Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies has purchased institutional subscriptions to Beyond Graduate School, designed for masters students, and Beyond the Professoriate, designed for PhD students and Postdocs.
Created to provide career training tailored for graduate students’ and postdocs' unique needs and demands, these platforms help you to explore career options; learn job search strategies through structured curriculum; and secure employment in your field of interest. Features and offerings include self-paced courses, workbooks, and virtual events such as career panels and interviews, as well as job search trainings (e.g. resume writing, preparing for interviews, networking, etc.).
- Beyond Graduate School is designed for master's students:
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- Beyond the Professoriate is designed for doctoral students and postdocs
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ɬŔď·¬ grad students and postdocs have access to both platforms so feel free to explore both! You must be actively registered to access the platforms.
ɬŔď·¬ Alumni also have access to these platforms! (PhD and Postdoc alumni have access to Beyond the Professoriate. Master's alumni have access to Beyond Grad School).
Upcoming Events
Beyond the Professoriate
(for PhDs and Postdocs)
Why a Successful Job Search Is a Focused Job Search
January 14, 12pm -12:45pm (online)
When launching a nonacademic job search, it can be tempting to “cast a wide net” and apply to jobs across multiple career fields. Unfortunately, this isn’t an effective strategy—and it often leaves PhDs feeling frustrated and confused by the lack of responses from employers. If you’re ready to actively apply for nonacademic jobs, you’ll need to ensure you’ve done enough research to focus on ONE specific career path. Academic and professional employers use very different criteria when evaluating job candidates. To succeed in a nonacademic job search, grad students and PhDs will need to adopt a different job search strategy. In this webinar, we’ll discuss why PhDs need to choose a specific career path to focus their job search efforts. This session is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- How is nonacademic hiring different from academic hiring?
- Why do I need to focus on one career path? Can’t I apply broadly to a range of positions and fields?
- How do I focus my job search, and how will this lead to success?
How to Identify and Research Non-Academic Employers
February 4, 12pm -12:45pm (online)
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Researching potential employers is an important part of applying to nonacademic jobs. It helps PhDs connect with local professionals, identify what organizations they can apply to, and ensure their career goals align with the mission and values of future employers. Career satisfaction comes from working with people you like and respect, engaging in work that uses your skills and talents, being fairly compensated, and finding alignment between your values and an organization’s mission. Learning how to research nonacademic employers is key to finding that fit. Note: in a job market where hiring has slowed, career changers like PhDs may encounter additional challenges in their job search. In this webinar, we’ll also discuss how to assess your immediate priorities and build toward long-term career satisfaction. This webinar is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- Why do I need to research employers? Can’t I just submit my resume and wait?
- Where do I begin when researching nonacademic employers?
- How do I know if nonacademic employers will hire someone with my background?
- How can I find nonacademic employers who have hired international students/PhDs?
Why Generic Resumes Won’t Get You a Job Offer
Sending out resume after resume, but not hearing back? You’re not alone. Nearly half of graduate students (48%) believe that submitting resumes to online job postings is the most effective way to land a job. But it’s not an effective strategy, and this approach often leaves graduate students and PhDs feeling frustrated in their job search. Add to this the challenges of job searching in an AI-driven job market, where generative AI-tools have made it easy for job seekers to churn out nearly identical resumes. In this competitive environment, PhDs must tailor their application materials and adopt a more strategic approach to job searching. Join Beyond the Professoriate for this webinar on why generic resumes won’t get you a job offer — and what you should spend your time and focus on instead.
This webinar is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- Why do I need to tailor my resume for each job posting?
- If resumes won’t get me a job offer, what should I focus on instead?
- How can I unlock new opportunities and access the hidden job market?
Will AI Help or Hurt My Job Search?
March 4, 12pm -12:45pm (online)
Job seekers are increasingly turning to generative-AI tools to help them in their job search. Resume builders, job search matching, and interview preparation tools all promise to help job seekers find and land the best jobs. But when millions of job seekers are using these tools and churning out nearly identical documents, standing out becomes nearly impossible. Overreliance on generic AI templates can hurt job seekers in an already saturated and highly competitive job market. But can AI help your job search in any way? And how? Join Beyond the Professoriate for this upcoming webinar on how AI can help — and also hinder — PhDs in their job search process. This webinar is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- What are the promises and perils of using AI in your job search?
