Discover Your Skills
"Building a strong network, whether through platforms like LinkedIn or engaging with peers in meetings, is crucial. You never know how a simple connection can open doors and provide valuable insights. Your network holds the power to shape your professional journey."
Dr. Alexandra Merkx-Jacques
PhD in Microbiology and Immunology
Manager, Research Partnerships at NSERC
Questions?
Lorraine Davies
Associate Vice-Provost (Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies)
p. 519-661-2111 x81335
ldavies@uwo.ca
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Career Engagement
PhDs Who Excel in Career Engagement:
Envision Multiple Rewarding Careers
You embrace curiosity, explore multiple possibilities, and experiment with different options that align with your expertise and goals. You integrate your values, interests, and strengths into your decision-making to create a purpose-driven career journey.
Build a Network
You cultivate meaningful professional relationships and seek guidance from individuals who can help advance your career.
Invest in Self-Development
You deepen your self-awareness and embrace learning opportunities to enhance your professional growth and development.
Showcase Relevant Accomplishments
You communicate accomplishments that emphasize your relevant expertise and skills and showcase the impact of your work.
Assess Your career engagement Skills
2023-2024 Schedule
PhD Career Advising Drop-in
November 17, 2023, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
You're invited to our exclusive PhD Career Advising Drop-In Session, where you can explore career possibilities post-PhD in a relaxed and comfortable setting. We're also offering light refreshments to fuel your conversations. Registration is not requried but recommended to receive email notifcations about the event.
PhD Career Panel: Research Administration
November 23, 2023, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. ET
This Career Panel will feature PhD graduates who advance research and innovation through roles that navigate funding sources, determine success criteria, write winning applications, and manage award implementation. Gain insight into the skills needed for success in their roles, how they leverage their PhD experience, and their motivations for pursuing this career path.
Networking Skills for the Job Search
December 5, 2023, 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET
This workshop will provide you with practical networking skills vital for the non-academic job search after completing your PhD. With 80% of jobs never advertised, it's important to look beyond job postings and recognize the value of people and relationships in finding employment. It's never too early to build your network and connect with individuals who can provide valuable insight into the career options available to you.
LinkedIn Lunch & Learn
December 13, 2023, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
In this hands-on in-person workshop, receive step-by-step guidance on creating a standout LinkedIn profile and learn how to effectively leverage the platform to showcase your doctoral experience, network with professionals, and enhance your job search. Meet your peers and walk away with new LinkedIn connections, receive feedback on your profile, and enjoy a free lunch.
Lead with Your Strengths in Your PhD
January 11 & 18, 2024 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET
Completing a PhD involves a diverse array of tasks, from managing projects to teaching and leading committees. Amidst these demands, it's common to focus on areas of improvement. But what if you harnessed your unique strengths to enhance your well-being and productivity? Enter the Strengths-based approach-an evidence-based methodology developed by Donald Clifton, former chairman of the Gallup Organization. Complete the CliftonStrengths Assessment ($16 value) to discover your unique top 5 strengths and reflect on how they impact your achievements and how you can best lean into them in your daily life.
Designing Your Career: Envision Multiple Paths to Career Success
January 25, 2024, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ET
Pursuing a PhD is about more than just earning a degree, it's about finding the right path for your life. Step into an innovative 'Designer' mindset that invites curiosity, embraces ideation, and empowers you to experiment with multiple career possibilities.
Communicating Your PhD for Job Success Series
February 7, 21 & March 6, 2024, 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. ET
Prepare for a seamless transition into the professional world with our 3-part Communicating Your PhD for Job Success Series. Learn to confidently articulate your unique blend of knowledge and skills and translate your academic journey in a way that resonates with employers across diverse industries.
Converting Your CV to a Resume
March 14, 2024, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ET
This workshop is for PhDs who are looking for non-academic roles and seeking guidance on reshaping their externsive academic and professional experiences into impactful resumes. A resume is not just a shorter version of your CV-it's a strategic representation of your skills and experiences tailored for a specific job opportunity. Join our workshop to discover how to present your qualifications with impact and relevance.
Networking Skills for Conferences
May 1, 2024, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET
Academic conferences are not only platforms for presenting research; they're gateways to learning, collaboration, and forging meaningful connections that can shape your professional journey. Whether you're an early-career researcher or a seasoned academic, this workshop will equip you with the tools and strategies to harness the power of conference networking.
more career engagement resources for phds
Career Education
Western's central career hub with information, workshop recordings, and more graduate student resources.
OYF LinkedIn Group
Join our network of PhDs to build connections and share career ideas and opportunities.
The Wire: Job Postings
Find relevant job opportunities from the Western community and beyond.