Workshops and Panels

On-Campus Recruiting (OCR) Orientation for Graduate Students
This workshop will introduce graduate students to the on-campus recruiting system.  We will discuss what types of employers participate and why, how to apply for positions, and the most effective ways to connect with employers. 

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Presentation
BCG will be on campus to present an overview of the firm and the consulting industry for PhDs, postdocs, and Masters students with 3+ years of full-time work experience (Masters students with less experience are considered Associate Candidates). Full-time employment opportunities in the Class of 2010 will be discussed, which are available worldwide.  BCG representatives with PhD, MD, and JD backgrounds will be available to answer questions and discuss their experiences in consulting.  The presentation will also include tips for interviewing and submitting an application.  Boxed lunch will be served. Click here for additional information and to submit an online application.  The application deadline for the Class of 2010 is Friday, September 25th.

Professional Resume and Cover Letter Writing
A Career Services Counselor will discuss the basics of resume and cover letter writing for business, non-profit and government positions. No sign-ups are required to attend.

Case Interviews and Consulting Jobs
Erica Nemser, the Manager of Programs at McKinsey and Co., Philadelphia, will discuss how case interviews help consulting firms assess job candidates, as well as how you should prepare for case interviews.

Preparing Written Materials for the Academic Job Market
We will talk about CV's, cover letters, statements of research interest, teaching philosophies, and other written materials you may be called upon to submit over the course of an academic job search.

"Naturally Obsessed: The Making of a Scientist," Documentary Screening and Discussion
Career Services, in conjunction with the Graduate Student Center, will screen "Naturally Obsessed," a documentary film that reveals a rare and fascinating view of life in a molecular biology lab. Featuring a group of eager students, mentored by Dr. Larry Shapiro, the film follows them along a challenging and uncertain journey toward their PhD degrees. The screening will be followed by pizza and a discussion with Penn science professors. This program is free, but registration is required.

Presidential Management Information Session
If you are interested in a career with the federal government, the PMF is a wonderful way to begin your career.  One recent graduate wrote that through this fellowship, she "secured job in federal service and highly recommends this as a source for numerous opportunities regardless of field." Graduate students from all academic disciplines who expect to complete an advanced degree (master's, law, or doctoral-level degree) from a qualifying college or university during the 2009-2010 academic year (September 1, 2009 - August 31, 2010) are eligible to be nominated by their schools for the upcoming 2009 application period. The application for the PMF Class of 2010 is expected to open October 1, 2009 and close October 15, 2009. For more information about the Presidential Management Fellowship, see http://www.pmi.opm.gov/.  Attend this workshop to learn about the fellowship and the nominating process. Penn staff involved in nominating and former/current Fellows will attend.

Networking to Access the “Hidden Job Market”
Learn how to make the most of networking in your job search and career decisions.  We will discuss developing, expanding and maintaining networks, how to approach new contacts, and how to informational interview.  If you think you “should” network but have resisted getting started, this is a good workshop to jumpstart your efforts.

Transferable Skills: Converting Your CV to a Resume
If you’re a Ph.D. student or postdoc applying for non-academic or non-research positions, you’ll probably need a resume. In this workshop, a counselor from Career Services will talk about the different sections typically included in a resume, and offer suggestions for transforming your CV into an eye-catching resume. 

Preparing for Business and Professional Interviews
Are you applying for positions in business, non-profit or government sectors this spring? Are you nervous because you don’t have a lot of interviewing experience? Are you unsure what types of questions will be asked? Wondering how you should prepare? Plan to attend this workshop whether you’re new to the interview process, or just want to brush up on your skills.

Group Career/Job Search Seminars for Graduate Students and Postdocs
Career Services is pleased to announce a series of four Job Search Seminars for doctoral students in the sciences, humanities and engineering who are nearing the completion of their PhD programs and are seeking positions outside academia.  The seminars are designed for students who have already begun their job search and are actively networking and/or pursuing specific job leads.  Led by John Tuton, the seminars will be held on the following Tuesdays: October 6, October 27, November 17 and December 8.  If you already have a resume but are a bit overwhelmed about the rest of the career search process, this seminar is for you!  Please register by contacting Helen Kioukis (hkioukis@upenn.edu), as space is limited. You must plan to attend all four sessions. 

Hiring from the K-12 Recruiter's Perspective
Whether you are seeking opportunities in teaching, counseling or administration, this panel of recruiters and administrators will provide key insight and advice regarding your search for positions in K-12 schools. 

Private School Career Panel
Are you considering working in an independent school, and want a true “insider’s view”?   This panel is for you! Learn what a variety of day and residential independent schools look for when evaluating job candidates. Hear what it’s like to work in an independent school. 

Making Your Luck: Job Search Strategies in a Tough Economy
This workshop focuses on how to explore and optimize your career choices.  We will introduce the concept of “Planned Happenstance” - the idea that following your interests and being consistently proactive can increase opportunities in your career and job searches. This workshop is helpful for graduate students and postdocs who are considering “alternative careers,” or anyone who would like help managing their job search in the difficult economy.

