Ph.D. students are often interested in exploring different career pathways that would be good fit for them but might not know where to start their search. This is particularly true of those who are interested to pathways that are non-traditional in their academic discipline.
Two valuable tools that all Penn PhD students and postdocs can access to support their exploration are ImaginePhD and the PhD Career Training Platform. In this blog, we will discuss how these platforms can empower students to explore diverse career options and prepare for a fulfilling post-Ph.D. career.
ImaginePhD is a versatile online platform designed to help Ph.D. students explore and prepare for a variety of career paths. Here’s how you can make the most of it:
- Self-Assessment: ImaginePhD offers self-assessment tools that help you identify your skills, values, and interests. This is helpful for understanding which career paths align with your personal strengths and preferences.
- Career Exploration: The platform provides information on various job families allowing you to explore different options.
- Goal Setting: You can set and track goals, whether they are related to skill development, degree completion, or job applications. This feature keeps you organized and motivated throughout your career exploration.
- Resources: ImaginePhD offers a wealth of resources, including sample resumes, cover letters, and interview tips.
PhD Career Training Platform is another great resource for Ph.D. students and postdocs considering different career paths. Here are some of the things to help you get started with making the most of this platform:
- Webinars and Panels: PhD Career Training platform offers an extensive library of webinars and panels featuring Ph.D. professionals who have successfully transitioned to non-academic careers. These insights are invaluable for understanding different career trajectories.
- Interviews and Advice: The platform provides interviews with experts in a wide range of roles, giving you access to real-world knowledge and career advice. These interviews can help you make informed decisions about your post-Ph.D. career.
- Modules on Faculty Careers: PhD Career Training Platform has a host of resources to help PhD students start mapping out the best way to prepare themselves for navigating the academic job market.
- Modules on finding roles outside of academia: It also has learning content that will help you get started with orienting yourself for diverse career pathways. It will help you start inventorying your transferable skills and building your network. We also highly recommend utilizing their accompanying workbook to make the most of these modules.
ImaginePhD and PhD Career Training Platform are tools that empower Ph.D. students to embark on successful career exploration journeys. Whether you’re considering academic or non-academic paths, these platforms offer self-assessment, career insights and practical resources to guide you. Remember, your Ph.D. is a gateway to a multitude of career possibilities, and these tools can help you navigate the path to a fulfilling post-Ph.D. career with confidence and clarity.
