Life After Grad School

Book excerpt: Most of the 2.5 million graduate students in the U.S. are in programs designed for a career in academics. But the unspoken truth is that less than five percent will realize their dream of becoming a professor. The rest have little idea how to begin making a living in the business world. Life After Grad School is for students in all academic disciplines, with or without a Ph.D. This book illuminates the transition from academia to a satisfying and well-paying job with a company, government agency, or not-for-profit organization. Realistic and reassuring, it helps students structure their decision about leaving academics, and orients them to the culture of business. Readers learn how to adapt the knowledge and skills developed in grad school for business applications. Written for intelligent, mature students, the book provides practical tools and generates the confidence to find fulfilling alternative careers. Jerald Jellison, an authority on personal change, presents a clear, concrete roadmap that thoughtfully explains how to: identify "good" starter jobs, move from a CV to a compelling resume, present academic experience as a plus to interviewers, find businesses that are compatible with graduate training, and much, much more. He illustrates how to craft a winning "elevator pitch" (a quick way to advance your cause with business people), create a contact network, locate free job search resources, search and apply for jobs, and handle difficult interview questions. The book includes advice on landing a job, negotiating an optimal work agreement, and positioning yourself for future career advances. The only such book in print, Life After Grad School provides invaluable guidance for graduate students facing this most challenging career move.