Hire Yourself: Creative Self-Employment in a Difficult Economy, Part I: Panel
Have you considered what it would be like to work for yourself, whether for the short-term or long-term? This panel of self-employed alumni will provide insight and advice on pursuing entrepreneurial career options.

Careers in Medical and Science Communication
A panel of science PhDs will give advice to those interested in exploring careers in medical and scientific writing and communication and will also talk about their own career decision making.

U.S. Employment for International Students: Job Search Q&A
At this Question and Answer session/workshop, representatives from the Office of International Programs and Career Services will discuss visa considerations and job search strategies for international students who are hoping to find employment in the U.S. Most of the hour will be devoted to audience questions.

Opportunities for Social Workers in Public Service
With the transitions that are taking place in the public sector, there will likely be more social work and social policy career opportunities in government, whether clinical or macro.  Hear from our panel of social workers to find out more about the possibilities and receive tips on the job search.

Hire Yourself: Creative Self-Employment in a Difficult Economy, Part II: Workshop
In these economic times, self-employment may be a strategic way to establish a track record that can help you move forward in your career. Entrepreneurial options can include anything from being an independent contractor to setting up your own consulting business. This workshop will provide practical tips on assessing the possibilities and getting started.

Department of Homeland Security Information Session
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is looking to hire students from the nation’s best graduate programs. Honors Fellows provide direct assistance to top policymakers throughout the department. Fellows will work side-by-side with professionals with expertise in areas such as policy development, international affairs, strategic planning, international law, immigration policy, finance, information technology, bioterrorism, science and technology, cargo trade, transportation and infrastructure, State and local law enforcement, intelligence and information sharing, cyber security, public affairs, and many others.  This information session will be followed by interviews for candidates who apply and were selected through Pennlink. Deadline to apply: October 26, 2009. For more information, and to apply to this Honors Fellow position, view the Pennlink posting: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/pennlink.html .

Negotiating Job Offers
How should you respond when offered a position? What can you negotiate for? A Career Services counselor will discuss what to think about and do when you receive that offer. This workshop will focus on opportunities in the business, non-profit and government sectors.

University of Pennsylvania Press Publishing Seminars
Part I, Getting Published: Are you preparing your first manuscript or revising your dissertation with an eye toward publication?  What happens between submission and publication date? What about e-books? The staff at the University of Pennsylvania Press will take you through all the steps of publication, from manuscript selection, through copyediting, to decisions about print run and pricing. Learn how to enhance your chances of publication, and how to become an informed partner in the publishing process.
Part II, A Career in Publishing: This seminar is for both undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in learning about a career in publishing.  The staff at the University of Pennsylvania Press will discuss the different areas of publishing - acquisitions, copy editing, design, production, and marketing - and provide advice for landing a job, career trajectories, the expanding role of e-books, and what aspect of the publishing business is best suited for your particular interests and background.

Opportunities in Applied Research
There are a number of meaningful ways that you can apply the research skills honed in your academic programs.  Come to hear panelists from a variety of fields discuss their work in applied research.

 Finding the Right Postdoc: Advice from Current Postdoctoral Fellows.
Two postdoctoral scholars will be discussing strategies for finding, applying and evaluating postdoc opportunities, and sharing insights and advice based on their experiences.  Preregistration is required; please email Helen Kioukis (hkioukis@upenn.edu) if you plan to attend. For more information on postdocs, see Career Services web pages: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/gradstud/sme.html (scroll partway down the page).

The State of Things: The Impact of the Current Economy on Careers in Pharma

The State of Things: The Impact of the Current Economy on Careers in Non-Profits
The current economy has an impact on many industries and sectors,  including non-profits.  To learn more about this impact and its implications for your job search,  attend this panel of specialists who work with and advise non-profit and philanthropic organizations.

The State of Things: The Impact of the Current Economy on Careers in Consulting

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Programs on Academic Careers

Preparing for the Academic Job Market (2-Part Program)
Career Services counselors will discuss the academic job search timetable, preparing written materials, identifying sources of job openings and obtaining recommendations. In Part 2, a Career Services counselor will discuss getting ready for interviews.(This workshop is similar to the one held in May.)

Talking about your Research
Going on the job market this fall?  You’ll need to be able to talk about your research to both specialists and non-specialists in a clear, concise and interesting manner.  In this workshop, career counselors will give some suggestions for preparing to talk about your research and we’ll practice doing so. 

Talking about your Teaching
“Tell us about your teaching” is a question many candidates on the academic job market will hear.  Bruce Lenthall from Penn’s Center for Teaching and Learning will discuss ways to answer this question and strategies for talking about your teaching with enthusiasm and thoughtfulness. 

Preparing for Conference Interviews
For those on the academic job market.  A Career Services counselor will discuss how to make the most of your conference interviews. 

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21st Annual Academic Career Conference

21st Annual Academic Career Conference: Going on the Academic Job Market: Advice from Faculty Members in Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty members in the social sciences and humanities will discuss their experiences on the academic job market, talk about what search committees are looking for, and make suggestions to Ph.D. students preparing to go on the academic job market. 