- Are there ways to use AI in your job search without losing your authentic voice or competitive edge?
- What makes you stand out in a hyper-competitive job market?
How to Build and Grow Your Network for Non-Academic Jobs
One of the most common questions we receive from PhDs exploring non-academic career options is: how do I build and grow my network beyond academia? Growing and maintaining a network takes time, but it is especially important for PhDs, many of whom have limited connections with professionals in other career fields. A network is one of the most critical
parts of your job search, and can make a significant different in how long a job search lasts. Staying connected to, and engaging with, professionals in your career field of interest means that you’ll be top-of-mind when new job opportunities arise. This is your chance to stand out in a crowded and highly competitive job market. Join Beyond Prof for this webinar designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- How do I maintain relationships with people I connect / network with?
- How can I stay connected with people virtually?
- How can I continue to expand my network while job searching?
How to Build a Stand-Out LinkedIn Profile
One of the most important tools PhDs can leverage in their job search is LinkedIn. LinkedIn can help you connect with key people and organizations during your job search, help you learn industry trends, and help you build a community of professionals in your new career field. But to effectively leverage LinkedIn, you’ll need to have a strong LinkedIn profile that clearly communicates who you are as a professional. Your LinkedIn profile will be the first impression colleagues and employers have of you, so it’s important that your profile is well-written, impactful, and accurately portrays who you are and what you do. This webinar is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- Why is LinkedIn an important part of a nonacademic job search?
- How should I use LinkedIn strategically and effectively in my job search?
- What makes a good LinkedIn profile? How should I craft one as a PhD exploring nonacademic careers?
How to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market
A quick glance at LinkedIn job postings shows hundreds of applicants competing for the same roles every day. Today’s job market is highly competitive, often saturated, and hiring has slowed across nearly all sectors. It’s one of the most challenging environments job seekers have faced in years.
So how can you stand out as a PhD in this crowded market? Join the Beyond Prof team for this webinar on how PhDs can stand out in a competitive job market — and key factors to consider as you explore your options. International candidates may have additional personal and legal considerations, for instance, and all PhDs should take into account their personal and financial needs when planning their next steps. This webinar is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
· How can I stand out in competitive job market if I have limited industry experience?
· What catches an employers attention in a crowded job market?
· How do I navigate additional factors in my job search—such as visas, geographic constraints, or funding considerations?
PhD Career Conference
From May 4–8, Beyond the Professoriate will host its annual PhD Career Conference, designed to help PhDs build a strong foundation for a successful nonacademic job search. If you’re in the final year of your program, a postdoc planning your next steps, or a graduate student exploring your career options, this conference series is for you. Over the course of the week, you’ll learn what it takes to build a meaningful career beyond the professoriate. This special event is open to doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines. Each day, we’ll explore a key aspect of the nonacademic job search to help you strategically plan your next steps:
- May 4: What employers actually value about your degree
- May 5: How to write a resume
- May 6: How to network when you don’t have a network
- May 7: Using LinkedIn in your job search
- May 8: Advice for international students on the job market
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Past webinars
How to Use the PhD Training Platform in Your Job Search
September 3, 12pm - 1pm (online)
Now more than ever, PhDs work in a variety of career fields, leveraging their education and training to build meaningful careers after their degree or postdoc. But making the transition takes time — most job searches take 6+ months to explore career options, build a network, and apply strategically to postings.
So what can you do today to set yourself up for a successful job search?
In this webinar, you’ll learn how to make the most out of the PhD Career Training Platform. Access to this platform means you don’t have to navigate the job search alone—you have access to a research-informed toolkit designed specifically to support graduate students and postdocs in both academic and nonacademic job searches.
By the end of this session, you’ll be able to:
- Confidently navigate the PhD Career Training Platform to support your academic or nonacademic job search.
- Apply proven strategies to explore your career options.
- Understand the timeline of a job search and take practical steps to get started today
Is a Faculty Job Right for You?
September 17, 12pm - 1pm (online)
Most doctoral students and postdocs pursue a PhD with the goal of becoming a university professor. But today’s academic job market is highly competitive and a tenure-track role may not be the right fit for everyone. As your values, life circumstances, and career goals evolve, it’s important to reassess what career paths align with your personal and professional needs. In today’s creative economy, PhDs are thriving in a wide range of roles — both within and beyond academia.
