Welcome to the Postdoc Resource Hub!
In this hub, we have career resources to support your professional goals, whether they are in academia or beyond! We strongly encourage developing skills for either path, since most people will end up working with industry (government entities, business, nonprofits) in some capacity.
Meet With Your Career Coach
Your Career Coach can consult with you on every step of your career journey.
Handshake: Your Resource Platform
Job & Internship Search
Log-in to Handshake today to explore career options and connect with employers. We particularly recommend using CareerShift (in Handshake’s Career Center > Resources), as it provides comprehensive searches for advanced-degree and experienced postings.
- Jobs: this tab on the landing page features opportunities posted by employers specifically for University of Utah community members.
- CareerShift: a powerful job-search engine we subscribe to for you.
- Interstride: platform designed for international job-seekers. An interactive portal to support you in your global job search, immigration journey, and community building.
Make an Appointment
As a Postdoc, you have access to a dedicated Career Coach who is here to support you. You can meet with your Career Coach to discuss any career-related topic, such as: job/internship search, networking, designing resumes & cover letters, interviewing, and negotiating compensation. Learn more about your coach below:
- Francine Mahak, PhD
Postdoc Career Coach
Start Networking
Handshake is the ideal place to find contacts to add to your network. Join the Forever Utah Network to connect with others in the U of U community or utilize CareerShift to search for contacts at specific companies.
Networking Tips:
- Seek conversations with academic and outside professionals whenever you can.
- In your conversations, focus on them so you can hear what work is like in different careers and environments. Share your interests as well.
- Follow up with a specific thank-you message about what you most valued. Check-in with them periodically to build the professional relationship.
Join Events
You are welcome to join our events, in particular career fairs, employer meetups and panels, and other career-prep workshops and events. Simply check the Events tab, and filter by Category.
An IDP helps you clarify your strengths, identify resources, and plan a successful professional transition.
- Assess your skills, interests, and values
- Explore career paths
- Intentionally plan how to achieve your professional goals, setting SMART Goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Based), and keep your plan updated
- Facilitate constructive conversations with your mentors about your plan, as it evolves
The tools below are all free, self-contained, and comprehensive in guiding you through the planning process:
- IDP for Postdocs (Stanford)
- myIDP for STEM
- Imagine PhD for Humanities & Social Science
Identifying and learning to articulate your strengths is not only a confidence builder, but it is also an important step to improving your interview answers and job application materials!
We don't always take the time to deeply reflect on our experiences and what they taught us. Often there are strengths hiding in what may seem like the most mundane experiences.
Utilize our Log Your Strengths worksheet to start brainstorming on your own and make an appointment with your Career Coach to find more support!
Networking is still the #1 way to find a job! Seek conversations with professionals inside and outside your industry - you never know how they may help you in the future. Get started identifying your current network and growing your network with the resources below:
Academic Career Materials
Grant Writing
Gaining funding for your research is absolutely essential, but you may not have specific knowledge of the process or the skills involved. Below are resources to help you feel confident communicating your research goals and needs in grant applications.
- U of U Grant Specialist: Jessie Morris
- General Grant Writing Classes
- Grant Writing Classes by Agency
Applying to Faculty Positions
Resources coming soon!
Prioritizing Self Care
Postdoc life can be a lot of stress and pressure, which is why prioritizing self-care is crucial to your success. Review the variety of FREE resources available to you at the U of U!