Career Planning

You’ll get more than a great education at Mason. We also provide resources that enable you to develop highly sought skills and build a professional network that will enable you to launch a thriving career.  

University Career Services

Find comprehensive support in your pursuit of the perfect position. University Career Services provides customized career advice based on the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of graduate students. Activate your Handshake account to find jobs and internships, learn about job fairs and workshops, get help polishing your résumé and interviewing skills, or explore industry-specific resources. 

Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning

Take advantage of a variety of professional development programs for those pursuing teaching-related careers. Visit the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning to see the programs they are offering.

Academic Careers

Late-stage doctoral and MFA students should consider applying to join our PROV 701: Preparing for Careers in the Academy cohort if you will be on the academic job market in the next year or two.

Graduate Student Life Events and Programs

Graduate Student Life regularly offers career and professional development events and programs in collaboration with campus partners, including University Career Services, University Libraries, Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning, Office of Research, and more. Past workshops have focused on résumé writing, professional branding and networking, interviewing and salary negotiation for academic and industry jobs, career switching, public speaking skills, and grant writing. Find out about upcoming events.  

Professional Development Fellowships

Explore professional development fellowships (such as the Presidential Management Fellowships and the Mellon/ACLS Public Fellows Program) that serve as competitive bridge programs help you enhance your career options through experience in a specialized professional setting.  

You could work for a: 

  • Government agency. 
  • Non-governmental organization (NGO). 
  • Nonprofit. 
  • Think tank. 
  • Research organization. 
  • Advocacy group. 
  • Service group.    

The paid professional development experience or work placement supplements your academic study or begins as soon as you graduate.  

Other options include both internal and external graduate fellowships.