So how do you decide if a faculty job is right for you? How do you make a confident, informed decision about what career path to pursue?
This webinar is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- How do I know if pursuing a faculty position is the right choice for me?
- How long should I stay on the academic job market?
- How do I evaluate whether my goals and values align with a faculty career?
- What are my options if I decide not to pursue a tenure-track path
How to Explore Career Options in Industry
October 1, 12pm - 1pm (online)
PhDs are driven to build careers that offer impact, purpose, and intellectual challenge—they want careers where they can apply their skills and continue growing. And in today’s creative economy, there are countless opportunities for smart researchers outside academia. But how do you find a career path in industry that’s the right fit for YOU?
Join the Beyond Prof team for this webinar where you’ll learn how to begin identifying career pathways that align with your interest, values, and strengths. We’ll discuss how you can turn career exploration into a manageable and empowering process.
This virtual session is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- How do I find a career that aligns with my unique backgrounds, skills, and goals?
- How do I evaluate if a job or field is a good fit for me?
- Once I’ve identified career options, where do I begin my job search?
How to Build a LinkedIn Profile for an Industry Job Search
October 15, 12pm - 1pm (online)
LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform—and an essential tool for PhDs exploring careers beyond academia. If you’re new to LinkedIn or unsure how to use it effectively in an industry job search, this webinar is for you.
You’ll learn how to create a compelling profile that clearly communicates who you are, where you’re headed, and the value you bring to nonacademic employers. We’ll also walk through how to tailor your profile as you move through different stages of your career exploration and job search.
Register for this webinar with the Beyond Prof team to gain the tools and confidence to present yourself professionally on LinkedIn.
This virtual session is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- Why is LinkedIn important for my nonacademic job search?
- How do I write an effective “About” section that highlights my skills and goals?
- How should my LinkedIn profile evolve throughout the job search process?
Overqualified or Underqualified? Which Is It and What to Do About It
November 5, 12pm - 1pm (online)
PhDs are often told by employers that they are overqualified for positions. But they're also told that they don't have enough experience. So, which is it?
Join the Beyond Prof team for this webinar on how to break down the overqualified vs. underqualified conundrum. Learn concrete strategies for overcoming this obstacle in your job search and how to communicate your value to employers.
This webinar is uniquely designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- How should I describe my skills and experience to nonacademic employers?
- How do I communicate the value I bring to nonacademic positions?
- How can I prove I’m a qualified candidate when I do not have direct industry experience?
How to Job Search During Uncertain Times
November 19, 12pm - 1pm (online)
The funding landscape for graduate students and PhDs in the US has changed dramatically over the last year. As policy changes continue to impact the future of higher education and academic research, many students and postdocs are feeling uncertain about their future in academia.
In this webinar, the Beyond Prof team will lay out a four-step framework to help graduate students and postdocs navigate career planning during times of change. Whether you’re exploring nonacademic career options or just looking for stability, this session will provide clarity and actionable steps to help you move forward with confidence.
This webinar is uniquely designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- How can I assess my current situation in higher education?
- How can I explore my nonacademic career options?
- Why do I need to build a community to help me during these uncertain times?
How to Decide Between An Academic and Nonacademic Career [special webinar series]
December 8 - 11, 12pm - 1pm (online)
PhDs work wherever smart people are needed. In today’s creative economy, a faculty career isn’t the only option for PhDs who are seeking engaging and rewarding work. PhDs work in every part of the economy – industry, nonprofits, higher education, and government.
But what career pathway will be right for YOU?
This special workshop series is designed to walk doctoral students, PhDs and postdocs through a series of exercises to help them evaluate career options and identify next steps in building their career either as faculty or beyond the professoriate.
- December 8 - Introduction to Optimal Career Pathway/How to decide
- December 9 - How to identify your values
- December 10 - How to identify your most marketable skills
- December 11 - How to build your network using on campus resources
Who should attend: This series is uniquely designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- What other career options are available to PhDs in my discipline?
- How to identify career pathways that are right for me?
- What can I do with my PhD?
- How do I build a community to help me navigate my job search?
