In this presentation, Millie Douglas, Careers Consultant in VUW Student Services will talk about ways that PhD students can prepare for employment after finishing their PhD.

Jobhunting is a time-consuming and often stressful enterprise, but there are ways to make the experience efficient and interesting. That, in part, depends on the attitude, skills and resources you bring to the process. As a successful jobhunter, your task is to achieve a satisfactory ratio of applications to interviews, and to feel that throughout your jobhunt, you are growing in confidence and knowledge, rather than feeling diminished and disheartened. Maximising positive responses and interview offers from potential employers requires thorough research, and the willingness to engage with them, understand their organisation, and the role you hope to secure. This allows you to position yourself as the solution to their problems and a great person to deal with.

As a postgraduate student, you have already demonstrated that research and writing are your strengths. Preparing effective CVs and cover letters is simply another research and writing challenge in which the measure of success is an interview. Application and selection processes may also require other writing skills such as responding to formal email correspondence, social-media writing, preparing written business advice or an analysis of a piece of policy. While some of these tasks may not be part of your experience so far, as accomplished writers they can become so. You are already on your way to becoming research and writing experts and this session is intended to help you apply your skills effectively to the task of getting that job.

Venue: Murphy 632