Graduate Student
Career Roadmap

Your career journey as a graduate student is about deepening your expertise, building specialized experience, and preparing for advanced career pathways. Use this roadmap to stay focused and intentional as you move toward your next step. Also, stay connected with GEPA.

Early Stage: Explore & Define

Focus: Clarify your goals and understand your options

What to Do:

• Reflect on your skills, interests, and values to define potential career paths (academic, industry, nonprofit, etc.)
• Meet with a Career Advisor to explore options and develop a career plan
• Create or refine your CV, resume, and LinkedIn profile
• Begin building relationships with faculty, advisors, and peers in your field
• Attend workshops or panels to learn about career pathways for graduate students

You’re Building These Competencies:

• Career & Self-Development
• Communication
• Critical Thinking

Mid Stage: Build Experience & Expertise

Focus: Gain relevant, hands-on experience and expand your skill set

What to Do:

• Pursue internships, research projects, teaching opportunities, or industry collaborations
• Develop and showcase specialized skills relevant to your field
• Present research, publish work, or contribute to professional projects
• Continue refining your CV/resume and online presence
• Network with professionals, alumni, and organizations in your area of interest

You’re Building These Competencies:

• Technology
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Professionalism

Advanced Stage: Focus & Prepare

Focus: Position yourself for your post-graduate career

What to Do:

• Clarify your target roles and industries (academic, industry, government, etc.)
• Prepare application materials tailored to your goals (CV, resume, cover letters, research/teaching statements)
• Practice interviewing, including academic or technical interviews as relevant
• Build strong relationships with mentors and request letters of recommendation
• Attend career fairs, conferences, and networking events

You’re Building These Competencies:

• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Career & Self-Development
• Professionalism

Final Stage: Launch

Focus: Transition into your next role

What to Do:

• Apply for jobs, postdocs, fellowships, or advanced professional opportunities
• Leverage your network for referrals, insights, and opportunities
• Prepare for and participate in interviews, presentations, or campus visits
• Negotiate offers and evaluate opportunities
• Meet with a Career Advisor for final guidance and decision-making support

You’re Building These Competencies:

• Professionalism
• Communication
• Leadership
• Career & Self-Development