Graduate students come to alternative career paths from all directions – from purposeful interest to concern for job marketability. Often, they are uncertain about what possibilities exist, how to explore new fields, how to gain experience and skills in these areas, and what steps to take to begin their job search in fields outside of the academy. In this session, we’ll take a look at alternative career paths for graduate students from a career development approach: understanding how your interests and abilities can help you identify new career paths. You’ll learn more about yourself and your possibilities and leave with a plan to investigate a new career path. 

Learning Outcomes: As a result of this session, participants will be able to:  

1. Reflect on their interests and skills related to alternative academic positions.

2. Consider how they might explore potential alternative academic career paths.

3. Identify resources for more information about alternative academic positions.

Presenter: Michelle Rodems, Ph.D., is the director for graduate student professional development for the School of Interdisciplinary and Grad, retention, and success in the Graduate School. Michelle manages all interdisciplinary professional development for more than 4,000 University of Louisville graduate students, including coordinating the PLAN professional development framework of academies, workshops, learning communities, and reading groups, as well as conducting individual consultations. Michelle’s research and professional interests include teaching and learning in higher education, graduate student development and education, educational technology and social media, and professional development in higher education.  Karen Boston is a career coach serving U of L students in Dentistry, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Nursing, and Public Health.  She earned the Masters in Education with a concentration in College Student Personnel from the University of Louisville and the Career Development Facilitator credential from The National Career Development Association.