I know when I want to finish, how do I get everything done?

A fourth-year PhD student asks-  I’m planning to graduate one year from now, and I know there’s a lot of things I need to do, like finish my research, write my dissertation, submit my paper, go to conferences, start networking, get my resume ready, apply for jobs. Where should I start? 

How do I make my resume stand out?

A 5th year student asks -   I’ve heard that it can be a good idea to add creative formatting and styling to make your resume stand out, like using a unique color of paper or an unusual layout? Would this make me a more memorable applicant, or is it just annoying? 

What questions should *I* ask in an interview?

A second-year postdoc asks - At an interview, what are the best questions to bring when they ask “do you have any questions for us?” I never know what to say, and I just end up asking about the hiring process logistics or asking them what they like about the company.

Is it too soon to start applying for jobs?

A PhD student asks - I’m planning to be done next December. I know I’ll need to apply for jobs, but I don’t want to apply too soon. When is a good time to start?  

How do I get people to contact me on LinkedIn?

An early-stage postdoc asks- I’ve been on LinkedIn for 6 months, but no one is contacting me (except for a bot that wants me to upgrade to premium). What should I add to my profile so more people will reach out to me?  

How important is having a one-page resume?

A postdoc asks- I’ve read that a resume always has to be exactly one page. But it is really hard to capture everything I’ve done. How important is the one-page resume rule? 

Is networking really necessary?

A late-stage postdoc asks-  Is networking really necessary? I don’t like the idea that ‘who you know’ is more important than ‘what you know.’ I’ve done a lot of great research, and when I get a job, I want it to be because of my work, not my schmoozing. It feels like cheating. But, I’m also just...

We've had a staffing change

Our esteemed colleague Linda Louie, PhD, Assistant Director, PhD Career and Professional Development, has started the next chapter in her career. We thank her for her incredible contributions to our community and wish her all the best in her new role at the Berkeley Lab!

Uncomfortable in networking situations? New videos from OCPD intern, Jaysón Davidson, can help!

Jaysón Davidson, a PhD candidate in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics, and a member of the Career and Professional Development Leadership Program at the Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD), has created a

Looking for tips for navigating career exploration?

Linda Louie, PhD