Career Resources
Researching a career path isn't all that different from researching a topic for a paper, and we've done much of the work for you by compiling a variety of resources. Learn how to explore career paths, develop new skills, find a job, and evaluate, negotiate, accept or reject an offer.
Exploring Career Paths
Not sure where to begin? Create a free acount with Imagine PhD to discover how your strengths translate into job skills. Be sure to explore our Career Guides to learn about potential career paths, and see if your discipline offers career resources (see, for example, the American Historical Association site on career diversity and Connected Academics for literature and language disciplines).
Developing New Skills
To be competitive on the job market, you may have to learn a new skill. As a student at UT, you can access free courses through LinkedIn Learning. The courses range from business to creative and technology topics, with subjects like leadership and management, graphic design, and web development.
Finding Jobs
UT graduate students may participate in most of the Career Fairs on campus. You also have access to a variety of online job search resources. Some of these resources are available to all graduate students, while others are designed specifically for liberal arts students.
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Resources |
If you’re looking for… |
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American Council of Learned Societies
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Humanities fellowships
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CoLA Career resources, upcoming programming, and job listings
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Jobs for veterans
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Job listings, company and position reviews, and salary ranges
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Negotiating salary guide
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Jobs in higher education
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Job listings for all UT students
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Job listings and salary ranges
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Job assistance for international students
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Job listings, salary ranges, and networking
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Job listings and company profiles
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Evaluating an Offer
When you receive a job offer there are many factors to consider before making a decision or trying to negotiate. Remember that once you accept the offer either verbally or in writing, you have made a commitment.
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Organization |
Benefits |
Job |
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Type and size of business
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Salary |
Flexible vs. on-site |
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Company’s financial stability
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Signing bonus |
Daily responsibilities |
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Location(s) |
Relocation budget |
Work hours and anticipated overtime |
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Philosophy, value system, and mission |
Vacation |
Advancement and professionalization opportunities |
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Reputation |
Retirement plan and vesting time (i.e., when a company’s contributions fully belong to you) |
Supervisor, coworkers, and colleagues |
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Culture |
Health benefits (e.g. medical, dental, and vision) |
Size of department |
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Environment |
Tuition reimbursement |
Required and desired skills |
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Accessibility |
Commuting expenses and reimbursement |
Travel
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Negotiating an Offer
Once you receive an official job offer you have the opportunity to negotiate the terms of your employment. You should only negotiate with an employer whose offer you plan to accept if the negotiation goes well. If you reach an acceptable compromise, it is assumed that you will accept the position.
Below are some things you might be able to negotiate, but before responding to an offer reach out to a career coach and follow these 15 "rules."
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Base salary |
This is often the most challenging item to negotiate. Not all employers are willing to negotiate, but those who do will typically not budget more than 5% over the offered amount. |
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Benefits package |
This includes annual bonuses, vacation days, insurance plans, and other perks like gym membership, public transportation stipend, etc. |
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Professional development |
Companies frequently offer support for professionalization, such as conference travel, membership in professional organizations, tuition reimbursement, and new skill acquisition. If it will enhance your job performance, companies will often invest in it. |
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Signing bonus |
Companies may offer a signing bonus as a show of good faith—these funds could offset relocation costs, transportation, or other necessities such as wardrobe. |
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Start date |
Most companies understand that accepting a new job often requires transitioning from another job and/or another location. It may be possible to arrange the start date, although some companies have more rigid training timetables. |
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Working remotely |
More and more companies are embracing flexible work arrangements, including working from home full-time or part-time. |
Accepting or Rejecting an Offer
Once you have decided to accept a job offer, confirm your acceptance in writing. Be sure to state the agreed upon salary, and confirm your start date and job responsibilities. This is also an opportunity to ask any questions, and express your appreciation for joining the organization. At this point, also contact any other organizations with whom you have been interviewing to let them know you have accepted an offer and are withdrawing your candidacy. Finally, be sure to give your current employer notice of your new position, following any company guidelines.
Once you have decided to decline a job offer, communicate this in writing. Be polite and positive in your notification—your never known if you may work with the company or its employees in the future. You are not required to share if you accepted a position.
