Events

This interactive workshop helps graduate students and postdocs identify their skills, interests and values to guide meaningful career decisions. Through reflection and practical exercises, you’ll clarify priorities, connect strengths to potential paths and explore strategies for aligning your next steps with what matters most.

Join us for a panel discussion featuring consultants from McKinsey, BCG and other consulting organizations who will share what it really means to be a consultant — beyond case interviews and job titles.

Whether you're preparing for academic interviews or exploring roles beyond the university, this workshop will help you approach interviews with clarity and confidence. Learn how to anticipate common questions, frame your research and experience for diverse audiences and communicate your strengths effectively. We’ll cover strategies for both in-person and virtual interviews, including how to navigate behavioral questions, present your professional story and follow up with impact. Participants will leave with tools to prepare for interviews across sectors and tips for showcasing their value in any setting.

This interactive lab offers hands-on learning and peer feedback to help you feel prepared for real interviews. Practice answering common and challenging questions, refine your responses and build confidence in a supportive environment with guidance from peers and an OCLD staff member.

Learn the why, what and how of networking—and gain practical strategies to make it authentic and effective. Discover how to identify and approach contacts, start conversations, maintain relationships, and leverage networking for career exploration and job searches. Whether you’re new to networking or refining your approach, this session will help you grow your professional community with confidence.

This interactive workshop uses improvisation-based tools and structured games to help researchers communicate their work with greater clarity, confidence and impact in real time. Participants will practice responding to their environment, adapting explanations for different audiences and staying present when conversations do not go as planned.

Navigating the job search as an international student or scholar can come with unique questions, constraints, and opportunities. This monthly working group provides a supportive, structured space for international graduate students and postdocs navigating the job search. Sessions combine practical job search strategies with reflective and hands-on activities inspired by Thriving as an International Scientist by Dr. Sonali Majumdar and life design frameworks. Each meeting includes brief guidance on a focused topic, followed by dedicated time to work on job search materials such as resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and networking plans. Topics may include finding opportunities, researching employers, strengthening applications, and navigating international career considerations. Attend one session or join regularly to build clarity, confidence, and momentum in your job search.

Are you an advanced degree, student or scholar engaged in (or want to learn more about) qualitative research? Interested in chatting with professionals working in qualitative research positions? Come meet with alumni and recruiters in a relaxed environment.

In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn the core principles of an effective cover letter—what employers look for, how to structure your content and tips to make your letter stand out. Then, put those insights into action by outlining your own letter, drafting strong topic sentences and building a reusable template for future applications. Bring your resume and a job description if you have one!

Learn how to network effectively and build meaningful, two-way relationships at upcoming industry site visits in this interactive virtual workshop with the Office of Career and Life Design! Identify where you can add value, refine your messaging and practice strategies to connect. Designed specifically for graduate students and postdocs, this workshop will help you prep for a variety of other networking contexts.