Graduate School

Graduate School offering job search strategies workshop this spring

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Graduate School Office of Graduate Student Affairs will be offering a Job Search Strategies Workshop Series this spring specifically geared towards graduate and professional students as well as postdoctoral scholars and fellows interested in non-academic careers.   

“The Job Search Strategies Workshop series is designed to demystify the process of exploring career opportunities outside of the academy,” said Sarah Ades, associate dean for graduate student affairs and professor of biochemistry and molecular biology. “The workshop series will break down the job search process into practical steps from identifying career pathways to managing the job search to negotiating an offer. The presentations will be led by industry professionals, career development experts from Penn State and Penn State alumni who have successfully navigated the non-academic world of work.” 

All sessions in the series will be virtual and will use the same Zoom link, beginning Tuesday, Feb. 14, and recurring on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. While it is recommended that students attend all sessions, it is not required.  

The series is part of Penn State’s Accelerate to Industry (A2i) program. First developed by the North Carolina State University, A2i connects graduate students with industry companies to explore employment opportunities, with a goal of helping graduate students develop the business, leadership and communication skills that companies seek in new employees. 

Interested students can register here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Lesley Jackson, associate director of graduate student career and professional development, at law177@psu.edu. The current schedule of programs is below.  

Series schedule 

Tuesday, Feb. 14 — Career Exploration (participants will receive access to an Individual Development Plan assessment prior to this session to take if they so choose) 
 
Thursday, Feb. 16 — Networking 
 
Tuesday, Feb. 21 — Resumes/Cover Letters 
 
Thursday, Feb. 23 — Interviewing  
 
Tuesday, Feb. 28 — Job Offers and Negotiations  
 
Thursday, March 2 — Microaggressions in the Workplace and Corporate Culture 

 

Last Updated February 7, 2023