What does it mean to explore careers?
Career exploration is applying your research skills and analytical thinking to an investment in your future work life.
Career exploration is a cyclical process of assessment, investigation, reflection, and synthesis. There are several reasons why this investment is important: One reason is that research has found that PhD-level students or postdocs who engage in some career exploration end up with higher job satisfaction. See this Inside Higher Ed article regarding social sciences and humanities. Another reason is that you need to take responsibility for your career trajectory, as the market forces today are very different than they were for your PhD advisor or your current Principal Investigator.
Self reflection
Exploring careers effectively
Positioning yourself for your next career move
Successful career exploration stories
Explore a new career each month with the Every Month Series
Read about your career options
Try a structured career exploration program
Do an internship or fellowship
Find your community