Build your first career from first steps to launch
Graduate school is preparing you for work that goes well beyond your dissertation or capstone. The Career Center, in partnership with GradSuccess and the Graduate Student Resource Center (GSRC), built this page so you can find the right next step in under a minute — wherever you are in your degree.
Download a copy of the UCR Graduate Career Action Plan & IDP workbook for a step-by-step approach you can fill in and bring to your advisor.
1. Start Here - Find Your Next Steps
Not sure where to begin? Pick the thought in your head — we'll route you.
“I'm not sure what career paths fit me.”
Start with one assessment: Beyond the Professoriate / Beyond Graduate School, myIDP, ImaginePhD, or ChemIDP. Then book a 1:1 with the Graduate Student Career Specialist.
“I need a résumé or CV.”
Go to the Resume / CV Toolkit. Open the sample for your college (CHASS · CNAS · BCOE · Business), download the template, then book a review.
“I need jobs or internships.”
Activate UCR Handshake, then add the Indeed Job Search Academy + LinkedIn to your weekly routine.
“I need to talk to someone.”
Book the Graduate Student Career Specialist via Handshake appointments, or email GradSuccess / GSRC for IDP support.
“I'm an international student.”
Start with International Students & Scholars (ISS) for any work-authorization question, then come back for strategy and tools.
2. Your Road Map - Four Stages, One Path
Wherever you are in your degree, start with the stage that fits you. The same four stages apply to both PhD and master's students — the actions inside differ. View the
3. Share Resources - Tools Every Grad Student Turns To
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Career exploration : Beyond the Professoriate / Beyond Graduate School, myIDP, ImaginePhD, ChemIDP, Versatile PhD.
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Skill building : LinkedIn Learning (free for UCR students. Try the curated Grad Job Hunt, Networking, and Interview paths), GradQuant, and GSRC certificate programs.
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Coaching & networking : Graduate Student Career Specialist (Dr. Vanessa Lee), GradSuccess / GSRC (Dr. Monique Posadas), Mentorship Network.
4. Resume/CV Toolkit
Engineering
Business
5. International Student Resources
Route work-authorization (CPT/OPT) and visa questions to ISS. They are the only office authorized to advise. The Career Center supports strategy, materials, and networking. Add MyVisaJobs (non-UCR affiliated 3rd party site) for visa-sponsor research.
6. Career Fields & Action Planning
Wondering what kinds of roles your degree can lead to? Open the Career Fields Explorer → for a catalog of where UCR graduates go. Want a fillable plan you can bring to your advisor? Download the UCR Graduate Career Action Plan & IDP workbook (5 reflection questions + a one-page IDP worksheet).
7. Connect With Us
You can drop in with our student advisors, schedule a meeting with a Graduate Student Career Specialist or GSA career center liaison any time. Many questions are answered in 15 minutes.
Talk to someone
Book a 1:1 with the Graduate Student Career Specialist, Dr. Vanessa Lee. Most questions answered in one session.
Book via HandshakeQuick contacts
Dr. Vanessa Lee · Book via Handshake
Dr. Monique Posadas
gsacareercenter@ucr.edu
(951) 827-3631