CAPD has services in Building 7 and Building E17! Learn where to go for what you need.

PhD Students

If you’re in a PhD program at MIT, you are an exceptional researcher and scholar. With your deep knowledge and skills set, there are no limits to what you can achieve. When you can do so much, narrowing your options and making decisions about what you want to do and where you want to go can be daunting. We’re here to help. Visit CAPD for a one-on-one conversation and address your questions with an advisor, use our resources to learn new skills like networking, and join our workshops to help you refine your job documents and search strategies. Whether you decide to pursue a career in academe, government, non-profit, or industry CAPD is ready to support you.

two women in office setting

Career Appointments

Schedule a one-on-one career advising appointment to discuss any career questions you might have. All of our advisors are trained and experienced in working with PhDs. We can help you with exploration and planning, job/internship searches, application materials, interviews, salary negotiations, and any other questions or concerns. Have questions about PhD career advising? Contact Alexis Boyer.

A person types on a laptop.

Application materials for PhDs and Postdocs: Examples and how-to guides

These resources are designed for MIT PhDs and postdocs to serve as guides through the process of career document preparation. Whether you’re converting your CV into a resume for an industry role, refining your CV for an academic job search, or creating other documents, you’ll find examples, how-to guides, and strategies here.

The words "graduate student professional development' over a backdrop of an MIT dome

Graduate Professional Development

MIT’s comprehensive collection of professional development opportunities are designed to help graduate students develop skills and knowledge valuable for any career path you decide to follow, within and beyond academe.

Graduate student professional development is skills-based training complementary to your discipline-based coursework, focusing on seven competency areas: career advancement, communication, interpersonal development, leadership and mentoring, personal development, social responsibility, and teaching.

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Career Exploration for PhDs

Have you ever wondered what’s out there for someone with your advanced skills and training? How do you find out what all the options are for PhDs? How did your mentors and advisors start their careers? Apply your researcher’s mind to career exploration and find answers to your most pressing questions about PhD careers. CAPD has what you need to start exploring career possibilities and forge your own path.

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Workshops and Events

Take advantage of all MIT has to offer by participating in Institute career fairs and CAPD workshops and events tailored for PhDs. Refine your job documents, discover ways to develop your professional skills before you hit the job market, or learn how to leverage the power of your MIT network.

  • Hear about upcoming CAPD events through the Graduate Career Newsletter. Not getting the newsletter? Check your spam filters to make sure it gets through from Handshake!
  • Is your organization or academic department interested in specialized graduate career programming? Contact Alexis Boyer.

Professional Development Workshops with the hosts of the Squiggly Career Podcast

News & Articles

Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis, hosts of The Squiggly Career, are coming to campus on Friday, February 27th to lead two workshops on professional development for graduate students.

Session 1: 10 – 11:30 am (RSVP link)

Session 2: 1:30 – …

By Tara Thakurta
Tara Thakurta Graduate Community Fellow
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IAP 2026 Career Exploration Events

News & Articles

CAPD will support you to find help in navigating careers and opportunities through January IAP career exploration events. These resources are designed to help you explore different paths, build confidence, and prepare for future opportunities.

Learn more and register for …

By Qingqing Ouyang
Qingqing Ouyang Career Exploration Leader
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2026 Sundance Institute Ignite X Adobe Fellowship

News & Articles

The Sundance Institute and Adobe are teaming up to find the next 10 Sundance Institute Ignite x Adobe Fellows. Submit a one- to 15-minute short that shows us your artistic vision and unique voice as a filmmaker.

Deadline for submission …

By Erik Pavesic
Erik Pavesic Assistant Director, Career Advising & Training
Send Email
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Millennium Oceans Prize – Priority deadline January 31st!

News & Articles

The Millennium Oceans Prize, which awards up to $5000 to a student (undergrad or graduate) who is working toward the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 of protecting and preserving Life under Water, is returning to support and celebrate students who …

By Kendel Jester
Kendel Jester Assistant Director, Early Career Engagement
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15.620 Patent Law Fundamentals – Spring H4 Course

News & Articles

Interested in learning more about patent law? Take 15.620 Patent Law Fundamentals during the spring H4 term (April and May)! This course was specifically designed for undergrad and grad students in all MIT departments.

There are no pre-requisites, and no …

By Tianna Ransom
Tianna Ransom Assistant Director, Career Exploration
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Journee Harris, Grad Student Career Exploration Grant Recipient

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Izzat Jarudi

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  • Co-founder and CEO Edifii
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Natalija Jovanovic

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Breanna Lam, Grad Student Career Exploration Grant Recipient

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Alex Mozdzanowska

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Sivananda Reddy

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Featured Resources

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Academia & education job/internship search sites

Comprehensive job sites that list academic positions (higher education) at all different levels and for all fields (mostly focused within …

Application Materials for a Faculty Job Search

The following materials are commonly requested.  We encourage you to schedule an appointment with a career advisor to review your …

Academic Interviews (Faculty Positions)

Interviews for faculty positions often include two rounds:

First round – Phone or Video  (20-40 minutes)

This is an initial …

Choosing between job offers (worksheet)

Choosing between job offers (worksheet)

Receiving two or more job offers can be both an exciting and stressful time. Whether you are waiting to hear …

Academic Job Offers

If you receive an academic job offer, express interest, and then take the time to carefully assess whether the offer …

Tips for virtual career fairs

Virtual career fairs offer the opportunity for students and employers to connect in ways that transcend physical distances, at greater …

View All Resources