Graduate Student Seminars & Events
Throughout the academic year, UC San Diego's Career Services Center hosts a variety of workshops, seminars, panels and speakers regarding career and professional development topics for current PhD and Master's students.
Below is a listing of many of our offerings and their frequency during the academic year. Subject to change.
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Annual PhD Career ConferenceThe popular UC San Diego annual PhD Career Conference takes place on a Saturday each May, and is dedicated to providing concrete and comprehensive perspectives regarding employment and career development for PhD, Master's and postdoctoral researchers. More |
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Questioning Career Transition Group (QCTG) for PhD Students
Fall and Spring Quarters
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 PhD students with some questioning the completion of their doctoral degree and others their career trajectory upon earning a PhD.
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Facilitators Christina Lambert, PhD, UCSD Counseling & Psychological Services Participants are expected to commit to all five sessions throughout the quarter. |
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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.
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Session 1 |
The Inside Track: self Assessment, identify options, effective networking, and the steps to an efficient and successful job search. |
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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. |
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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
It's Never Too Early to Think About the Job Search
Every Year
Start learning about and preparing for life after graduate school. 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 PhD students!
Converting a CV to a Resume 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.
Academic Interview Basics for PhDs
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
The Academic Job Search Series
Fall Quarter
Get a head start preparing to go on the market next fall. This three-part workshop is offered only 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.
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Session 1 |
The Inside track: A General Overview of the Current State of American Academia, Networking, and How to Find a Job |
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Session 2 |
Creating Your Written Credentials Basics: CV, Cover Letter, and Recommendation basics. |
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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). |
Mastering the Academic "Job Talk" for PhDs
Winter Quarter
A collaboration between UC San Diego's Express to Success and Career Services Center, this new seminar designed specifically for graduate students covers a range of public speaking topics to help you prepare and effectively present yourself and your research in a variety of settings, and focused on the often nerve-racking "job talk" during the on-campus interview process.
International Networking Career Mixer
for international grad students
Fall Quarter
UCSD International Graduate Students - Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and network with international UCSD alumni and corporate partners from the San Diego area who value your skills, knowledge and experience!
The search for jobs and internships can present many challenges. This annual career mixer gives current international graduate students the unique opportunity to connect with international graduate students (and industry recruiters) who have successfully transition into positions with local companies.
Hosted by the Career Services Center, School of International Relations & Pacific Studies, International Center, and Rady School of Management