A graduate degree means that you have options of specializing narrowly or working as a broad generalist. In either case, the most important source of job contacts are from the faculty and friends you made in the years of your graduate study. Keep your ears open, and use your research skills to track down the job you want. There are three main areas of employment for graduate degree holders:

  • Academia
  • Private Sector
  • Public Sector

Many opportunities for advanced degree holders exist in business, industry, and government. However, it is important to realize that if you choose a path outside of academe, it may be very difficult to return for a faculty position. Some job hunting techniques are important no matter where you plan to work after graduation.

Networking

Identify Appropriate People, i.e., people who are in your fields of interest. Set up an informational interview to exchange information. Use the networks of your professors in your major and other members of your college. Through your department and other graduate students, you can get to know thousands of people in your field.

Participate and present at conferences and stay in touch with people you have met. Collaborate on joint projects. Volunteer for committee positions. Attend as many professional society meetings as possible. It is there that you will meet members of other institutions and learn about their academic culture.

Publish in your related field of interest. Ask you professors in your major for assistance.

Academic Journals related to your field can be a source of job listings. Talk to key members of your department and librarians for the names of these publications.

Join a professional organizations in your field. Most of these organizations have very useful web site resources, including both job listings and career information.

Civic Organizations give you invaluable connections to your community and can expand your potential networking sources.

Participation in appropriate listserves will keep you up-to-date in your field and expand your network.

Electronic Databases that are available in libraries can be very helpful. CareerSearch is available in the Career Development Center, and can help you identify employers in your field of interest

Academic Employment Information

Relocation is often essential for academic employment, since academic jobs are widely scattered. You will be judged upon your relevance to an institution’s goals. For example, if you are applying at a small liberal arts institution, your ability to teach will be valued more than your research. Your application should reflect the institutional focus and the area of specialization in the job announcement.

The Chronicle of Higher Education is an excellent source of information on employment and current issues affecting academia http://chronicle.com//.

Private Sector Employment

Attend Career Fairs offered by Careers Services and other colleges.

Industry Publications can be a source of job listings. Talk to key members of your college and librarians for the names of these publications.

Civic Organizations give you invaluable connections to your community can expand your potential networking sources.

MySpartanCareer has lots of employers seeking MSU graduates. Remember to use the key word search feature for all the words related to your field of interest.

Public Sector and Non-Profit

Government Opportunities can be found on several web sites. USAJOBS lists many federal opportunities. For individual states, search the web or contact state librarians. Quick search tip: if you put the standard abbreviation for the state you are searching in the "mi" section of the following web page, the state web page will be loaded. http://www.state.mi.us

The United States Government Manual is available on line and lists all Departments. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/browse-gm-02.html

Local Municipalities are a source of entry-level opportunities.

Attend Career Fairs offered by universities and organizations.

Volunteering in your community is beneficial for the civic good, but can also enhance your credentials and network. Check with community official and volunteer for projects of interest to you.

Enhance your Credentials

Internships can enhance your resume and expand your network of contacts.  Service Opportunities can enhance your credentials and often defer student loan payment.

Volunteer Match: http://www.impactonline.org/

AMERICORPS: http://www.americorps.org

Peace Corps:  http://www.peacecorps.gov/indexf.cfm

TEACHFORAMERICA: http://www.teachforamerica.org/tfa/

Student Conservation Assoc: http://www.sca-inc.org/

Post Doctoral and Fellowship positions in Universities in your field of research will enhance your credentials and network. Use your network to identify sources.

POSTDOC JOBS: http://www.postdocjobs.com/

Part-time employment can help continue to build your work experience and resume.