Graduate College

The Graduate College
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5242 USA
(269) 387-8212

G.O.L.D. Career

 

Graduate Opportunities for Learning and Development (G.O.L.D.) - Career

Career: Where can I find help in preparing for my career?

Each field has its own culture so we encourage graduate students to connect with those specifically in their disciplines. Professional associations, faculty, mentors, peers in your classes, and alumni will be among your best resources. Whether your searching for a career outside academia or inside academia there are resources to help. When interacting with offices at WMU feel free to introduce yourself as a graduate student so that services can be catered specifically to you. 

  • Search for on campus employment or a graduate assistantship using Handshake. Activate student Handshake account through GoWMU to post resume to search for positions on and off campus. 
  • The Department of Career and Student Employment Services - offers tips and career advising for graduate students by Career Development Specialists and provides assistance for developing your resume/CV, as well as job search planning and goal setting. 
  • The  Career Zone is located in Ellsworth Hall and can provide help preparing your resume, CV or cover letter, drop-in hours are available. Graduate students are encouraged to inform the staff that they are a graduate student. 
  • WMU Career Development Guide - Provides information, samples, and worksheets to help you with your own career adventure. 
  • Big Interview - Computer-based job interview practice. 
  • Career and Student Employment Services Events - Calendar of job fairs, job fair preparation events, practice interviews, employer information sessions. 
  • Job Fair preparation support - Learn what to do before, during, and after a job fair or other career events. 
  • Take the IMPACTeX Navigator to identify the key factors that you can personally look for on your career journey to achieve career satisfaction. 
  • Consider enhancing your resume or CV by engaging in your passions with the WMU Signature

On campus employment and graduate assistantships 

  • Search for on campus employment or a graduate assistantship using Handshake. You can activate your Handshake account through GoWMU to post your resume or CV and search for positions on and off campus 
  • Graduate assistantships or graduate appointments are positions that provide a stipend and tuition remission in exchange for professional service. The positions include teaching assistants, research discovery and research application. These positions are highly competitive and will require students to be prepared for interviews. Each department has their own process for hiring. Some positions are limited only to individuals in specific graduate programs and with a specific set of skills; other positions may be appropriate for a broader audience. Students should first contact their home academic department, then register with Handshake where on campus jobs are posted.

Career resources beyond WMU