The Chronicle of Higher Education contains a wealth of practical information for graduate students of all disciplines. Below are links and descriptions for several excellent articles on career preparation and options for graduate students.

The first two pertain to job searches within academia, the second two to alternative careers within and beyond academia. We thought they were so helpful that we are, with permission, making connections to them available here.

(Brian Taylor for The Chronicle of Higher Education)

1. Career Preparation and Professional Development Tips for Graduate Students

It's not just the early bird who gets the worm (or the job); it's the very, very early bird.

2. Preparing Now for Next Year’s Academic Job Search

Use your summer break to collect and prepare the job market materials you will need next fall for a faculty job search.

3. On Alternative Careers for Graduate Students

Although addressed to faculty members, this is a great article for graduate students considering alternative careers within and beyond academia—which is good common sense in today's economy. The article references a number of additional resources for further exploration and guidance.

(Life sciences students will also want to read Career Paths for Life Scientists by the same authors.)

Note: Complete Chronicle resources are accessible to NAU students online at
no charge through Cline Library.

Because you are busy people, we also post links to especially valuable Chronicle articles for grad students on the Graduate College Facebook site.