Academic Job Search
Beginning the academic job search process:
-Preparation for an academic position begins when you enter a graduate program, far before you look for position postings. At all stages of your graduate study, it is important to connect with faculty (especially your advisor) to discuss the job search for your field, join professional organizations and develop a network, pursue many research and teaching opportunities, and update your curriculum vitae (CV) regularly.
-Be sure to create a plan for job searching as you move into the final years of your degree program. As you research positions, gather information requested by job postings early as processing transcripts and writing recommendations may take time. Remember to send thank-you notes to recommenders! Have your application materials reviewed by the Center for Writing, faculty, and colleagues.
-Be prepared for multiple interviews and other contacts with potential employers at conferences and events. Always dress appropriately and keep interactions professional.
-Know that depending on the academic job market in your area of interest and your qualifications, it may take some time to find a position! Work with your advisor and other faculty for ways to stay professionally involved with your field while continuing your search.
Types of academic jobs:
Faculty positions: Faculty positions may be tenure-track, and often involve a mix of teaching, curriculum development and research.
Postdoc fellowships: These 1-3 year positions allow you to expand or deepen scholarly research, while gaining teaching experience.
Administration positions: There are many ways to apply your transferable skills in an academic setting beyond faculty positions.
Non-tenure-track teaching: Adjunct or part-time instructors may work at a state university, private two- or four-year college or community college.
Sources for position listings:
These are many of the common online sources that colleges and universities utilize to advertise both faculty and postdoctoral research positions. Not every school will utilize the sources listed here so visit the human resources pages of institutions you are interested in to view postings specific to their school as well.
· Chronicle of Higher Education
· Higher Education Recruitment Consortium
Non-Academic Job Search Toolkit
Handshake: Handshake is the University of Minnesota's professional job, internship, and volunteer database connecting students and alumni with employment opportunities throughout the world. Handshake is available to students and alumni. Search and sign up for career events and opportunities to interact with employers
Career Services for Graduate Students
Various Career Services exist for Graduate Students, begin by checking with your college department and advisor for what services might be the best fit for your program.
- Graduate School
- Carlson School of Management
- College of Biological Sciences
- College of Liberal Arts
- College of Science & Engineering
- College of Education & Human Development
- Career & Internship Services (CCAPS, CFANS, CDES)
- Humphrey School of Public Affairs
- Law School
- School of Dentistry
- School of Public Health
Other Resources for Graduate Students
Council of International Graduate Students Facebook Page
CIGS aims to provide international graduate students a cohesive and strong platform to come together, share their stories, voice their concerns and benefit from their time at the University. CIGS aims to accelerate both academic and social communication between international and domestic students/alumni. Equally importantly, CIGS is a place for all international graduate students/alumni to get together and have fun! Visit the CIGS Facebook page, website, or email at [email protected].
UMN International Careers Facebook Page
A Facebook community for all U of MN international students that posts information about University career development resources and programming, job information, and links to article and sites of interest to the international student community
Minnesota English Language Support (MELP)
Offers an Academic English program open to graduate students that offers classes to improve skills in a variety of areas including research writing, pronunciation skills, public speaking ,etc.. MELP also offers a fee-based one-on-one tutoring service that can help international students get customized help to make fast progress in specific areas like pronunciation. Email [email protected] with any questions about MELP services.
The Center for Writing’s Student Writing Support program provides free writing instruction for all University of Minnesota students—graduate and undergraduate—at all stages of the writing process and on all types of writing projects, including resumes, and cover letters. VIsit their site for information about hours, locations, and how to schedule appointments or access walk-in consultations. See also the Center’s online quick help resources especially for multilingual students and for common writing projects.