Career Support
Penn State’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) helps postdocs lead careers with purpose and agility for long-term happiness. Our career development offerings are grounded in current research and best practices in adult learning and career theory, designed to address the complex realities of today’s evolving professional landscape. Through individualized coaching, targeted programming, and strategic resources, the OPA director helps postdocs identify and pursue a broad range of career pathways—within and beyond academia. Whether exploring roles in industry, government, nonprofits, or entrepreneurship, postdocs are equipped to articulate their strengths, align goals with personal values, and make data-informed decisions that support long-term success.
1:1 or Small Group Postdoctoral Career Coaching
Personalized career coaching sessions for postdoctoral scholars and fellows led by Jennifer Nicholas, Ph.D. in Workforce Education and Development and 8+ years’ experience as a professional career coach.
- Review and refinement of LinkedIn profiles, CVs, resumes, and cover letters.
- Interview preparation, including mock interviews and debriefing.
- Guidance and support for career clarity, discernment, and job search strategy.
VersatilePhD for Penn State Postdocs
Versatile PhD is a comprehensive online platform designed to support early-career scholars exploring careers beyond academia.
- Wide range of resources, including career panels, job listings, and professional development tools.
- Real-life narratives of PhDs who have transitioned into non-academic careers.
- Supportive community offering mentorship and peer guidance.
To register, select “Penn State” from the dropdown menu under “Your doctoral institution” to gain full access to the site.
Virtual Forums for Job Search Support and Community Building
Two opt-in virtual groups, one for academic searches and the other non-academic. For access, email: postdoc@psu.edu.
- Networking opportunities to connect with fellow postdocs.
- Catalyzing wisdom on topics such as networking, strategies, hope/success, institutional knowledge, interviewing, negotiating, and considerations for teaching and DEI.
Career and Professional Development Programming
- Weekly e-newsletter features relevant upcoming postdoctoral programming (local and national), career insights, timely articles, tips, and opportunities. (Reviewing and bookmarking content is especially helpful for those actively job searching.)
- Engaging year-long programming content to build skills and enhance career prospects.
Annual Postdoctoral Research Symposium
- Empowering postdoc leaders to organize, lead, and arrange every aspect of the symposium.
- Showcasing the research of postdoctoral scholars and fellows, complemented by meals and guest speakers.
- Networking and collaboration opportunities for community engagement.
Opportunities for Continual “Feedforward”
- Interest/priority surveys conducted every other year encourage the reporting of firsthand insight on the postdoctoral experience, directly informing programmatic decision-making.
- Ongoing post-program surveys result in suggestions that also inform future years’ programming.