Hosted by the Penn Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Innovation (CETLI)
This fall, 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.
Working with Ian Petrie at CETLI was an insightful and rewarding experience. Ian was highly responsive and went above and beyond to support my experience as a career exploration fellow. He guided me on whom to contact for informational interviews based on my specific interests and invited me to CETLI events that would meet my needs. He gave me great advice that significantly impacted my perspective on teaching and helped me improve my teaching experience during my PhD. I am very grateful for Ian’s mentorship throughout this fellowship.
What did you learn from this opportunity (about yourself, potential career fields, the job search, etc.)?
My experience with CETLI allowed me to deeply reflect on my teaching and career aspirations. Through discussions with Ian and other CETLI staff, I gained valuable insights into their career paths and the importance of enhancing teaching practices in higher education. This helped me clarify my own career goals and understand the steps needed to achieve them.
How did your CEF experience benefit your future career plans?
This experience broadened my perspective on career opportunities that emphasize teaching. It has inspired me to pursue roles where I can continue to develop my teaching philosophy and apply my teaching skills.
What was the most valuable part of your CEF experience?
The most valuable aspect was the connections I made with Ian and the CETLI staff. The interviews were particularly enlightening, and I plan to seek further collaboration with CETLI to strengthen my teaching philosophy as a PhD student.
Top reason PhD students should apply to the CEF program?
CEF is an excellent opportunity to network with professionals in non-academic careers. You can learn how to craft a compelling resume and conduct effective informational interviews, which can greatly enhance your communication skills.
