Careers Outside of Academia

This section includes information and links covering:

  1. Considering careers outside academia? Read this first.
     
  2. Investigate Careers in Industry
     
  3. Prepare for Industry Careers 
     
  4. Develop your Professional Network
     
  5. Conduct an Effective Job Search

Need to get the big picture first? Check out our Tip Sheet on Non-Academic Job Search.

The career options for people with advanced degrees are incredibly diverse, and finding your career direction is often a challenge, particularly for those initially focused on academic careers only. The more definition you can bring to your intended career path outside of academia, the more likely you will find a challenging and rewarding career that uses your advanced skills and knowledge. If you are exploring career possibilities outside of academia and are unsure of what would best suit you, go to “Find Your Focus” at the bottom of this page for inspiring profiles and bios of others who have made the transition and found their niche. You can also explore what sectors and fields are associated with your discipline and find tools to generate career options based on your personal career criteria.


Navigate our other graduate student resources