Graduate Student Workshops and Events
Throughout the academic year, UC San Diego’s Career Services Center (CSC) hosts a variety of workshops, seminars, panels and speakers regarding career and professional development topics for current Ph.D. and master’s students. Below is a listing of many of our offerings and their frequency during the academic year. To view the dates and times for the current quarter’s workshops and events, and to register, simply Log in to your Port Triton account
.
View and print a complete CSC Program Calendar 
for this quarter.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
Questioning Career Transition Group (QCTG) for Ph.D. Students
Fall and Spring Quarter
This unique, five-session series helps doctoral students through the often difficult decision-making process of whether to pursue an academic faculty career or an alternative.Participants range from 1st – 8th year Ph.D. students with some questioning the completion of their doctoral degree and others their career trajectory upon earning a Ph.D. Although career-development information is shared and discussed at certain points during the group, this is not a job search group or resume/CV workshop.
“This group greatly helped me build confidence and calmness
about being unsure of what I wanted to do [about my career], and
it is nice to know that I am not the only one going through this.”
- Spring 2008
Facilitators
Christina Lambert, Ph.D., UCSD Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
Joe Cribari, M.A., Graduate Student Career Advisor (CSC)
Participants are expected to commit to all five sessions throughout the quarter.
Space is limited, RSVP required by calling (858) 534-3750..
Looking Beyond Academia Series
Spring Quarter
This three-part series of workshops is offered once each year and contains strategies, exercises, and small-group discussions designed to take you through the basic steps that will help you make an informed and affirmative choice of a career outside of academia.
| Session 1 | The Inside Track: self Assessment, identify options, effective networking, and the steps to an efficient and successful job search. |
| Session 2 | Translating Your Credentials: identify your transferable skills, experiences, and accomplishments, plus learn the basics on how to turn your CV into an effective and noticed résumé. |
| Session 3 | I Have an Interview—Now What? Develop a successful dialectic interview environment: learn first-hand how to effectively share your experience and skills, and understand proper interview and negotiation techniques (Often presented as a panel of industry experts, including alumni). |
Interview Practice Beyond Academia for Graduate Students
Each Quarter
Preparation goes a long way in giving you an edge! Practice answering typical industry interview questions (on-camera) and get immediate feedback from a career advisor and your peers in this relaxed and supportive environment. This workshop teaches you interview techniques and strategies, which will allow you to create an effective and comfortable dialogue during the interview. In addition, you’ll develop questions to assist you in gaining greater insight into any position and company that will allow you to make an informed and affirmative job choice.
Space is limited, RSVP required by calling (858) 534-3750..
It’s Never Too Early to Think About the Job Search
Start Learning About and Preparing for Life After Graduate School
Every Year
This workshop focuses on early preparation basics (even during the first year) for life after graduate school, whether you plan a transition into academia or beyond. Don’t wait until your last year, or when the pressure mounts, to prepare for your inevitable career transition: recognize your transferable skills and accomplishments, start making contacts, and explore the true breadth of opportunities for master’s and Ph.D. students!
Converting a CV to a Résumé Basics
Each Quarter
Resumes differ drastically from CVs. This workshop introduces graduate students to basic strategies for converting a CV to an effective resume that will get you interviews for career opportunities beyond academia. Graduate students are also introduced to the concept of “transferable skills” and given the latest information regarding current industry needs and resume styles.
Mastering the Academic Interview for Ph.D.s
Each Quarter
Practice answering typical committee questions (on-camera) and receive immediate feedback from a career advisor and your peers. This workshop helps you articulate clearly who you are and what you want to do, create an effective and comfortable dialogue, and develop questions that will ensure you are making the right decision when accepting an offer. Space is limited, RSVP required by calling (858) 534-3750..
The Academic Job Search Series
Summer or Fall Quarter
Get a head start preparing to go On the Market next fall. This three-part workshop is offered once a year and designed to provide a basic overview of the Academic Job Search process from both a liberal arts (teaching focused) and research-focused institutional perspective. It also helps current graduate students figure out how to present their credentials—on paper and in person—in the strongest possible manner.
| Session 1 | The Inside track: A General Overview of the Current State of American Academia, Networking, and How to Find a Job |
| Session 2 | Creating Your Written Credentials Basics: CV, Cover Letter, and Recommendation basics. |
| Session 3 | I Have an Interview, Now What? Set yourself apart! Conferences, Search Committees, the Job Talk, and Negotiations. (Often presented as an interdisciplinary, expert panel of distinguished faculty members from UC San Diego and local universities). 2008 Faculty Panel |
Graduate Student Career Lecture Series
A co-sponsored event involving distinguished individuals speaking on topics and issues relevant to current and essential career-development needs of master’s and Ph.D. students.
Past Lectures:
December 10, 2008
Peter Fiske, Ph.D.
Scientific Careers for Scientists & Engineers
In this well attended event, ~260 current UCSD master’s and Ph.D. students experienced a thorough, practical, and extremely entertaining overview of the process of career planning and job hunting from the perspective of a young scientist. Within each topic, Dr. Fiske discussed the particular challenges and opportunities faced by those with an advanced degree in the sciences.
Please contact Joe Cribari, Graduate Student advisor, at jcribari@ucsd.edu - if you would like to request a special program, or share comments and ideas.
Don’t miss out on the Career Services Center’s quarterly job fairs, which give graduate students the opportunity to meet employers from a wide-range of companies recruiting all education levels (including Masters and Ph.D.s) and hiring for full time, part-time, and internship positions.
If you have any questions, or need further information regarding a program, event, or registration information, please call 858.534.3750, or visit the Career Services Center (on Library Walk).