Explore Options

Career preparation both in and beyond academia:

  • Cornell Doctoral Alumni Career Outcomes – an interactive report on the employment status and career-related perceptions of Cornell’s doctoral alumni. 
  • Do You Need a Postdoc Position?
  • ImaginePh.D. – A free, online career exploration and planning tool for Ph.D. students and postdoctoral scholars in the disciplines of humanities and social sciences.
  • Careers Beyond Academia – Careers Beyond Academia gives Ph.D. students and postdocs the chance to test-drive specific aspects of various careers through flexible, experiential, empowering opportunities.

Careers in academia:

  • Academic Job Search Series – Are you interested in pursuing your career in academia? Several Graduate School offices collaboratively offer workshops and events to learn about the academic job search process.
  • Future Faculty and Academic Careers – Explore professional development opportunities on important topics in teaching, mentoring, and academic career preparation.
  • Center for Teaching Innovation (CTI) – CTI offers a range of programs and services to support effective teaching and learning practices at Cornell.

Pursuing a postdoctoral position:

  • Office of Postdoctoral Studies – If you are interested in pursuing postdoctoral studies, contact Christine Holmes, the director of the Office of Postdoctoral Studies.
  • National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) – The NPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of postdoctoral experience. You can find postdoctoral opportunities here.

Careers beyond academia:

Explore job opportunities:

Prior to taking action, explore what types of career opportunities are available to you based on your interest and skills by visiting any of the following job search engine sites:

  • Cornell Handshake – A great tool for exploring job/internship opportunities. You can also find upcoming career events inside and outside Cornell.
  • USAJobs and Careers in Government – Explore federal employment opportunities across the United States and around the world.
  • HigherEdJobs – Explore various administrative career opportunities in higher education.
  • Idealist – Explore career opportunities in nonprofit organizations.

Expand your professional network:

  • Networking Skills and Building a Network – Learn why networking is important and how to build it to develop and prepare for your career goals.
  • Informational Interviews – A specific networking tool for learning firsthand about a career path, employer, industry, or other career information.
  • LinkedIn – Create a profile to manage your professional brand and join LinkedIn groups to build your professional network.
  • CUeLINKS– A university-wide platform promoting connections between students and alumni or friends of Cornell who are eager to share their knowledge and experiences beyond academia.

Additional resources:

The following links provide career and professional development advice to graduate students and postdocs.