Hosted by the Penn Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning & Innovation (CETLI)
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.
When I first contacted my host, Ian Petrie, he responded promptly, and we were able to schedule a Zoom session for an introductory meeting. He also connected me with several colleagues at CETLI who represent various subdivisions within the institution. Following Ian’s introduction, I contacted each of them individually to request a meeting, expressing my preference to meet in person in their offices whenever possible. This allowed me to gain a better understanding of their workspaces and the general office environment.
Overall, I was able to meet with everyone Ian had recommended, based on my particular interest in organizing workshops and streamlining project development for both in-person and online learning formats. In addition, I had the opportunity to shadow Ian during a monthly check-in meeting with graduate students, which provided valuable insider perspectives on his role and the ongoing initiatives at CETLI.
What did you learn from this opportunity (about yourself, potential career fields, the job search, etc.)?
This opportunity helped me gain a deeper understanding of alternative academic career paths that remain closely connected to education and the humanities. I was positively impressed by how well the Career Exploration Fellowship (CEF) is integrated within CETLI, and how aware the staff are of its goals and long-term impact. The CETLI team was exceptionally welcoming and supportive, which reinforced my sense that meaningful, intellectually engaging work exists outside the traditional tenure-track route. This experience broadened my perspective on potential career trajectories and affirmed the value of exploring roles that bridge scholarship, pedagogy, and institutional innovation.
How did your CEF experience influence your future career plans?
My CEF experience has significantly broadened my perspective on potential career trajectories within and beyond traditional academia. I am now seriously considering alternative academic paths such as instructional design, faculty development, and roles within centers for teaching and learning. Engaging with professionals at CETLI showed me how intellectually fulfilling and impactful these positions can be, particularly in shaping pedagogical practices and supporting educators across disciplines. This experience affirmed my interest in contributing to higher education through roles that blend research, teaching innovation, and institutional development.
What was the most valuable part of your CEF experience?
One of the most valuable aspects of my CEF experience was the series of workshops offered by Career Services. In particular, the LinkedIn workshop provided practical insights and strategies that I found immediately applicable. I also deeply appreciated how thoughtfully the time commitment for the fellowship was structured—it was well balanced in a way that did not interfere with my responsibilities as a PhD student, yet still created meaningful space to explore new professional pathways.
Top reason PhD students should apply to the CEF program?
First and foremost, I encourage all PhD students to take full advantage of the many resources Penn offers. Given how decentralized and expansive the university’s network can feel, the CEF program provides a valuable opportunity to explore sites beyond your home department or division. What makes this program especially meaningful is that it offers a structured and supportive environment—one where you don’t need to constantly prove yourself as you might in a traditional job market setting.
The host sites participating in the CEF program are well aware of the unique strengths and needs that PhD students bring. They are equipped with best practices to support your development. Most importantly, the program allows you to expand your network of mentors and advisors—people who are genuinely invested in your success and who can help guide you in shaping your future professional path.
