Most of the 2.5 million graduate students in the U.S. are in programs designed for a career in academics. But the unspoken truth is that less than five percent will realize their dream of becoming a professor. The rest have little idea how to begin making a living in the business world.Life After Grad School is for students in all academic disciplines, with or without a Ph.D. This book illuminates the transition from academia to a satisfying and well-paying job with a company, government agency, or not-for-profit organization. Realistic and reassuring, it helps students structure their decision about leaving academics, and orients them to the culture of business. Readers learn how to adapt the knowledge and skills developed in grad school for business applications. Written for intelligent, mature students, the book provides practical tools and generates the confidence to find fulfilling alternative careers.Jerald Jellison, an authority on personal change, presents a clear, concrete roadmap that thoughtfully explains how to: identify "good" starter jobs, move from a CV to a compelling resume, present academic experience as a plus to interviewers, find businesses that are compatible with graduate training, and much, much more. He illustrates how to craft a winning "elevator pitch" (a quick way to advance your cause with business people), create a contact network, locate free job search resources, search and apply for jobs, and handle difficult interview questions. The book includes advice on landing a job, negotiating an optimal work agreement, and positioning yourself for future career advances.The only such book in print, Life After Grad School provides invaluable guidance for graduate students facing this most challenging career move.

Table of ContentsSECTION I: LEAVING THE ACADEMIC WORLD1. Deciding to Decide2. Occupation IQ3. Giving Up Your "Religion"4. Get Real5. You Can Be a Little Bit Pregnant6. That's My Story & I'm Sticking to ItSECTION II: ENTERING THE BUSINESS WORLD7. What Will Make You Happy?8. One Path Versus Many9. Your Career Trajectory10. What's Your Function?11. Who Are You?12. Map It OutSECTION III: CREATING A TRANSITION TOOLKIT13. CV&R: Curriculum Vita and Resume14. Assets and Liabilities15. Righting Your Resume16. More School?17. What Time Is It?18. Free CoachingSECTION IV: LANDING A JOB19. Developing a Job Search Plan20. Death, Taxes, and Networking21. Your Elevator Speech22. Outside In23. Information Interviews24. Job InterviewsSECTION V: SUCCEEDING IN YOUR NEW JOB25. The First 100 Days26. Behavioral Do's and Don'ts27. The Art of Office Politics28. What You Don't Know29. Buyer's Remorse - Having Second Thoughts30. Creating Your Next Job