Preparing for a Career after Graduate School: Career Planning Tips
Posted: July 22, 2025 | Author: Southern Utah University | Read Time: 6 minutes
While you are immersed in your research, projects, coursework, and thesis writing, it's easy to forget that life after graduate school is just around the corner. Unless you are already working in the job you want, chances are that earning your graduate degree is a part of your career path. And planning for that dream role is an essential next step in your journey.
The earlier you start preparing for life after graduate school, the smoother your transition will be.
Here are several strategies to help you plan for your career before graduation.
Build a strong, relevant cover letter
Cover letters are one of the first things potential employers will review when they decide whom to interview, so it is crucial to make yours as strong and relevant as possible. Cover letters are the perfect way to give the company more information about why you are interested in this specific position and how you would be an asset to them.
Impress employers with your professionalism and stand out as the job market gets increasingly competitive by including a strong and relevant cover letter.
SUU's Career Center offers examples, templates, and tips for cover letters to help students and alumni create a strong cover letter.
Network with professors, alumni, and industry professionals
Networking is an important step to find out more about organizations, the skills and qualifications to make you competitive, and the people who could mentor and refer you to relevant positions. Networking is also one of the most effective ways to find out about job opportunities before they are posted.
Not sure how to start networking? Start by asking the people around you for advice. These people can be your professors, peers in your field, alumni, community members, and industry professionals.
Another great way to network is to create long-term relationships and opportunities through internships, fellowships, or job shadowing. Not only will these opportunities further your experience and knowledge, but they will also give you insight into the field and create networking opportunities.
Visit the SUU Career Center for more tips for networking.
Research potential careers and set clear goals
As you prepare to apply for jobs, it's important to research potential careers through a variety of resources and platforms including company websites, Google, Indeed, Glassdoor and even professional associations. By researching potential careers, you can gain insights into the qualifications, skills, expertise employers are looking for.
In addition to researching potential careers, also take the time to research the industry standards for salary based on your experience and education. This research can help you during the application and interview process, especially when negotiating salary. If you know what the going rate for the position is, you may be able to determine which openings are worth applying for, and which are not.
From there, you can set clear goals that will help you prepare for your life after graduate school and for landing a job.
See the SUU Career Centers recommendations for job research.
Finding Jobs & Applying
When you begin applying for jobs, always apply on the company's website. Otherwise you risk your documents and information can get lost or mixed up. Application systems are one of the most sure ways to get your information submitted for the desired position.
Here is the recommended process for finding job opportunities and applying:
- Start with your industry and pick a job title or two to focus on.
- Tailor your profile to the job (resume, LinkedIn, cover letter, etc.) and proofread it.
- Follow application instructions carefully. SUU's Career Center advises that not only are instructions for the employer's ease, but it is also sometimes a test to see how well candidates can follow instructions.
- Save job descriptions (in case of an interview opportunity).
- Be professional and gracious throughout the process.
Start the interview preparation
Make sure to prep before an interview occurs so that you will be more confident and ready to secure the role. Take some time to research the company website, learn about the current pay and benefits offered, analyze the job description and qualifications, and learn more about the team and culture.
You will also want to make sure you have the right materials with you when going into the interview. This can include: copies of your resume, reference list, pen and paper for notes, and work samples or a portfolio if applicable.
Then, take some time to prepare answers to anticipated interview questions. SUU's Career Center offers some excellent tips for interview preparation. Be sure to also generate your own questions to ask the interviewers. Mock interviews are a great way to practice your responses to common interview questions that will help you feel more confident when it is time to apply for jobs and interview.
Here are some examples of common types of questions that employers ask:
- Self-Assessment Questions
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What is your Leadership style?
- Behavioral Questions
- Tell us about a time when…
- How would you respond if…
- Investment Questions
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
The best thing you can do for yourself in this process is to plan for success. Have confidence in yourself, and get into the mindset of the employer. Interviews are not tests, and it's okay to be a little nervous. Finally, wear a professional outfit that will set you up for a successful first impression.
Interview Tips
Here are a few valuable tips that you can easily apply during your interview:
- Remember that first impressions aren't everything, but they are important!
- Be honest! Don't lie about your experience, education, or skills - it will only hurt you in the long run.
- When the interviewer asks "Tell us about yourself", keep it relevant to the company and job description - this can include your past experience, education, skills, etc.
- Use confident and positive language
- Take notes and ask questions
Whether you are interviewing for your next job or for graduate school, you have a terrific new resource to help you ace it.
In your MySUU portal, under Resources, you will find a new app called Big Interview. It's an online interview prep tool that offers video tutorials and mock interviews tailored to your desired industry and experience level, and includes AI feedback on your performance.
Learn strategies for answering common interview questions, and frameworks for responding to behavioral questions - the "Tell me about a time when..." questions.
It will coach you on appropriate interview attire, guide you in questions you should ask, and advise you on salary negotiations. It even has resources for specific populations, including new college graduates.
Pair Big Interview resources with the interview practice opportunities in the SUU Career Center so you give yourself the best shot to stand out to employers.
Preparing for life after graduate school might seem overwhelming at first, but taking proactive steps during your graduate studies can set you up for success.
Take advantage of these strategies to be in a position where you can transition smoothly from graduate school to the next exciting phase of your career.
SUU's Career Center is available to all students and alumni for additional help on resumes, interviews, cover letters, and more.
Good luck grad students, you got this!
Tags: Student Career and Professional Development Graduate Programs SUU Online
