Career Development Center | Student Services

Graduate Students ~ Top 10 Questions

Top 10 Questions

10) How do I find the time to complete a dissertation AND a job search?
9) What if my advisor is really against me applying outside of academia?
8) What is the difference between a resume and a CV?
7) I like to teach, but fear the research focus in academia -what can I do?
6) Is academia all that I can do?
5) As a graduate student, shouldn't I know what I want to do by now?
4) When should I start thinking about my post-graduate career?
3) I keep hearing that the market for PhDs in my field is bad - should I even bother?
2) Will my age / sexual orientation/ nationality / gender/ disability, etc. interfere with my job search?
1) How can I learn more about the CDC?

10) How do I find the time to complete a dissertation AND a job search?
Unfortunately, finding a good job takes a lot of time. Job searching, in fact, is a job in itself! However, some students find it helpful to schedule "job search" time in much the same way they would writing time. Do you need valuable time management advice? Try this site: http://wonderland.hcii.cs.cmu.edu/Randy/timetalk.htm

9) What if my advisor is really against me applying outside of academia?
This is a common fear among graduate students. It is not easy to obtain a job within academia. Many advisors realize this and are very helpful, but others are not so understanding. It is important that you take the time to assess your career needs and transferrable skills . If you are uncomfortable addressing this issue with your advisor, there are other systems of support on campus such as the CDC, graduate student organizations, and the Graduate Student Life Office. In addition to on-campus resources, the following site may be useful in addressing advisor and other graduate student problems:
http://www.gradresources.org/menus/crisis.shtml

8) What is the difference between a resume and a CV?
The curriculum vitae (CV) is submitted for such jobs as faculty/administration in higher education, research positions in government, and some business/consulting firms. They tend to be 2-5 pages in length and focus on academic experience. The resume is submitted for jobs in business/industry, non-profits, education (K-12), and government. They tend to be 1-2 pages and focus on skill sets. There are guides for both the CV and resume at the Career Development Center and we hope to have these online this summer!

7) I like to teach, but fear the research focus in academia - what can I do?
There are many universities who focus largely on teaching as opposed to research. US News and World ranks univerisities nationwide and includes research versus teaching universities - http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/corank.htm. If these are not of interest to you, consider a career at a community college! For information and job listings related to community colleges the following site may be very helpful: http://chronicle.com/free/resources/menu.php3?Category_Type=30205015

6) Is academia all that I can do?
Absolutely not! As a graduate student, you have gained valuable skills which can easily translate into other professions. Making use of such skills as analytical thinking, public speaking, and persuasive writing, many Ph.D. recipients have succeeded in journalism, counsulting, advising, management, research, and the list continues. To find information about specific careers check out: http://stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm To discuss opportunities outside of academia, look for the "PH.D. Pathways"program in the Spring.

5) As a graduate student, shouldn't I know what I want to do by now?
Discovering what your interests and career needs are takes time and it is a very personal path. The career center provides assessment tools which allow you to further explore these issues. Call (650) 725-1789 to set up an assessment appointment! Another valuable resource is: What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Nelson Bolles.

4) When should I start thinking about my post-graduate career?
It is never too early to start thinking about what you want to do. No matter where you are in your program, you can still start talking to people in professions of interest to you and establishing professional goals. Having a sense of your interests and goals ahead of time will help in the long run.

3) I keep hearing that the market for PhDs in my field is bad - should I even bother?
Like the general job market, the academic job market shifts and changes depending on hiring practices, rate of retirement of current professors, and the field interest. Therefore, the academic job search can be a difficult one. A bit of good news, however: in 2000, the average unemployment rate for those with a PH.D was 0.8% - not bad (Perspectives on the Job Market for Ph.Ds, http://www.naceweb.org). To discuss this issue more, attend the Academic Job Search Series in the Fall.

2) Will my age / sexual orientation/ nationality / gender/ disability, etc. interfere with my job search?
There are some companies and universities that are more open to differences than others. To assess openness to diversity, check out the company's/university's policies regarding diversity training, domestic partnership, childcare, family leave, diversity/affirmative action statements, etc. These can usually be found in job descriptions and on web sites for the university or company. The counselors in our center are available to discuss issues of diversity in the workplace with you more thoroughly.

1) How can I learn more about the CDC?
We are glad you asked! Peruse our web site or make an appointment with a counselor today (650) 725-1789. At the CDC, we care about your opinion. If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know!