The Non-academic Graduate Student Job Search
Is a job outside of academia the right option for you? A graduate degree and the skills acquired in earning it can prove valuable beyond the ivory tower. As you gain transferable skills and reflect on your interests, you’ll find your master’s or doctoral degree can translate very to a wide range of industries.
For more career resources for graduate students, visit Funding for Graduate School and The Academic Job Search sections of our website.
FAQs
Make a Career Advising Appointment and Conduct Research
It's both exciting and daunthing to think about all the new options for your career path, so we encourage you to meet early on with a career advisor. In preparation, you may want to explore these self-guided tools.
- Imagine PhD - Resource for humanities and social science graduate students to explore career options
- My IDP - Resource for S.T.E.M. Ph.D candidates in early stages of exploring career paths outside of academic research
- O*Net - career exploration by industry and job search analysis tools/salary data
Consider an internship or volunteer opportunity to gain new experience
Teaching courses and/or conducting research help you gain transferrable skills. In addition, interning or volunteering off-campus can add relevant experience to your resume in fields that might be new to you. You can find internship and volunteer opportunities on Handshake. Also consider applying for a micro-internship (paid projects) through the LUC Micro-Internship Program.
Learn how to market yourself for a job outside of academia
As part of your job search plan, you'll need to market yourself in the right way for the right opportunities. We recommend meeting with a career advisor for help with networking, interviewing, tips for your resume, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile.
- LUC's Sample Application Materials, Guides for Interviewing and LinkedIn, and BIG Interview, our interviewing platform with hundreds of specialized trainings.
- Networking events and opportunities to connect with employers listed in Handshake
- A list of transferable skills for Ph.D students created by the University of Michigan
Is a job outside of academia the right option for you? A graduate degree and the skills acquired in earning it can prove valuable beyond the ivory tower. As you gain transferable skills and reflect on your interests, you’ll find your master’s or doctoral degree can translate very to a wide range of industries.
For more career resources for graduate students, visit Funding for Graduate School and The Academic Job Search sections of our website.