Resources & Advice

Getting started & exploring careers

Career development and decision-making is a multi-step and dynamic process. No matter where you are in your life-long career journey, you can find career satisfaction by taking the time to build self-awareness. Start the journey here:

• Access and explore Handshake
• Schedule an appointment with a career advisor
• Conduct self-assessments
• Explore careers
• Choose a major
• Map your career plan

Gaining experience & the job search

Getting experience enables you to apply academic concepts in practice, prototype careers, develop technical & transferable skills, and network within your field. Finding a job or internship requires self-reflection, strategic planning, and the help of others! Aid in your search by…

• Networking & informational interviews
• Using LinkedIn effectively
• Attending career fairs
• Reviewing job and internship listing sites
• Developing your elevator pitch

Resumes & career writing

Resumes, cover letters, and CVs are all essential in making the case to prospective employers of why you are uniquely qualified for a role. Get started here:

• Writing about your skills (PAR statements)
• Enhance your resume (with templates)
• Sample resumes
• PhD resumes for industry jobs (with examples)
• Resume action verbs
• CV guidelines & samples
• Writing a cover letter
• Professional correspondence samples

Interviewing

You got an interview! Now what? Prepare for all aspects of the interview process and put your best foot forward by reviewing…

• Interview timelines and structure
• Using the STAR method for behavioral interviews (worksheet included)
• Virtual interviewing tips
• Sample interview questions
• Questions to ask an interviewer
• Communicating effectively with employers

Job offers & negotation

When receiving a job offer, consider the following to help you navigate the process and make an informed decision:

• Evaluating a job offer
• Review your job offer: State-by-state guides
• Choosing between offers
• Salary bench-marking data
• Negotiating an offer
• What to do if your job offer is rescinded

Academic pathways

Many consider furthering their education to gain knowledge and develop expertise, expand career opportunities, increase earning potential, and to network or work closely with experts in their field. We can help with the process.. 

• Applying to graduate school
• Distinguished fellowships
• Pursuing medical & health professions
• Writing personal essays or statements

As a graduate student, you can also connect with CAPD to deepen your skills and knowledge to complement to your academic coursework and prepare you for future careers.

• Graduate student professional development
• Application materials for the faculty job search