No matter if you are  planning to pursue an academic research or tenure track position within academia or considering choosing a career beyond academia, these simple steps below represent good practices that will focus and enhance your career development efforts in ways that are beneficial for academic and non-academic job search candidates alike.

1. Stay open to possibilities and avoid career blind spots.
   
   It is completely OK and normal for Ph.D. students to change their mind about career choices at any stage.
   
   Stay open to the realities and possibilities of potential career paths by allowing yourself to consider what you want. The career exploration resources listed below can help you maintain a perspective on your skills, interests, and priorities.

2. Think of yourself as a professional and treat your time at Brown accordingly.
   
   In the eyes of a potential employer, your graduate position is a job, and your education and graduate activities are job experience.
   Through every course, committee, and project you are developing and demonstrating important career skills. Trying to understand what these skills are in terms that are broadly applicable can pay enormous dividends in the long run. Ask yourself where your strengths and interests lie – you may lean more toward teaching/instruction, writing, research, service and community building, or any combination of interests and skills. This sense of self-awareness can guide and enhance your career development during your graduate studies.
    
3. Invest some time in service, and in developing skills, interests, and professional relationships beyond your courses and, if possible, beyond your department.
   
   Committee and service work shows that you are an engaged and active member of your community, and that demonstrates experience as a leader and/or team member – desirable assets on the job market. Hosting conferences, events or symposia develops skills in communication, planning, organization, and marketing. Whatever your interests are – management, writing, mentorship, community engagement, advocacy, the list goes on and on –  you will find countless opportunities to expand your professional experience throughout your studies; be open to them and pursue them strategically.