While newer graduate students focus first on their studies and research, preparing for job offers and careers is much on the minds of more senior students. But it’s never too early, or too late, to develop and hone the professional skills that will serve you well both during your time at Berkeley and beyond, whether in academia or other sectors. Three articles in this month’s GradNews illustrate various aspects of professional development and the resources and opportunities available to you here. Get (re-)introduced to Graduate Professional Services, also known as GPS: Graduate Division’s center to help you navigate the array of skills-building activities, networking opportunities, and career-exploration events that should be part of your personal planning — whatever your field of study – throughout graduate school. Check out the winners of our recent Grad Slam competition, where ten of your peers wowed judges and audience members by explaining their research in creative, compelling, accessible — and quick! — presentations. Hear last year’s winner describe how her experience boosted her professional prospects. Then follow our 2016 Berkeley champion when he competes at the UC-wide Grad Slam competition at the LinkedIn headquarters in San Francisco on April 22. And read about the recent Beyond Academia conference, where Berkeley graduate students and postdocs networked with established professionals to explore how graduate degree recipients can apply their expertise to careers in a variety of industries and entrepreneurial ventures. These are just a few of the resources that can help you achieve your goals. I urge you to take advantage of all that Berkeley has to offer you as a current student and shaper of the future. Fiat Lux! Fiona M. Doyle Dean of the Graduate Division Donald H. McLaughlin Professor of Mineral Engineering
While newer graduate students focus first on their studies and research, preparing for job offers and careers is much on the minds of more senior students. But it’s never too early, or too late, to develop and hone the professional skills that will serve you well both during your time at Berkeley and beyond, whether in academia or other sectors. Three articles in this month’s GradNews illustrate various aspects of professional development and the resources and opportunities available to you here. Get (re-)introduced to Graduate Professional Services, also known as GPS: Graduate Division’s center to help you navigate the array of skills-building activities, networking opportunities, and career-exploration events that should be part of your personal planning — whatever your field of study – throughout graduate school. Check out the winners of our recent Grad Slam competition, where ten of your peers wowed judges and audience members by explaining their research in creative, compelling, accessible — and quick! — presentations. Hear last year’s winner describe how her experience boosted her professional prospects. Then follow our 2016 Berkeley champion when he competes at the UC-wide Grad Slam competition at the LinkedIn headquarters in San Francisco on April 22. And read about the recent Beyond Academia conference, where Berkeley graduate students and postdocs networked with established professionals to explore how graduate degree recipients can apply their expertise to careers in a variety of industries and entrepreneurial ventures. These are just a few of the resources that can help you achieve your goals. I urge you to take advantage of all that Berkeley has to offer you as a current student and shaper of the future. Fiat Lux! Fiona M. Doyle Dean of the Graduate Division Donald H. McLaughlin Professor of Mineral Engineering