the Handshake Job Board

 

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