A graduate degree offers many career opportunities and paths for success. The goal of the Graduate Education Office (GEO) is to support our students along this journey by providing a curriculum that guides them through key transitions in career exploration, preparation, and placement in their desired field.
In 2022, the GEO began phasing EMBARK, a longitudinal curriculum designed for supporting career and professional development, into the doctoral student experience. An essential component of EMBARK is to bring cohorts of students together as a community for opportunities to learn from each other. The first two years are designed to prepare students for success in their doctoral experience. In later years students align with peers who have similar career aspirations.
| Month | Day | Topic | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| July | Early July |
|
July 7-9, 2025 Location: TBD |
| October | 2nd Wed. | Aligning expectations: case study |
October 8, 2025 Location: TBD |
| May | 3rd Wed. | Building your career development plan |
May 20, 2026 Location: TBD |
| Month | Day | Topic | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 2nd Wed. | Building the mentorship you want |
June 11, 2025 Location: TBD |
| September | 3rd Wed. | Making the most of mentoring meetings |
September 17, 2025 Location: TBD |
| March | 4th Wed. | Difficult Conversations |
March 25, 2026 Location: TBD |
All students are strongly encouraged to take MGRD 500: Foundations of Career Exploration for PhDs at some point before the end of their 3rd year. This course is typically offered most semesters. Please see SIS semester offerings.
| Month | Day | Topic | 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | Varies | Networking: a critical skill for career success |
Tentative: September 10, 2025 Location: TBD |
| January | 3rd Wed. | Realigning Expectations |
January 21, 2026 Location: TBD |
| April | 2nd Wed. | Is your career plan on track? |
April 8, 2026 Location: TBD |
| Month | Day | Topic | 2025-26 |
| August | 2nd Wed. | Be your own advocate: the art of self-promotion |
August 13, 2025 Location: TBD |
| November | 1st Wed. | Approaching a job search |
November 5, 2025 Location: TBD |
| February | 2nd Wed. | Know your worth; interviews/negotiations |
February 11, 2026 Location: TBD |
Self selection: Career Pathways