Graduate Students as Professionals
Part of the goal of graduate studies is to prepare you for a career when your studies have concluded. While many graduate students pursue careers in academia, others find positions in industry, government, or elsewhere. There are resources available for graduate students pursuing either course. Many of the skill development opportunities available through the GSLI are applicable in the world of work. The most relevant are listed below; browse the pages for learners, researchers, and instructors for more opportunities.
Graduate students are who are employed on campus (as TAs, for example) are eligible to attend professional development opportunities offered by the University’s Human Resources department.
On this page:
- Identifying Career Goals and Options
- Interview Skills
- Job Search Strategies
- Time and Project Management
- Working Effectively in Groups
- Writing a CV and Cover Letter
Identifying Career Goals and Options
Students can make individual appointments with a Career Advisor, who can address a wide variety of career-related concerns such as career indecision, self-assessment, resume and cover letter critiques, and further education planning. Appointments are free for registered students and are 50 minutes long. Career Advisors are qualified to administer and interpret the Strong Interest Inventory (SII) and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to assist students with self-assessment. These assessments are administered for a fee. Book an appointment with a Career Advisor.
Interview Skills
Online resources are available about best practises when preparing for and participating in job interviews. Students can also schedule mock interviews with Career Advisors to improve their interview skills.
Job Search Strategies
Online resources are available about conducting an effective job search including webinars and worksheets. Students can make an appointment with Career Advisors about job searching. Workshops on search strategies for academic positions are available through the World of Work workshop series for graduate students.
Time and Project Management
Whether you've struggled with time management for years, or find yourself challenged by new demands at the graduate level such as writing a thesis and balancing academics with personal responsibilities, you'll benefit from information, tools, and individual consultation on time and project management.
Working Effectively in Groups
As undergraduates, many students develop a love-hate relationship with group work. Some students appreciate the benefits, while others question whether it's worth the extra time required. Others struggle with "problem" group members, depending on others for their mark, or participating fully and actively themselves. These issues carry over to the graduate level, where many programs require group work. We offer information and advice on effectively managing group logistics, interpersonal issues, and productivity.
Writing a Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter
Online resources are available to help write effective CVs. CV and résumé critique sessions are available. Book an appointment with a Career Advisor.
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