Career Corner

3 Essential Interview Tips for Graduate Students

1. Know Yourself and Your Story: One difference from when you were an undergraduate is the depth of your academic coursework and experience. Employers will expect you to incorporate knowledge and examples from areas such as specialized coursework and research projects that reflect this advanced level of expertise. Reflect on your experiences and think about how you can demonstrate ways that your graduate education (academic journey, internships, and any relevant coursework) is related to the position responsibilities and requirements as well as your career goals.
2. Demonstrate Professional Growth and Development: Employers will expect that you have made intentional career decisions, acquired a better understanding of your career, and have experience in leadership roles. They need to believe that candidates are ready to manage a higher level of responsibility independently.  Be prepared to discuss how your relevant internships, research, and mentorships will make you successful in the role. Highlight leadership positions, professional development experiences, and/or projects that showcase your teamwork skills, strategic planning abilities, and leadership experience.  
3. Research the Program, Institution or Job Position: With your experience, you know you have potential, now it's time to ensure that employers see it. It is important to understand their mission and learn about their goals, values, and areas of expertise. Describe your career path, goals, and commitment to your field and align those goals with the job or program to ensure that the employer knows you see them as a vital component to your career growth.

Helpful Resources:  

• Big Interview: Record yourself answering questions and receive expert feedback on your delivery, content, and overall performance.  You can access Big Interview through PirateNet.
• VR Mock Interview: These simulations can help you get comfortable with the virtual interview format and practice your responses in a realistic setting.  Schedule an appointment for a VR Mock Interview with The Career Center through Compass

5 Benefits of Professional Associations for Graduate Students

1. Networking Opportunities: Professional associations provide a platform to connect with professionals in your chosen industry and fellow graduate students, which can lead to valuable mentorship, job opportunities, and collaborations.
2. Professional Development: Many associations provide workshops, conferences, and webinars that can enhance your skills and knowledge on topics relevant to your field, such as industry trends, new research and career advancement.
3. Access to Resources: Professional associations often offer exclusive resources like job boards, industry publications, and discounts on professional certifications. These resources can be invaluable as you transition from academia to the professional world.
4. Advocacy and Representation: Joining a professional association allows you to be part of a community that advocates for the interests of graduate students and your field. This can include advocating for fair wages, better working conditions, and increased funding for graduate programs.
5. Leadership Experience: Serving on an e-board for a professional association is a great way to enhance your leadership skills, build lifelong connections, and be seen as an expert in your field.
   
   Be on the lookout for upcoming Career Center graduate student events.

4 Tips for Job Searching from Your Career Center:

1. Define Your Goals
Identify target roles that align with your career aspirations that will help you achieve what you want from your career. This will create a more focused job search that supports your short-and long-term goals.

2. Use Existing Networks
Reach out to faculty, alumni, and professionals in the field for advice or referrals. These individuals are already in your field of interest and can point you to hidden job opportunities and industry specific resources.

3. Utilize Job Boards 
Use job board websites, such as LinkedIn and Handshake, to see which employers are hiring. Handshake is available to graduate students and can be a great resource to see which employers are currently hiring recent graduates. Industry specific job boards can be found on the Career Center website.

4. Be Patient
Job searching can take time. Staying positive, persistent, and patient can help to reduce negative feelings associated with job searching. Try not to be discouraged by rejection as those moments can become learning opportunities to improve your applications.

Schedule an appointment to speak with your career advisor through Compass. Contact the Career Center directly at 973-761-9355 if you have any difficulty scheduling online.

Tips for Successful Networking

1. Speak with your professors to get a sense of active professional associations in the area, upcoming networking events and experts in your field of interest.

2.  Regularly review industry and trade publications and videos and identify current trends, recent events and new innovations/practices within the field. You will then be prepared to have more impactful conversations when speaking with professionals.

3. Identity one to three events each month related to your field and interests and add them to your calendar. Click here to view the University’s calendar for workshops and trainings.

4. Set a reminder to review and update your LinkedIn profile each month to ensure that the information is always current.Be Patient

Schedule an appointment to speak with your career advisor through Compass. Contact the Career Center directly at 973-761-9355 if you have any difficulty scheduling online.

5 Tips for Graduate Students from your Career Center

1. Network Efficiently: Establish connections with peers, professors and professionals in your field. These connections can lead to valuable opportunities in the future. For instance, joining professional organizations related to your field or attending industry events will expand your network significantly.

2. Seek Practical Experience: Pursue internships, part-time roles or volunteer positions aligned with your field of study. These experiences not only enhance your skills but also provide valuable insights into real-world applications. For example, working as a research assistant for a professor or interning at a relevant company can give you hands-on experience in your area of interest.

3. Engage in Workshops and Seminars: Participate in workshops and seminars to supplement your academic learning. These events offer interactive and engaging ways to acquire new knowledge and skills. Additionally, they provide opportunities for networking and exchanging ideas with peers and professionals.

4. Create a Career Plan: Set clear short-term and long-term goals for your career and regularly assess your progress. Having a well-defined plan helps you stay focused on developing the necessary skills and competencies for your desired career path. For example, setting a goal to gain proficiency in a specific programming language within six months can guide your learning efforts and career trajectory.

5.  Maintain Work-Life Balance: Dedicate time to socialize and engage in activities outside of your academic pursuits. Building a strong support system with friends and family can help prevent burnout and maintain overall well-being. Whether it's organizing game nights with friends or spending quality