Job Search
Transitioning to your next step can be difficult. This page is dedicated for helping PhDs and Postdoctoral Scholars have the resources to make that big jump.
Tips and Resources
Getting Started
Polish your online presence on LinkedIn
Get active on LinkedIn! GPS-STEM has hosted a variety of LinkedIn Workshops.
- LinkedIn for Beginners – Are you LinkedIn or Left Out
- Intermediate LinkedIn Workshop – Stepping Up Your LinkedIn Game
- Advanced LinkedIn
Network with professionals in your field early
It’s not about who you know but who knows you. Network and build meaningful connections so you’re the first person that comes to mind when an opportunity arises. Some great opportunities to get started:
- Life Beyond PhD Seminars
- Career nights and networking sessions
- Local professional networking events
The Job Search
Job Search Database
Craft a perfect resume
Submitting your resume gets you through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Yes a machine! Learn how to get your resumes into a person’s hand. Check out these GPS-STEM workshop and resource:
- SciPhD’s Flamingo
Prepare for an interview
The interview is an opportunity for you and the company to see if there’s a good synergy. Do you fit their culture, expectations, and can you communicate clearly?
Resources you’ll want to check out are:
- GPS-STEM Annual Mentorship Program
Continual Career Success
Stay Connected!
Growth is perpetual! Stay connected and active in the GPS-STEM community. Join the GPS-STEM LinkedIn
Forever a Learner
What happens to learning after “school” ? There’s other opportunities to continue to grow professionally. These help increase your value as professional and can be obtained on the way. Consider looking into:
- Division of Continuing Education
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- Courses (You can get these Free NOW! Click here to find out how)
- Certificates
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- Industry Certifications
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- Lean Six Sigma
- Project Management Professional
- Good Manufacturing Practices (ANSI Standards)
- Supply Chain
- Cloud/Server Computing
- AWS – AWS Certified Security – Specialty (+ more)
- Azure – Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- Google Cloud – Cloud Digital Leader (CDL) certification
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- Career Coaching
Need more help?
There’s more help and support available with UC Irvine’s Division of Career Pathways. See below.
Career Building Resources
Handshake
UCI’s Career Platform; Find Jobs, internships, workshops, employer information sessions, On-Campus Interviews, Career Resources, & More.
Big Interview
Conduct virtual mock interviews for all experience levels across many industries; Answer Builder to craft answers to behavioral based interview questions; “Interview Playbooks” to learn about different scenarios; Share videos to receive feedback
Imagine PhD
Imagine PhD is an online career exploration and planning tool; Offers a self-assessment that allows users to develop goals and map out next steps for career and professional development success; Free & available after graduation
Versatile PhD
First-hand advice about non-academic careers for STEM PhDs, including resume and cover letter samples, career autobiographies, and career panel discussions with PhD’s in industry.
Options for Success: Online, six-module course for Career Exploration.
Buzzfile
Buzzfile gives Anteaters access to detailed information on virtually every company in California and beyond; Searches can be conducted by major and results can be saved.
GoinGlobal
Reference tool designed students interested in international careers; Provides country career guides; Includes information about obtaining authorization to work in the U.S
gps-stem@uci.edu