Getting Started

Many advanced degree holders find rewarding employment outside the academic environment once they have completed their degrees. The challenge lies in identifying the type of position you want, learning to identify opportunities, and understanding how to market the skills you have developed through your academic work. For assistance with this process, read the guide entitled How can I move into non-academic settings with my graduate (master and PhD) degree?.

Strategies for Finding Work

Once you know what type of work you want, it's time to prepare for applying.

• Identify your skills and competencies - prepare to leverage both the content and the transferable skills you have acquired
• Get your Resume prepared - or, learn how to convert your CV to a Resume
• Hone your Cover Letter
• Practice your Interview skills
• For advanced degree holders, Networking and Informational Interviews are two of the best strategies for leveraging your particular skills and experience (see below)

The Non-Academic Work Search workshop can help you understand the best strategies for your situation.

Networking & Informational Interviews

Networking is a process of developing and maintaining personal and professional relationships. Chances are you already have an academic network; the goal is to expand that network to include people who might help you find the non-academic work you are looking for.

Informational Interview is a technique that brings you face to face with people working in your field of interest. From these meetings you can gain up-to-date and detailed information about a specific organization or the industry in general. This technique is also a great way to expand your network! Login to the Career Centre to search the informational interview contacts list.

For information on these and additional job search strategies read the Finding Jobs & Employment guide.