Hosted by the Wharton Executive Leadership Program
This summer, we will be featuring blog posts written by PhD students who participated in Career Services’ Career Exploration Fellowship (CEF), a program that helps doctoral candidates explore their career interests through networking opportunities with advanced degree professionals. Click here to learn more about CEF.
Describe your experience working with your host.
I had an incredible experience working with my host. She identified my personal interests at the beginning of the fellowship and connected me with individuals that could offer insight and guidance in relation to these interests. Through these connections I built relationships that I feel will benefit me throughout my career journey.
What did you learn from this opportunity (about yourself, potential career fields, the job search, etc.)?
Prior to the fellowship, I was unaware of the array of career paths available to PhD prepared individuals. The informational interviews I conducted allowed me to learn about the trajectory of others’ careers and pathways I could consider. I also become more proficient in requesting and conducting informational interviews, which is a skill that will assist me in building future connections.
How did your CEF experience benefit your future career plans?
Being cognizant of the array of career opportunities has allowed me to consider other fields that I could pursue outside of academia. The CEF experience has also made me think more about work/life balance, which was emphasized by individuals I interviewed. I am now actively investigating other career paths to explore opportunities that may be interesting.
What was the most valuable part of your CEF experience?
The most valuable part of my CEF experience was building relationships with professionals with PhD degrees outside of my field. It expanded my understanding of the types of career opportunities I can pursue and helped me frame what is important when considering professional roles. I also appreciated how open people were about their personal journeys, which made me feel more confident about navigating the different paths my career journey may take.
Top reason PhD students should apply to the CEF program?
Understanding what your opportunities are will only strengthen your career journey, and the professional relationships you can build through CEF will support you throughout this process. By completing a program like CEF, students are better positioning themselves for success.
