ASU Career Services is dedicated to helping our graduate students leverage their unique skills and experiences to be competitive candidates in the careers of their choice. From dedicated career development platforms to quick handouts and interactive modules, we have something for every graduate student!
Career development platforms
Beyond the Professoriate are a one-of-a-kind, online platforms that help graduate students make the most out of their investment and build their careers. From video lessons on career exploration, to writing application materials, to interviewing and negotiating for that next career step — the “Beyond” platforms provide support for every stage of the job search. The unique curriculum is designed by learning specialists and experts in career development. Programming is research driven and proven to support students in building their careers.
CV vs. Resume – which should you use?
In the United States, a resume is the most commonly requested document. There is a common misconception that all graduate and professional students need to use a CV. See the comparison below to make sure your application materials meet expectations
Resume
A resume is common for most industries in the United States.
Recommendations for resumes:
- One page for every 10 years of experience is customary.
- Include the most relevant information to the job posting.
- Create a concise summary of qualifications related to each specific opportunity (revise for each application to highlight relevant details).
- Your resume is your opportunity to emphasize your qualifications, experience and skills.
- Simple, well-organized and easy-to-read formats are preferred.
Curriculum Vitae
A CV is customary in some countries, and in the U.S. for:
- Academia or a professor role
- Scientific or educational research
- Medical programs
- Research programs
Recommendations for CV:
- Create a detailed overview of your professional life and accomplishments.
- CVs typically start at two pages and will grow as experiences are continuously added.
- Additional CV sections include things like publications, presentations and references (sections not common on resumes).
When in doubt, use a resume!
Career resources for graduate students
Update your materials
Your application provides the first impression of you as a candidate.
Highlight your skills and experiences in just a few pages.
Create a plan
Identify your career goals and expectations for your program, create a plan so you can make the most out of your time in graduate school, and develop key skills you will need to succeed in graduate school and beyond.
Gain experience
Gain experience outside the classroom. Get started by viewing some of the opportunities offered at ASU below.
For additional opportunities, reach out to your faculty and advisors.
Career resources for doctoral students
Understand your options
Explore your career options, and understand the next steps needed for academic or industry careers with helpful articles, video lessons and workbooks.
Prepare for faculty interviews
This lesson on First-Round Interviews will help you navigate an interview in any format, communicating effectively to a search committee by drawing upon your application documents and cover letter. Completing this lesson will also help you when you begin preparing for your campus visit.
Prepare for industry interviews
Practice your interviewing skills from anywhere at any time with Big Interview! Build your interview confidence by recording and reviewing your answers to common interview questions. Select interview sets by industry and level of experience.
