CUAHSI-AGU H3S Cyberseminar Series

The pre-application phase (i.e. when and how to start)

This panel will discuss the initial phases of the job application process such as when, where, and how to start looking for your next position. Topics, such as what positions and fellowships are available, what are the available online resources, when you should start contacting potential advisors and employers, and what questions you should be asking during this stage, will also be discussed.

The application phase (i.e. materials and interviews)

There is so much that goes into a job application, from the application materials (CV/resume, cover letter, etc.) to interviews (both phone and in-person). This session will cover each step of the application process. Panelists will share their experiences writing application documents and conducting interviews with the hope of sharing expected and unexpected aspects of the process. Panelists that have served on search committees will also provide students and early career scientists with feedback from the employer’s perspective.

The post-application negotiations

The process doesn’t end once you land your ‘dream job’. There are negotiations to be made and papers to sign, and for many recent or soon-to-be graduates, this is foreign territory. You may even have multiple offers which can be difficult to manage. In this session, panelists will discuss their experience throughout the decision and negotiation process and provide tips-and-tricks that helped them succeed in the process.

The job transition

The last session of this series will focus on the first year in your new position. Discussions will touch on how to wrap up the remaining tasks of your PhD and what to expect, what is expected, and barriers or struggles you may face in the new job. This is really an opportunity to have an open conversation with panelists about the transition from graduate school to a post-PhD position whether it is in academia, industry, or government.