Exploring Career Paths

You Have Transferable Skills!

Did you know that approximately half of all doctoral graduates are employed outside academia? Doctoral graduates possess a multitude of transferable skills that are useful to employers across industry sectors. All doctoral students and Postdoctoral Associates are strongly encouraged to consider, explore and prepare for multiple career paths in academia, private industry, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. 

To start, we recommend checking out our Doctoral Career Planning and Exploration Tools. The self-assessment tools are useful for outlining goals and transferable skills. 

Explore Your Career Options

Learning about the world of work can feel overwhelming…but it doesn’t have to be! There are online resources you can easily tap into for well-organized and clearly written information about various career sectors. Explore the resources that we have outlined below for various sectors.

Specific Resources at UMD

Terrapins Connect - Terrapins Connect is a social networking site created for University of Maryland students, postdoctoral fellows, and alumni. On Terrapins Connect, you will get exposure to different industries and jobs, receive resume advice, and hone your interview skills. Alumni mentors are key in sharing specific skills and experiences. 

UMD Alumni Association - Connect with UMD Alumni through events, workshops, and meetings 

LinkedIn groups - The University of Maryland, College Park Alumni Association (Official) LinkedIn group is an excellent place to meet and connect with fellow Terps. These students and alumni, who are proud of their connection with the University, make up a great starting point when building your LinkedIn network. The group also offers many resources to aid with professional development.