Academic jobs can be found on job boards, such as HigherEdJobs or PostdocJobs, through institutional websites and networking. It’s best to utilize all of these resources in your search. Jobs in academia are quite competitive, so it’s best not to restrict your search too much and start preparing early.
To prepare for your academic job search, the Career Center recommends:
- Utilize resources available while at UC Davis. There are seminars, workshops, fellowships and other professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and generate strong application documents. In addition to Career Center resources, we recommend visiting the Center for Educational Effectiveness and the GradPathways Institute for Professional Development.
- Conduct informational interviews to gain a better understanding of which academic institution and position are best for you. We recommend finding people to interview through networking and using the alumni tool of LinkedIn.
- Plan your career path early. Develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) so you have a guide to help navigate and make the most of your time at UC Davis.
- Understand the timeline. Most academic jobs, with the exception of some postdoctoral scholar appointments, require you to apply about one year prior to when you would start the position. We recommend developing your application materials and preparing for interviews early.
Make an appointment with a Career Center advisor for guidance and help.