21st Annual Academic Career Conference: Going on the Academic Job Market: Advice from Faculty Members in the Sciences and Engineering
Faculty members in the sciences and engineering will discuss their experiences on the academic job market, talk about what search committees are looking for, and make suggestions to Ph.D. students and postdocs preparing to go on the academic job market. 

21st Annual Academic Career Conference: The Insider's Guide to Graduate Education at Penn
Moderated by Andrew Binns, Vice Provost for Education, five advanced doctoral students/recent Ph.D.'s give first-hand advice on being a successful graduate student, including getting off to a good start, choosing a committee, staying on track and completing one's program. 

21st Annual Academic Career Conference: Teaching Careers in Different Kinds of Institutions
Faculty members from different types of area institutions will discuss what makes their institution unique, and how to effectively conduct your job search if you are interested in an institution like theirs.

21st Annual Academic Career Conference: Teaching in Community Colleges

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Expanded Career Options for PhD Students and Postdocs

Expanded Career Opportunities for Science and Engineering PhDs
This program will feature speakers who have put their graduate degree to use outside the academy.  Panelists will talk about why they chose to leave academe, how they made the transition, and how they found that first non-academic job. 

Expanded Career Opportunities for Humanities and Social Sciences PhDs
This program will feature speakers who have put their graduate degree to use outside the academy.  Panelists will talk about why they chose to leave academe, how they made the transition, and how they found that first non-academic job. 

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Programs for PennDesign Students

Being Proactive During a Difficult Economy: Using Your Break to Find a Job or Internship

PennDesign Resume Writing Workshop
Do you need to write a new resume or update an old one? A career counselor will talk about the parts of the resume and how you can make your qualifications stand out. You don't need to sign up. Feel free to bring your lunch.

PennDesign Internship Panel
Career Services is proud to present PennDesign student panelists who will be sharing their experiences, insights and advice with students seeking internship opportunities for Summer 2010. Panelists from the PennDesign Class of 2010 include:
Allison Gillum, Conservation Assistant, Kachemak Heritage Land Trust, Homer, Alaska; 
Lisa B. Jacobson, Intern, Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, Boston, MA; 
Michael Miller, Regional Planning and Urban Design Intern, O2 Planning and Design (2009) & Landscape Architecture Intern, The Olin Studio (2008);
Alison Haley, Conservation Technician, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, PA;
Natalie Weinberger, Culture Unit Intern, UNESCO, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Please RSVP to Helen Kioukis by November 9, 2009: hkioukis@upenn.edu

The State of Things: The Impact of the Current Economy on Architectural Offices
Thomas J. Gavin, AIA, Director of Human Resources, Francis Cauffman and a University of Pennsylvania M.Arch. (1972) will discuss how the current recession affects architecture offices in hiring, working with clients, and attracting new clients.  He will also speak about competition among firms and skills necessary to work with clients, as well as the slowness of the recovery and competition among firms. Please RSVP to Helen Kioukis: hkioukis@upenn.edu.

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Career Fairs

Career Link
Career Link is open to all Penn students.  The first day of the fair, Tuesday, September 15th, will focus on opportunities in accounting, financial services, real estate and finance-related positions.  Wednesday, September 16th will focus on opportunities in consulting, communications/marketing, consumer products, education, government, manufacturing, nonprofits and retail.

Engineering Career Day
Open to all students--from undergraduates to doctoral candidates--seeking entry-level, advanced-level & summer positions in engineering and computer science. Dress for this event is business casual. For more information click here.

Biomedical Career Fair
Open to all doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows in the School of Medicine and related fields. Click here to see a list of employers who attended the 2008 event and to view their presentations.

Policy and Government Fair
Have you considered a career in politics, government, policy or public service? The fair will be an excellent way for you to meet representatives from government agencies, policy and political organizations, and think tanks who want to connect with civically minded students. For more information, click here.

International Opportunities and Penn Abroad Fair
If you're thinking about studying abroad, don't miss this opportunity to learn about programs all over the world.  Meet representatives of study abroad sites and learn more about options to study at more than 100 Penn-affiliated sites around the world, earning Penn credit toward your degree, applying for Penn Financial Aid, contributing to the planning of new programs, and special disciplinary options for students in Engineering, Nursing, & Wharton. For more information, click here.

International Organizations Day
This conference-style event takes advantage of Columbia's NYC location and the burgeoning interest in multilateral governance and development organization careers. Registration is required. For more information, click here.

Nursing Career Day
All students and alumni of the School of Nursing are invited to attend this event. Employers will be on campus in December to recruit students with BSN's, MSN's and related degrees.

NGO, Non-Profit and Government Career Forum, Washington, D.C.
This Career Forum is an exciting new collaborative event between the Women’s Foreign Policy Group, New York University, The George Washington University and the University of Pennsylvania to educate students about the NGO, non-profit and government organization career paths within the field. UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THIS FREE HALF-DAY EVENT IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL! Student participants will gain valuable professional insight and advice about working in the NGO, Non-Profit and Government sectors. During the Expo portion of this event, students will have the opportunity to network with organization representatives and learn about prospective internship and full-time opportunities. For more information, click on the following link: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/wharton/flyers/NGOFlyer.pdf

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