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Beyond Grad School
(for Masters')Ěý
Graduating This Year? How to Land a Job After Graduation
January 14, 2pm - 2:30pm (online)
Are you graduating this year? Join Beyond Graduate School for this webinar on what master’s students need to be doing now to ensure career success after graduation. We'll discuss the challenges in today's job market and how you can navigate them as a newly graduated master's student. While some factors—like changing visa policies and hiring freezes—are beyond your control, we'll help you focus on what you can do to move your career forward and strategically prepare for your future. Most importantly, remember that in the current economy, applying to positions online alone is not a winning strategy. During the webinar, we’ll talk about where to focus your efforts instead and how to prepare for a competitive job search process. This webinar is designed for master’s students from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- When should I start applying for jobs if I’m graduating this year?
- What should I do if I’m not having success applying to jobs online?
- How can I prepare for a competitive or extended job search process?Ěý
How to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market
In today’s AI-driven job market, graduate students are finding it increasingly difficult to secure employment. Hiring has slowed, the market is saturated with qualified candidates, and many students are turning to AI tools that, unfortunately, hinder their job search more than they help. “How to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market” is a virtual series designed to help master’s students navigate this new job market with confidence. You will learn essential job search strategies, tools, and techniques to navigate a hyper-competitive market. Each day, we’ll explore a key aspect of job searching as a master’s student today, so you can strategically plan your next steps. This special event is open to master’s students from all academic disciplines.
- Pre-recorded message: What employers value about your degree
- Monday, February 9th: Resume writing
- Tuesday, February 10th: Unlock the hidden job market
- Wednesday, February 11th: How to find people to network with
- Thursday, February 12th: I’m an international student, what do I need to know?
Advice for International Students Struggling in Their Job Search
March 4, 2pm - 2:30pm (online)
International master’s students often face a range of challenges that can impact their ability to land a job and remain in the United States. Additionally, students today are navigating economic and political uncertainty that can affect both their job search and immigration status. So, what can international students do to succeed in this highly competitive and uncertain job market? In this webinar, you’ll learn the components of a successful job search in North America. We’ll discuss what hiring managers look for in a competitive market and how to maximize your chances of landing a job or internship after graduation. While there are many factors beyond our control, we’ll discuss what international students CAN do to prepare for the future. Join Beyond Graduate School for this webinar designed for master’s students from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- What factors do I need to consider as an international student job searching in the US?
- What can I do to improve my chances of landing a job in the US?
- What resources on campus can help me?
How to Maintain Your Network During Your Job Search and Beyond
March 18, 2pm - 2:30pm (online)
You know how important growing your network is — but how do you keep in touch with people after an informational interview? How to you maintain those connections over time? If you’re wondering how to maintain your network as a master’s student, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we hear from students is: How do I stay in touch with people I connect with? Building and maintaining a network takes time, but it’s especially important for master’s students, many of whom have limited experience and connections in their career field. A strong network is one of the most critical parts of your job search, and can make a significant different in how long a job search lasts. Staying connected with professionals in your field means you’ll be top of mind when new opportunities arise. And having personal referrals is how you’ll stand out in a crowded and highly competitive job market. Join Beyond Graduate School or this webinar designed for master’s students from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- How do I maintain relationships with people I connect / network with?
- How can I stay connected with people virtually?
- How can I continue to expand my network while job searching?
What to Do If You’re Getting Interviews but No Job Offers
April 1, 2pm - 2:30pm (online)
Have you been getting interviews but no job offers? Job searching is challenging, and we understand how frustrating it can be not to be selected to move forward in the process. Join Beyond Graduate School for this webinar where you’ll learn what to do if you’re feeling stuck at the interview stage in your job search. We’ll discuss effective job search strategies for master’s students, what catches a hiring manager’s attention, and what you can do to stand out on the job market.
This virtual workshop is designed for master’s students from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- How can I strengthen my interview strategy?
- How can I strengthen my job search strategy?
- What are next steps I can take to move my job search forward?
