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Career Planning Checklist

Plan Your Job Search

  1. Build your network.
  • Cultivate relationships with your professors, classmates, potential employers.  Connect with UCSC alumni through Career Advice Network.
  • Join professional associations and attend conferences in your field of interest.
  1. Find a mentor.
  • As you network and meet other professionals, identify mentors who can provide career guidance. Your mentor(s) may help open doors once you embark on your job search. 
  1. Investigate industry trends and recruiting schedules.
  • Identify key skills and experiences you need to develop to stay competitive in the job market. Find opportunities to develop these skills as a student.
  • Reach out top employers that you want to work for.
  1. Attend professional events and conferences.
  • Career Center workshops for grad students include resume and cover letter writing, interviewing strategies, job search strategies, LinkedIn/networking, etc.
  • Professional associations often hold local and national conferences. Check your professional association’s website for the next upcoming event.

 

Start Your Job Search

Upon completing self-assessment, career exploration, and developing related job search skills, you will be equipped to conduct your job search. Below are resources to help you identify job opportunities in academia and beyond.

Academic 360: Academic job board for the US, Canada, Australia and UK

American Association of Community Colleges: Job bank for community college job opportunities

BioCareers.com: Job board for life science PhDs and MDs

Chronicle of Higher Education: Resources for those who are new to the academic job search including topics such as the current job market, CV advice, how to search for jobs, and interviewing advice.

Find A Post Doc: Job board dedicated to new and recently qualified PhDs

HigherEdJobs.com: U.S. and international higher education job opportunities

Inside Higher Ed: Source for higher education jobs, news, and career advice

National Postdoctoral Association: Job board and career development resources

Postdocjobs.com: A free postdoctoral job board

UniversityJobs.com: Job board for postdoctoral and faculty positions