R'Grad Professional Pathways

Find Your Professional Pathway with Our Help

UCR offers master's and doctoral students a range of career development resources, including workshops, individual counseling sessions, and tools. Read on to discover how the Career Center, the Graduate Student Association, GradSuccess, and the Alumni Association can assist you on your professional journey.

On-Campus Resources

Career Center

Counseling
You can schedule an appointment to meet with the Graduate Student Career Specialist and discuss career-related topics including:
- Job search strategies
- Curriculum vitae (CV), resume, and cover letter writing
- Interview preparation
- Career pathway exploration and career decision making
Make an appointment through Handshake, by calling the Career Center at (951) 827-3631, or at the Career Center front desk.

Drop-ins do not require an appointment and graduate students are welcome to come in during drop-in hours Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Drop-in sign up is located at the Career Center's front desk.
Graduate Student Association (GSA) Career Center Liaison

All graduate students are welcome to take advantage of 15-minute appointments with the GSA Career Center Liaison to learn about resources offered at the Career Center, including an overview of career counseling, career events and workshops, online career resources, and accessing Handshake.

The liaison is at the Career Center Mondays from 11a.m.–12 p.m. Appointments are recommended but drop-ins are welcome. You can begin signing up for same-day appointments Monday mornings at 8 a.m.
Virtual Career Expo

The Graduate Career Consortium’s PhD and Master’s Virtual Career Expo is a one-day online recruiting event that will be hosted on Feb. 26. 2020. The expo is free for UCR students.

See which employers are taking part in the expo.

Get answers to common questions about the expo.

Watch a video about the benefits of attending a virtual career expo.
Online Resources
- UCR Handshake job listings
- Workshops and resources
- Job Search Strategies
- Mock Interview Tool - StandOut (Sign-in via Handshake)

GradSuccess

Counseling

You can visit the GradSuccess office at UOB 116 for career development resources and information. No appointment is necessary to meet with Hillary Jenks, GradSuccess director, Tuesdays from 2–4 p.m. in UOB 131.

Beth Kopacz, special topics peer mentor for networking and navigating professional relationships, is available Tuesdays from 1:30–2:30 p.m. in UOB 141. Drop ins are welcome or you can schedule an appointment with Beth online.
Professional Development Events
Connect with GradSuccess to learn more about these events:
- After Grad Events
- Grad Slam
Career Resources
Connect with GradSuccess to learn more about these resources:

Alumni Association

Career Services and Resources
The Alumni Association offers in-person and online career services to both UCR alumni and current students, including:

Off-Campus Resources

Career Planning and Development Tools

Goal Setting and Assessments
- MyIDP provides an assessment, career track, and goal-setting tool for graduate students in STEM fields.
- ImaginePhD provides an assessment, career track, and goal-setting tool for graduate students in the humanities, arts, and social sciences.
- ChemIDP provides an assessment, career track, and goal-setting tool for graduate students in the chemical sciences.
- UCLA's Career Preparation Toolkit
CV/Resume Tips

Graduate Writing Center's Helpful Links

Job Star’s CV and resume pages

Job Search’s CV page

Duke University’s CV page

Resources

Academic Careers

National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity features resources for graduate students and junior faculty in the form of webinars, writing support, and mentoring. Free access through UCR’s institutional account.

The Professor Is In features Karen Kelsky’s articles and webinars, “Unstuck” productivity program, and job application consultation services (fee-based).

Beyond the Professoriate offers career education and professional development services for graduate students pursuing careers in academic and non-academic fields.
Non-Academic Careers

Versatile PhD offers forums and job listings divided into STEM and humanities/social science fields.

Cheeky Scientist is a fee-based job search and training platform for PhDs transitioning into industry careers.

Beyond the Professoriate offers career education and professional development services for graduate students pursuing careers in academic and non-academic fields.

Job Seeking Experiences from The Chronicle of Higher Ed’s discussion forum