Industry, government, arts, nonprofits and non-faculty education careers are appealing and engaging options for any graduate student. Curious about what the world of work outside the Ivory Tower looks like? Wondering how to pursue jobs in these fields? Explore this section for guidance, resources and strategies to get you where you want to go – wherever that is. Your time in academia has honed many skills that can be applied in any number of career paths. Start here to begin your search for the next chapter of your working life.
Outside Academic Fields
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The path of an academic job application is a long one. CU Boulder has a number of resources for graduate students seeking careers inside academia. Departments and advisors can provide firsthand knowledge about a specific field and insight on the academic job search.
The CU Boulder Graduate Teacher Program (GTP) provides professional development opportunities for graduate students in all schools and colleges with a focus on current teaching, research and service responsibilities, and on your future career goals.
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Job search timeline for careers in academia
Networking inside Academia
Options for Success
Options for Success is a six-module career exploration course that is designed to assist graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in professional development. The course covers topics from identifying viable career paths, understanding the link between their degrees and the professional world, and managing the transition process from university to finding meaningful careers.
The Versatile PhD
The Versatile PhD is an online resource designed to help members of the graduate community who are interested in exploring non-academic career options. All graduate students, postdocs and alumni have free access to premium resources provided through the CU Boulder’s subscription.
