Professional & Career Development

Blackstone LaunchPad gives campus community members a resource and a facility to pursue entrepreneurial dreams. The program’s 5,000-square-foot space is located near the center of campus and operates under the umbrella of the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

• Flesh out ideas and initial concepts
• Overcome obstacles as companies become larger
• Connect with an online support community
• Network with peers
• Obtain one-on-one mentorship

• AAAS-CASE: Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering, or CASE, is a week-long, entry-level program that educates students interested in learning about the role of science in policymaking and the federal policy-making process. UTD sends at least one graduate student each spring to AAAS-CASE.
• Archer Program: Graduate Archer Fellows participate in coursework, internships, networking opportunities and join a specialized working group in one of four topic areas: General Policy, Education Policy, Health and Healthcare Policy or National Security and Global Affairs Policy. Archer is a summer program.
• Lab to Lobby: Lab to Lobby is a science-centered, early-career organization focused on policy-related education and involvement at both the community and congressional levels. It empowers graduate students to make a large-scale impact and is an extension of the National Science Policy Network.
• Science Policy & Advocacy for Research Competition: Over a 10-week period, students engage virtually in active seminars with experts in science policy and communication. The program culminates in a competition with emerging SPARC Champions visiting Washington D.C. for the Science Policy Summit.

• GradSense: Planning for your graduate school journey.
• Personal Finance for PhDs: equipping early career PhDs to make the most of their money

Need guidance to successfully manage the academic rigors of graduate school, communicate with your advisor, or learn best use of resources? Contact Dr. Ruth Schemmer, assistant dean for Graduate Student Success.

Making Connections: Graduate Success Week

Oct. 28 – Nov. 1, 2024

Connections are integral for success in academia, professional work, careers and in life. But reaching out to others often feels hidden and somehow unknowable – either one knows how to do it, or one does not. We’ll unlock a few keys this week, whether you are just starting the connection process or are seeking a little boost to your efforts.

October 28:
The Path to Publication: Tips for Writing and Submitting Journal Articles

October 29:
Finding Magic on LinkedIn

Connecting Science and Policy: Graduate Student Panel

October 30:
Faculty 3MT (3 Minute Thesis)

Finding Magic on LinkedIn

October 31:
So What Is It You Do, Dear? Connecting with the public about your research

November 1:
Mastering Crucial Conversations with Faculty Advisors: Tools for Graduate Students

UT Dallas University Career Center

The University Career Center (UCC) provides resources to help all graduate students and postdoctoral scholars prepare, plan and execute their job search. The UCC works with graduate students on their career search from assessments in the areas of skills analysis, interest identification and values clarification, to recording a mock interview and conducting an effective job search. They also offer a variety of workshops, as well as online resources for students to use in their job searches.

Naveen Jindal School of Management Career Management Center

The Naveen Jindal School of Management Career Management Center supports students with professional development programs and coaching to ensure they are “employer ready” for internships and full-time opportunities.

Jonsson School Career Services and Professional Development

The Jonsson School Career Services department’s mission is to provide all engineering and computer science students with quality programs and resources that develop the essential skills needed to compete in the job market.

Beyond the Professoriate for Doctoral and Postdoc Students

Beyond the Professoriate’s Career Training Platform is a 24/7, online professional development tool where postdocs and doctoral students can explore career options and learn job search strategies to secure employment in academia and beyond. They also host a unique video library where students can hear from PhDs working in all career sectors.

To log in, visit Beyond Prof’s site, select “University of Texas at Dallas” and enter your UTD NetID credentials.

Beyond Graduate School for Master’s Students

Beyond Graduate School is a 24/7, online platform that helps master’s students make the most out of their investment and build their careers. From video lessons on career exploration, to writing application materials, to interviewing and negotiating for that next career step — this platform helps master’s students through each stage of their job search.

To log in, visit the Beyond Graduate School website, select “University of Texas at Dallas” and enter your UTD NetID credentials.

An IDP brings together self-assessment, career exploration and goal setting to develop a personal plan for your career. IDPs may help you structure conversations with your mentors, hold yourself accountable and help you prioritize your interests and values.

MyIDP

MyIDP is a free, online self-assessment and career planning tool with a focus on science and technology. Scientists in any discipline can take self-assessment exercises and learn more about potential career paths for scientists using this tool. Although it is targeted toward graduate students and postdocs in the sciences, graduate students in any discipline may find it useful. MyIDP is maintained by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

ImaginePhD

ImaginePhD is a free, online self-assessment and career planning tool with a focus on humanities and social sciences. The tool includes self-assessment exercises, a career planning framework and resources about possible career paths. Although it targets PhD students and postdocs in the humanities and social sciences, users from any discipline will find it helpful. ImaginePhD was built and is maintained by members of the Graduate Career Consortium.

UT Dallas is an Institutional Member of the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD). Our Institutional Membership provides all faculty, postdocs, and grad students with access to NCFDD’s member resources. Activate your free institutional membership account. The NCFDD offers monthly webinars, multi-week courses, and writing challenges designed to help faculty and graduate students thrive in the academy.