Where Do I Go From Yale?
Career exploration with Yale alums for GSAS students and recent grads
Events like Where Do I Go From Yale? play a crucial role in connecting students with alumni professionals in various fields, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities.
The annual conference, which is co-hosted by the Graduate School Alumni Association and the Yale Alumni Association’s Careers, Life & Yale, is a testament to Yale's tradition of mentorship and career guidance.
Meet the WDIGFY? 2026 Alumni
Hello!
Who will you connect with to expand your network?
Join us for a unique and energizing opportunity to connect with an extraordinary group of GSAS alumni—leaders, innovators, and professionals who have built meaningful careers both within and far beyond academia.
Be sure to revisit this site for updates as more alumni are added weekly!
Spring 2026 WDIGFY Programming
Join us for a virtual workshop led by a consultant from Boston Consulting Group. This session will explore structured problem-solving approaches used in business and consulting, helping you apply them beyond academia. Designed for Advanced Degree Candidates (ADCs), this workshop offers an opportunity to refine your approach to problem-solving in a new context.
Explore your current network, spot the gaps that matter, and chart where you want to grow. Along the way, gather practical strategies for strengthening and deepening your connections—and for approaching those conversations with clarity and confidence.
Don’t miss this chance to meet a remarkable group of GSAS alumni—leaders across academia, industry, the arts, nonprofits, and more—while enjoying a delicious catered buffet dinner. Come for inspiration, candid conversations, and meaningful connections that can help shape your own path after Yale.
Where Do I Go From Yale? 2026 —your chance to connect with 40+ alumni and classmates from across campus. Panels span corporate, biotech, and academic careers, with opportunities for direct 1:1 conversations during our popular networking lunch.
Throughout the day, the Student Lounge in the Humanities Quadrangle will be open for informal conversations and a live broadcast of the two plenary sessions. Representatives from the Yale Alumni Association, Office of Career Strategies, and GSAS Professional Development will be on hand for you to learn more about their programs.
Come dressed to impress! The Yale Student Alumni Association has generously made arrangements for a PopCam to capture your headshot - perfect for LinkedIn and other professional profiles.
- 8:30 am: Welcome Reception – Coffee + Conversation
- 9:00 - 10:00 am: Translating Graduate Training into Corporate Employers
Curious about turning your graduate training into a powerful asset for corporate roles? Join a conversation with professionals who’ve made the leap beyond academia. Hear how they navigated new career pathways and learn how to pinpoint and express the strengths your academic work has already given you—especially the skills that resonate with corporate and financial‑services employers. - 10:15 - 11:15 am: The Academic Job Market Beyond R1s and the Tenure Track
- 10:15 - 11:15 am: Standing Out in Competitive Job Applications in the Biopharmaceutical Industry
Join industry professionals as they share what sets candidates apart beyond strong research credentials. Learn how to strategically position your graduate and postdoctoral training, demonstrate impact beyond the bench, and communicate the skills that biopharmaceutical employers value most. From navigating applications and interviews to building meaningful industry connections, this panel will provide practical insights to help you stand out. - 11:30 - 12:30 pm: Crafting a Purpose-Driven Career Amid Uncertainty
- 12:30 - 2:00 pm: Networking Lunch with opportunity to join themed topical tables or connect with individuals in your own small group conversations.
Register
Join us for an in-person workshop led by a consultant from Boston Consulting Group. This session will focus on building clear, structured communication skills used in business and consulting. Designed for Advanced Degree Candidates (ADCs), the workshop helps you learn how to organize ideas, frame insights, and communicate effectively with business audiences—skills you can apply well beyond academia.
Professional Development and Career Strategy Resources for GSAS Students and Alumni
GSAS Graduate Student Professional Development
Approach your professional and career development as an integral part of your time in graduate school. Alongside your research and teaching, develop leadership skills that will prepare you for success, whether you pursue a career inside or outside the academy.
Yale Office of Career Strategy (OCS)
Explore diverse career paths, develop professional skills, build your network, and navigate a successful job search within or beyond the academy with OCS. Take advantage of one-on-one advising, comprehensive online resources, workshops, and employer events to advance your career and achieve your professional goals.
Cross Campus Networking and Mentoring platform
Cross Campus is Yale's online networking, community-building, and mentoring program. It facilitates relationships between Yalies, both among alumni and between alumni and current students.
Questions?
Debby Van Lenten
Associate Director of Engagement & Alumni Relations, Yale Graduate School