New Jobs & Career Transitions

Transitioning to the world of work after college is an exciting and unique time. As you navigate your new identity as an emerging or early career professional, you are simultaneously tasked with making informed financial decisions, planning for future success, and taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.

MIT’s Career Advising & Professional Development team continues to meet with alumni for up to 2 years post-graduation. Book an appointment on Handshake with a Career Advisor to discuss your career development needs. If you are past the 2-year mark, connect with the Alumni Association‘s resources. 

Resources for different phases of your career

Career Advising & Professional Development and our MIT partners will help you start out your career on the right foot when it comes to personal, financial, and professional matters. In addition to the resources below, read up on the graduate student professional development competencies to hone your skills and thrive in any professional environment. When in doubt, schedule an appointment with one of CAPD’s advisors or attend an event.

Your first professional experience

Beginning a new job is an exciting time with a lot of considerations to make. Whether you are navigating your first internship or full-time offer, knowing how to review a job offer and negotiate for what you want will allow you to set yourself up for a rewarding and financially successful career. 

a group of newly graduated MIT alum in caps and gowns, celebrating and throwing their caps in the air

Finding your way after MIT

As you continue to grow and develop within the world of work, you can supplement your experience with opportunities to gain experience in a new career area.

Your personal vs. professional identity can be challenging to navigate, and will continue to change through each experience you have. Stay connected to your peers and cultivating your professional network through professional ERG’s and MIT Alumni groups.

Once you are ready to reflect, share your knowledge with other MIT community members.

Personal life skills & financial stability

Launching into professional work culture might require you to expand your knowledgebase. Here are some resources to help you get your footing.

As you consider your financial future, build your credit score, learn about student loan repayment & forgiveness, develop a budget to match your lifestyle, and plan for the long term.

Making a pivot

Whether you are leaving your first professional role, making a career pivot (changing sectors, industry, etc.) or considering graduate school, here are some resources to get your started:

Considering a change? Talk with a trusted friend, family member, or career advisor. CAPD continues to meet with alumni for 2 years after graduation; following that period, make use of the career resources available through MIT’s Alumni Association.

Alumni Panel: Setting Yourself Up for Success in a New Job

Join a panel of MIT alumni to hear their advice on navigating the transition from the university environment to starting a new job, and how to set yourself up for success in your career progression. Potential discussion topics include: -Making …

By Amanda Cornwall
Amanda Cornwall Graduate Student Professional Development
Read more »

6 tips for making a career change, from someone who has done it

Updated December 21, 2022

By Sylvie Douglis and Keisha “TK” Dutes

Most people spend a third of their lives — or 90,000 hours — at work.

When all those hours include stress due to wage gaps, societal pressures, commuting (or endless Zoom …

By Ariel Ackermann
Ariel Ackermann Assistant Director, Early Career Engagement
Read more »

Student loan forgiveness information from Student Financial Services

MIT’s Student Financial Services (SFS) put together the following information about President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program.

Quick facts about Biden’s loan debt relief

FTC Warns borrowers of scammers after Biden’s loan cancellation announcement
Scammers are attempting to capitalize on …

By Kendel Jester
Kendel Jester Career Advisor
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How to prepare a scientific poster

By ELISABETH PAIN, Science Careers

Poster presentations at scientific conferences can provide early-career researchers with valuable opportunities to practice their communication skills, receive feedback on their research, and expand their network.

Science Careers asked researchers in a range of disciplines and career …

By Simona Rosu
Simona Rosu Senior Assistant Director, Postdoctoral Career and Professional Development
Read more »

iGrad Financial Literacy

As part of a larger Office of Graduate Education initiative supporting graduate student financial wellness, iGrad is a comprehensive platform offering training and resources on a broad range of financial topics of interest to graduate students. On the platform, you …

By Amanda Cornwall
Amanda Cornwall Graduate Student Professional Development
Read more »

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