The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) supports Rensselaer graduate students as they explore and pursue careers across academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Graduate study develops advanced research, analytical, and leadership skills that are highly valued in many professional environments. CCPD career counselors work with graduate students to translate these experiences into compelling career narratives and competitive application materials.
Whether you are exploring career paths, preparing for fellowships, or navigating the academic or industry job market, CCPD provides individualized support tailored to graduate student career goals.
Work with a Career Counselor
Graduate students are encouraged to meet with a CCPD career counselor for guidance throughout their graduate career journey.
Career counselors can help with:
- Academic career pathways
- Industry, government, and nonprofit opportunities
- Careers beyond the professoriate
- Academic CVs
- Industry resumes
- Cover letters
- Research statements and teaching philosophies
- Fellowship and grant application materials
- Academic job market preparation
- Industry and applied research roles
- Networking and informational interviewing
- Faculty and postdoctoral interviews
- Industry interviews
- Job talks and research presentations
- Offer negotiation
Schedule an appointment with a CCPD career counselor through Handshake.
Find Opportunities on Handshake
Handshake is Rensselaer’s primary career platform where graduate students can discover opportunities and connect with employers.
Through Handshake, graduate students can search and apply for:
- Full-time jobs in industry, government, and nonprofit organizations
- Internships and experiential opportunities during graduate study
- Fellowships and research opportunities aligned with advanced degree programs
Handshake also allows you to:
- Register for career fairs and employer events
- Schedule career counseling appointments with CCPD
- Connect with employers seeking RPI graduate talent
Graduate students are encouraged to keep their Handshake profile updated and regularly review new opportunities.
Beyond Graduate School is the only career training platform designed specifically for master’s students.
RPI graduate students have free access to this website with information and strategies on how to effectively prepare for your job search. On the platform, you’ll find:
- Self-paced courses with videos and workbooks
- Live monthly webinars and annual conferences to help you stay up-to-date on industry trends
- A unique video library featuring master’s degree holders who now work in exciting career pathways.
- Watch this video to see how you can best utilize Beyond Graduate School.
If you haven't checked out the platform yet, sign-in here using your RCS User ID and password.
Please bookmark: https://institutions.beyondgradschool.com/ for easy access!
Beyond the Professoriate is an online career preparation resource specifically for doctoral students and postdocs!
RPI graduate students have free access to this website with information and strategies you need to confidently apply for jobs in academia or to explore nonacademic career options. Inside the platform, you’ll find:
- A massive video library featuring PhDs who work in exciting career pathways
- Self-paced courses with videos and workbooks about career exploration and job application materials
- Regular virtual workshops and conferences
- Watch this video to see how you can best utilize Beyond the Professoriate.
If you haven't checked out the platform yet, sign-in here using your RCS User ID and password.
Please bookmark: https://institutions.beyondprof.com/ for easy access!
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you're just beginning to think about your career options, start here:
- Explore Career Paths
Learn about academic, industry, government, and nonprofit career options available to graduate students. - Meet with a Career Counselor
Discuss your interests, goals, and experiences to develop a personalized career strategy. - Begin Building Your Professional Materials
Create or refine your CV, resume, and professional profiles to prepare for opportunities. CCPD counselors are here to help you navigate your options and build a plan that fits your goals.
Graduate Career Timeline
Career development is an ongoing process during graduate school. While every path is different, the following timeline can help guide your planning.
- Explore potential career paths
- Begin identifying transferable skills
- Attend career workshops and employer events
- Create a draft CV or resume
- Gain professional experience through internships, research collaborations, or
leadership roles - Expand your professional network
- Refine your career interests and job search strategy
- Apply for jobs, fellowships, or postdoctoral opportunities
- Prepare for interviews and job talks
- Meet with a career counselor to review offers and negotiate
Engage with CCPD
In addition to individual appointments, graduate students are encouraged to participate in CCPD programs and events, including:
- Employer information sessions
- Career fairs and recruiting events
- Professional development workshops
- Networking opportunities with alumni and industry professionals
CCPD is here to support Rensselaer graduate students from exploration to launching their next step.
