Doctoral Degree

Welcome! This page is designed to provide content of interest to doctoral students who are exploring career options and career pathways. In this Career Community you will find:

  • blog posts and other content of particular relevance to doctoral students
  • selected job postings
  • doctoral student and alumni career success stories
  • potential mentors through HuskyLink
  • student and professional organizations of interest

Career Exploration is Essential
Your degree is just one of your qualifications. With this in mind, a goal of this Community is to help you explore, implement, and execute your career ideas and options. To view the diverse careers pursued by UConn doctoral program alums and others visit the Expand Your Career Options panelists web page. Career Coaches are available to meet with you throughout your degree program. Appointments can be scheduled here.

Top Skills for Doctoral Students

It is important to know what skills, knowledge, and experiences employers seek, to inform your career preparation during your doctoral program. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) identified eight competencies that employers typically seek in job candidates. It is important to be aware of what employers value in a job applicant, and then make sure that you are gaining and enhancing those skills. If you notice a gap between what you possess and what employers seek, make a plan to narrow the gap, gaining skills and experience either on campus or beyond.

The NACE Competencies:

  • Career & Self Development
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Equity & Inclusion
  • Leadership
  • Professionalism
  • Teamwork
  • Technology

Additional core competencies that doctoral students possess:

  • Research
  • Discipline-specific conceptual knowledge
  • Management of projects and people
  • Teaching

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Featured Articles

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