By: Priyadharshini Manikandan, PhD Candidate, Biology
As a graduate student, the transition from academia to the professional world can be both exciting and daunting. With the right approach and preparation, however, embarking on a job search can become a smoother and more rewarding experience. Following these steps will help kickstart your job search and ensure you’re well-prepared for the journey ahead.
Leveraging Resources:
- IUPUI Career Services:
Make sure to utilize the Office of Career Services https://career.iupui.edu/students-alumni/career-services/index.html. This webpage allows access to the career services available to you, select your school from the list provided for specific information on your school’s services. Career services offers valuable services such as guidance and information tailored to your aspirations, personalized resume, and cover letter reviews to enhance your applications, and mock interviews to build confidence and refine your interviewing skills. Take advantage of these resources to maximize your chances of success in the competitive job market.
- Handshake:
Handshake https://science.iupui.edu/career-services/handshake.html is an essential platform designed to streamline your job search and career development endeavors. You can explore profiles of thousands of employers, gaining valuable insights into their missions, cultures, and available opportunities. With this information you can tailor your application materials and prepare effectively for interviews. Additionally, Handshake keeps you informed about upcoming career events such as fairs, workshops, and networking sessions. Lastly, you can apply for full-time, part-time jobs, and internships directly through Handshake, utilizing its filtering options to find opportunities aligned with your career goals.
- PFFP:
The Preparing Future Faculty and Professionals (PFFP) https://graduate.iupui.edu/support/pffp/index.html program is free and open to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who are interested in pursuing both academic and non-academic careers. It is a program developed to support graduate students to cultivate the skills needed to become an effective faculty member or to pursue a non-academic career. This program targets competencies in teaching, research, organizational/professional and service areas by providing scholars to choose from two tracks. Including PFFP on your resume, you demonstrate your commitment to professional development, teaching excellence, and preparing for diverse career paths beyond academia, as the program prepares graduate students and postdocs for careers in academia and other professional fields.
Perfecting Your Profile:
- Polish Resume/CV:
Your resume or CV serves as a snapshot of your academic achievements, professional experiences, and skills, making it essential to craft or update it thoughtfully. Tailoring your resume for each job application is crucial; highlight relevant experiences and skills while using keywords from the job description to demonstrate your qualifications and fit for the role. Moreover, go beyond listing job duties and focus on highlighting your accomplishments and contributions in each role.
- Update LinkedIn:
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for professional networking and personal branding. Begin by optimizing your profile, ensuring it reflects your latest experiences, skills, and accomplishments, accompanied by a professional photo and headline to leave a strong first impression. Next, focus on building your network by connecting with professionals in your field, including recruiters, alumni, and industry leaders. Personalize your connection requests with a brief personal note. Additionally, LinkedIn’s job alert feature will help to stay informed about relevant job openings that align with your preferences and consider following companies and joining groups related to your field for additional networking opportunities and insights into the job market.
- Free Professional Headshots Opportunities at IUPUI:
Professional headshots can enhance your online presence and make a positive impression on potential employers. Take advantage of free headshot opportunities on campus:
- Headshot opportunity during grad appreciation week – Swag & Smiles, April 2nd, UL 1126 11-2:30pm – professional headshots and swag giveaway https://events.iu.edu/iupuigrad/event/1370551-swag-smiles-professional-headshot-and-swag-giveaway
- The Office of Student Employment also has upcoming Headshot opportunities https://employment.iupui.edu/events-resources/events/index.html
Networking and Engagement:
- Attend Career Fairs:
Career fairs offer invaluable opportunities to engage with recruiters, discover job openings, and gain insights into diverse industries. Even if you’re not actively seeking employment, attending career fairs can facilitate networking by enabling you to connect with representatives from different companies and organizations. They also provide a platform to hone your communication skills and pitch yourself effectively to share your skills and interests to potential employers.
- Reach Out to Recruiters:
Building relationships with recruiters can open doors to exciting job opportunities and valuable insights. To initiate these relationships, consider reaching out to recruiters via multiple channels. Utilize LinkedIn as a powerful platform to send personalized messages expressing your interest in their company or industry. Introduce yourself briefly, highlight your qualifications, and inquire about potential opportunities within their organization. Additionally, attend networking events, employer information sessions, and industry conferences where recruiters frequently participate. After engaging in these meaningful conversations, follow up with thank-you notes or emails to maintain connections and leave a lasting impression. Furthermore, consider requesting informational interviews or field visits with recruiters to gain deeper insights into their organization, hiring processes, and industry trends.
Interview Preparation:
- Research and Preparation:
Preparation is key to performing well in job interviews. Before your interview, conduct thorough research on the company or department to familiarize yourself with their mission, values, products/services, and recent developments. Understand how your skills and experiences align with their needs and priorities. Carefully review the job description to identify the key qualifications, responsibilities, and expectations. Prepare specific examples from your experiences that demonstrate your fit for the role. Research salary ranges for similar positions in your industry and location using online resources like Glassdoor and have a realistic expectation. Lastly, prepare to answer these types of questions:
- Tell me about a time you failed/were wrong.
- Tell me some of your strengths and weaknesses and give examples.
- Tell me about yourself- research interests, professional goals…
- What do you know about our company/what makes you a good match or fit/ why should we hire you.
Even if you’re not actively job searching, continue to refine your skills and stay updated on industry trends. By utilizing available resources, perfecting your profile, networking effectively, and preparing diligently for interviews, you can set yourself up for success in the professional world. Remember, each step you take brings you closer to your career goals!