Hosted by Poverty Solutions
This fall, we will be featuring blog posts written by PhD students who participated in Career Services’ Career Exploration Initiative (CEI), a program that helps doctoral candidates explore their career interests through networking opportunities with advanced degree professionals. Click here to learn more about CEI.
My host, Dr. Amanda Nothaft, was incredibly kind, open, and helpful. We talked about the trajectory of her career, what it’s like working in policy and data analysis, and how my current PhD skills and experiences can bring value to professional settings. Working with Dr. Nothaft helped me expand my understanding of what my options were after graduation. I know now how to present my skills to employers, and I feel much more confident about the job search than I did before this program.
The most surprising thing I learned was how networking is not nearly as intimidating as I feared. Many professionals are willing and even eager to meet with people that are looking to explore their career field. They are happy to chat, answer questions, and provide insights from their own experiences. Understanding this has empowered me to continuing networking, better preparing me for my future job search.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue networking and conducting informational interviews with professionals in positions that interest me. Talking to people in the types of roles you’re considering is truly the best way to learn what it’s like to have that job and what steps can help you secure a similar position. This is not something I was doing before CEI, and I know it’s going to make my job search feel more informed and grounded. Furthermore, I now view career exploration as an ongoing process that will continue even after I graduate and start working. I previously viewed career exploration as something that would end once I got a job, but after meeting with several professionals, I know that my career can be something that will continue to develop and change throughout my life.
The most valuable advice I received was to approach the job search with confidence instead of fear. The idea of looking for a job can be nerve-wracking, but my mentor encouraged me to think of myself as a qualified candidate who can bring a lot of value to many roles. Having this mindset has helped quell my nerves about the job search, and I know it will serve me well when I begin applying to positions.
I highly recommend applying to CEI if you are looking to prepare for your career post-PhD. Whether or not you plan to stay in academia, it’s a valuable experience that will help you view yourself as a professional and learn more about what is possible. The time and effort is manageable and can be tailored to your specific needs. I also think the investment is completely worth it for what you can learn and the people you can meet.
