Academic Career Preparation

students in a workshop

Are you considering applying for academic jobs? Check out the resources below for how to prepare application materials. 

You can also review curated career transition guides and Alumni@Work videos from advanced degree alumni to learn about different career paths within academia. 

Upcoming Events

Career and Life Design logo
Event Status
Scheduled
Tuesday March 3, 2026, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Peter T. Flawn Academic Center (FAC) 2.142 - Classrooms ABC
This workshop covers key strategies for negotiating job offers and compensation so you can approach conversations with clarity and professionalism.
Career and Life Design logo
Event Status
Scheduled
Wednesday April 1, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Peter T. Flawn Academic Center (FAC) 2.134 Conference Room
Kick off your job search with strategies to uncover the best opportunities! In this session, we’ll share practical tips for identifying openings that align with your skills and goals.
Career and Life Design logo
Event Status
Scheduled
Friday April 3, 2026, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Peter T. Flawn Academic Center (FAC) 2.134 Conference Room
This interactive workshop helps graduate students and postdocs identify the skills, interests, and values that drive their job search—and reflect on the bigger mission behind their work.
Career and Life Design logo
Event Status
Scheduled
Wednesday April 8, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Peter T. Flawn Academic Center (FAC) 2.138
This session will cover tools and techniques for evaluating company culture, values, and growth potential.
Career and Life Design logo
Event Status
Scheduled
Wednesday April 15, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Peter T. Flawn Academic Center (FAC) 2.138
Make LinkedIn work for you! This session provides quick tips for strengthening your profile and using LinkedIn to expand your network.
Career and Life Design logo
Event Status
Scheduled
Wednesday April 22, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Peter T. Flawn Academic Center (FAC) 2.138
Turn your application materials into powerful marketing tools!
Career and Life Design logo
Event Status
Scheduled
Tuesday April 28, 2026, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Peter T. Flawn Academic Center (FAC) 2.142 - Classrooms ABC
Kick off your job search with strategies to uncover the best opportunities!
Career and Life Design logo
Event Status
Scheduled
Wednesday April 29, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Peter T. Flawn Academic Center (FAC) 2.142 - Classroom C
Discover how networking opens doors beyond job postings. We’ll share strategies for building authentic connections and tapping into the hidden job market.

Academic Job Consultations

Academic Job Market Application Documents Overview:

Review common academic job market materials and how they can each be used to address research, teaching and service.

Academic Job Application Appointments

Graduate students can meet individually with a career advisor, teaching or writing consultant to draft and get feedback on academic job application materials.

Teaching Statement Examples & Resources

A teaching statement is a reflective document for academic job applications that outlines your teaching philosophy, methods and goals. It includes your beliefs about student learning, specific strategies to engage students, assessment techniques and aspirations for student outcomes. Review the example and additional resources from the Center for Teaching and Learning linked below.

Example CV Templates

CVs and Application Materials

Curriculum Vitae (CVs) are documents used to showcase your experience related to research, teaching and service. You might be asked to submit a CV for applications for graduate programs, fellowships, faculty positions, research scientist positions and more. Review our example CV templates for Humanities and Social Sciences or STEM disciplines at the website linked above.

Academic Cover Letters

An academic cover letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself to the hiring committee and demonstrate your suitability for the role and institution. In it, you should effectively outline your qualifications, teaching philosophy, research interests and relevant experience. Be sure to include your notable achievements and provide a concise summary of your professional journey and aspirations.

Interviewing

Academic Interview Preparation

The academic interviewing process typically has multiple steps. Learn how to prepare for an academic interview.

Explore Academic Careers

Benita Bamgbade

Assistant Professor
Northeastern University
Ph.D. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration

Robert Carroll

Assistant Professor of Instruction, UT-Austin
Communication Coach, UT MBA+ Program
Content Writer and Associate Speaker Coach, Duarte Inc.
Ph.D. Interpersonal Communication

Pete Kunze

Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication
Tulane University
Ph.D. Media Studies

Jean Lauer

Professor, Dept. of Philosophy, Religion, and Humanities
Professor, Dept. of Radio-Television-Film
Austin Community College
Ph.D. Radio-Television-Film

Kathryn Metz

Assistant Professor of Ethnomusicology
Oberlin College & Conservatory
Ph.D. Ethnomusicology