More than half of new doctorates enter into nonacademic careers, which academics often often refer to as "Plan B." Unfortunately most graduate programs are slow to recognize this reality. InsideHigherEd's Felicia B. LeClere links to recent dialogues in various publications that explore the reality of including some discussion of, and preparation for, nonacademic careers. As she explains, the "skills learned in graduate school are invaluable, but the traditional approach to teaching them makes it much harder to apply outside the professorial role." What can graduate programs do to help students apply their well-honed skill in nonacademic settings? Should they?

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Graduate Students Skills Translate to Non-Academic Careers

Students vary in how they end a course. I've seen some dump their notebooks in the trash as they leave the examination room (Really!!). Others save their notes and textbooks. Many students sell their books. Everyone experiences a course in their own way. Students vary in what they learn and ultimately take away from a class. Before you file you notes away, throw out your notes and papers, and/or sell your textbook, spend a little bit of time evaluating what you have learned and what you should do differently next semester. "Close out" the course by doing these three things.

After jumping through the application hoops, taking standardized exams, writing admissions essays, and requesting letters of recommendation, receiving a rejection letter can be devastating. Your first urge may be to wallow in misery. Allow yourself a little bit of time to feel sorry for yourself, then move on. Be productive and approach rejection constructively by consider the various reasons why applicants are rejected for graduate study.

It's the end of admissions season. You received rejections, may have been wait-listed, and hopefully received at least one acceptance letter. Now it's time for summer, right? Stop! Take a moment to visit your professors' offices or email them to fill them in on your application. Writing a letter of recommendation is not easy. It takes time. Most professors who write recommendation letters on behalf of their students care about the outcome. They are invested in the success of their students. In addition to thanking the faculty who write letters of recommendation your behalf, you should let them know the outcome of your application. And if you haven't thanked them, now is the time - regardless of whether you were accepted to graduate school.