Career Support & Development

It's never too early to begin thinking about your career.

It's best to start early, even as early as your first year in graduate school. You do not need to know exactly what kind of work you want to do before approaching advisers, mentors, and other experts to discuss your options. Asking questions and taking advantage of Yale's vast resources may save you a great deal of time and alert you to options that you've never considered. 

A broad range of advisers and mentors, both in your discipline and beyond, are here to help you. 

Academic Jobs 

If you choose to pursue an academic career, you will want to rely heavily on the resources within your own program, including your primary adviser, dissertation committee members, Director of Graduate Studies, and in some departments, Placement Officer. Each discipline takes a different approach to the job search, and those in your field will be familiar with the most productive options for you. 

Careers Beyond the Academy

If you are considering a career outside academia, the staff at the Office of Career Strategy (OCS) is ready to help. Their advisers can help you connect with alumni who work in your area of interest, prepare you for interviews, identify employment opportunities, and more. At OCS, you can:  

• Meet with an OCS Career Adviser and attend events hosted by OCS. 
• Explore Ph.D. Pathways.
• Identify professional experiences and internship opportunities. 
• Connect with employers and alumni through OCS events and the Yale Career Network.
• Get ready for a job search by polishing your resume and prepping for interviews.
• Review the GSAS & Postdoc Alumni Spotlight series, which highlights some of the non-faculty career paths of our alumni.
• Read the OCS Newsletter, sent weekly to all GSAS students about career opportunities and events. 

Additional Professional Development Resources for Students 

• The Academic Job Search Series co-sponsored by the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, OCS, and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.
• Workshops by OCS, other campus organizations, and student groups that provide opportunities to build professional skills and experience. 
• The 3-Minute Thesis Competition, which challenges Ph.D. students to describe their research clearly,  compellingly, and quickly to a broad audience.
• Where Do I Go from Yale? An alumni career panel and networking event for Ph.D. students. 
• Individual Development Plans for Ph.D. students, free online tools that will equip you to take charge of your professional development.