Your New York Tech Plan
Graduate School – Your Future Has Already Started
While you’re still a student, you should be thinking about what you’ll do after graduation. Your degree will be a passport to career opportunities around the world. Plan for your future success today by visiting the Office of Career Services and exploring our professional development resources.
Your First Year
While achieving success in your academic program should remain the primary focus of your graduate education, it is very important that you also develop the "soft skills" required to thrive in a professional environment. You must learn how to adapt and become flexible and develop a broad skill set that includes competencies in communications, project management, and entrepreneurship.
The following are recommended steps to help prepare you to make a smooth transition to the workforce:
More- Know your program requirements and set a “Master Plan” for achieving milestones. Revisit as needed. Give yourself deadlines!
- Explore all available resources to help maximize your academic performance.
- Be proactive—take responsibility for your own graduate school experience and be your own “project manager.” Structure your time and efforts—develop a regular work schedule that works for you. Take the initiative to get what you need from your program.
- Bring a professional approach to your work and your interactions.
- Seek input and collaboration from faculty members and your peers. Don't isolate yourself!
- Attend conferences, seminars, lectures, workshops, and other events related to your areas of interest to expand your knowledge, meet industry leaders, and build a professional network.
- Visit the Career Services office to learn about job search strategies and resumes, and attend our various career-related events.
- Get to know your classmates outside of class—they’ll be sharing a similar journey and you’ll likely collaborate on projects and study groups.
- Join a student club or organization related to your academic, social, or professional interests.
- Cultivate relationships with faculty, staff, and classmates—you’ll develop a support network to ensure you’re getting the most out of your college experience.
- And lastly, seek balance and support in your life. Remember, you have friends and family outside grad school who can be important for building and maintaining your support system.
Your Second Year
While achieving success in your academic program should remain the primary focus of your graduate education, it is very important to also develop the "soft skills" required to thrive in a professional environment. You must learn how to adapt and become flexible and develop a broad skill set that includes competencies in communications, project management, and entrepreneurship.
The following are recommended steps to help prepare you to make a smooth transition to the workforce:
More- Attend and present papers and posters at conferences—begin thinking of yourself as a member of your profession and academic field.
- Assess the qualifications for your chosen career and identify the areas where you need to improve your skills.
- Attend off-campus career fairs and networking events—and don’t forget to practice your interviewing skills! Make an appointment with Career Services for a mock interview session.
- Take on a leadership role in a student organization.
- Continue building a professional network with faculty, staff, alumni, and classmates.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions or need any assistance, please contact Vancouver Career Services at vancouver.careerservices@nyit.edu.