What You Need to Know About Using AI at Work
Starting a new job? Congratulations! As you begin your first 90 days, you may be wondering: can I use AI at work? When, how, and should I use it? To answer these questions, you’ll first need to know your organization’s policy on generative AI. Some employers may prohibit its use entirely, while others have specific guidelines related to privacy and data sharing. You’ll also need to consider whether AI will truly help you produce your best work. Join Beyond Graduate School for this webinar to learn how you can ethically and strategically use AI in the workplace. This webinar is designed for master’s students from all academic disciplines who are wondering:
- What should I consider before using AI at work?
- What resources can I consult to answer my questions about AI use in the workplace?
- How can I use AI to enhance my productivity and efficiency?
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Past webinars
How to Navigate Career Fairs With Confidence
September 8 - 11, 2pm - 2:30pm (online)
Career-fair season is here, which means it’s time to prepare your pitch, write your resume, and start researching future employers.
If you’re looking to stand out in your internship or job search, join Beyond Graduate School for “How to Navigate Career Fairs With Confidence,” an intensive boot camp designed exclusively for master’s students. This virtual boot camp will help you prepare for upcoming career fairs and meeting with employers. You’ll learn how to introduce yourself, communicate your value, craft standout applications, and build your network.
During the week-long boot camp we’ll talk about:
- WELCOME VIDEO: How a Career Fair Fits Into Your Job Search
- Sept 8 (2 - 2:30pm ET): Setting Goals and Expectations for a Career Fair
- Sept 9 (2 - 2:30pm ET): How to Be Your Best Professional Self
- Sept 10 (2 - 2:30pm ET): The Risk of Using AI in Your Job Docs
- Sept 11 (2 - 2:30pm ET): Beyond Career Fairs: Why a Job Search Takes 6 - 9 Months
Take the guesswork out of career fairs and walk in with the confidence and strategy that get results.
Why Recruiters Are Ignoring You
October 15, 2pm - 2:30pm (online)
If you’re an early-career professional reaching out to recruiters on LinkedIn, you might find that your messages often go unanswered. Why are recruiters ignoring you?
The truth is, in the age of AI recruiters often receive hundreds of messages on LinkedIn. And they will respond to very few of them.
Join Beyond Graduate School for this webinar on why recruiters ignore outreach from job seekers and what you can do about it. This webinar is designed specifically for master’s students who are early career professionals (less than 5 years of work experience).
During the webinar you’ll learn:
- Why recruiters ignore the majority of messages they receive.
- What you should do as a job seeker looking to connect with recruiters and hiring managers.
- The most effective use of your time as a job seeker on LinkedIn, and growing your network strategically.
3 Mistakes You’re Probably Making on LinkedIn
November 5, 2pm - 2:30pm (online)
Are you finding networking on LinkedIn difficult? Not sure how to engage with employers, grow your network, or use the platform in a way that doesn’t seem self-serving?
Join Beyond Graduate School for this webinar where we’ll explore how you can effectively use LinkedIn as a tool in your job search.
We’ll talk about the 3 most common mistakes master’s students make when using LinkedIn, and better strategies for leveraging the platform in your job search. During the webinar you’ll learn:
- Common mistakes job seekers make on LinkedIn and how to avoid them.
- Proven strategies for using LinkedIn to connect with people and expand your network.
- How to use LinkedIn throughout your career — not just when you need a job.
How to Ask Your Boss for a Raise
November 19, 2pm - 2:30pm (online)
Are you earning a master’s degree to advance in your current profession? Join Beyond Graduate School for this webinar on how to negotiate a pay raise or promotion as a career advancer.
This webinar is designed for professionals with 5+ years of work experience who are working on a master’s degree.
As a career advancer, you are likely already familiar with the salary expectations and negotiation process in your career field. This webinar will help you:
- Plan your negotiation.
- Clarify your added value, skills, and knowledge so you can make the case for your advancement.
- Help you research your promotion options by reaching out to your network.
How to Use Your Master’s to Change Careers
December 10, 2pm - 2:30pm (online)
Are you completing a master’s degree to help you change career fields?
As a career changer, you face unique challenges in your job search. You might not have a network in your new field of interest. Or you might worry that hiring managers won’t consider your previous experience as relevant to your new field.
So, how do you make the case that you have the credentials, skills, AND experience to break into your new career field?
Join Beyond Graduate School for this webinar where you’ll learn:
- The importance of having a strong career transition story.
- How to network as a career changer.
- How to stand out in your job search as a career changer.