Career Foundation Series Fall 2025: A2i & GPS-STEM
Join your peers for a 6-session Career Foundations Series hosted by A2i and GPS-STEM in partnership with Division of Career Pathways. This series is open to PhD students and postdoctoral scholars. It is required for you to attend each session in-person. The formal program will take place Wednesdays 1:30-3:00PM, Oct. 8 – Nov. 12. Light refreshments will be provided weekly.
Career Foundations Series is a 6-week intensive workshop certificate program. It is designed to give PhD students and postdoctoral scholars insight into and preparation for the industry job search process.
This series will be conducted in an interactive fashion, which will give participants the opportunity to draft and get feedback on their application materials, exposure to best practices for interviewing, learn techniques and practice networking.
Attendance and Participation:
Registration required to attend; open to current PhDs and Postdocs. To receive a certificate, participants must attend all sessions. In the event of an unavoidable absence, for example, due to illness, participants must coordinate a make-up session. No more than one absence will be permitted to receive the certificate. These policies are in place because attendance is important not only for individual participants, but also for the collective, as everyone will benefit from discussion and feedback.
**Participants in this program will have priority for future industry partner events and workshops, job site visits, internships, travel opportunities, etc.
Program Agenda:
Session 1: Identifying your Skills, Values, and interests
Set yourself up for success by identifying the transferable skills, values, and interests contributing to the job search and lifelong career satisfaction.
Session 2: Leveraging LinkedIn and Developing Your Professional Brand
In our interactive workshop, unlock the full potential of your LinkedIn profile and build a powerful professional brand. Learn how to craft a standout profile, connect strategically, and leverage your network effectively. We’ll cover profile optimization, strategic networking, and content creation to position yourself as a thought leader. Engage in hands-on exercises, receive personalized feedback, and leave with a clear action plan to elevate your professional presence and brand.
Session 3: Resume Lab
This hands-on session will guide you through best practices for crafting a compelling resume, tailoring it to your career goals, and showcasing your skills effectively. You will get actionable insights, refine your resume in real-time, and enhance your chances of standing out in the job market. Bring your current resume and leave with a polished, impactful version ready for your next opportunity.
Session 4: Job & Internship Timeline Management and Storytelling for Career Success
Get essential insights into the job and internship application process, including timeline management, and learn to tell stories that showcase your skills, experiences, and achievements.
Session 5: Dining Etiquette, Master Business Meals with Confidence
Join us for a hands-on dining etiquette workshop designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to make a lasting impression at professional events. Learn proper table manners, easily navigate social situations, and enhance interpersonal skills.
Session 6: Early Career Panel
For questions email: A2i@uci.edu or gps-stem@uci.edu