Resources for Post Docs

We understand the importance of career development and job search planning for postdocs, however, UCS is unable to provide a full range of services to postdocs at this time. For more information about support offered to postdocs at Northwestern, contact the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs in The Graduate School.

UCS Services Available to Postdocs

NO

Individual Counseling Appointments: Advising on career-related concerns, resume/cover letter/CV reviews, interviewing skills, job search planning, etc.

NO

Walk-In Appointments

NO

UCS-Sponsored Career Fairs

YES

UCS Programs and Workshops: Postdocs can attend career-related programming hosted by UCS that is open to the entire campus community.

YES

CareerCat Access: CareerCat is the job and internship database for Northwestern undergraduates, graduate students and alumni.  Some employers in CareerCat will consider postdocs for job and internship opportunities.  To obtain a login to CareerCat, email UCS at careercat@northwestern.edu from your northwestern.edu email address to request access. Include name, student ID number, and preferred email address.  Note: employers in CareerCat set their own criteria for reviewing candidates.  You will be unable to apply for positions that are restricted to current Northwestern students.

Career Resources for Postdocs

Individual Appointments

  • Your Alumni Career Services Office: We recommend that postdocs contact their graduate and/or undergraduate institutions for career guidance and resources—many institutions offer comprehensive career services for their alumni. 
  • The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) at Northwestern serves as a resource for support and enhancement of postdoctoral training and provides for the specific needs of postdocs, faculty members and administrators.
  • Community Career Resources: UCS has compiled a list of local resources that have been useful to NU staff and community members seeking career assistance on the Staff Seeking Career Assistance page of this website.
  • Private Career Counseling:  A private career counselor offers fee-based services to assist with self-assessment, career exploration, career planning, and job search guidance.  The National Career Development Association (NCDA) and Illinois Career Development Association (ICDA) have searchable databases to assist with the process of finding a career counselors that have been approved by their respective organizations.  Note: These counselors are not affilliated with or endorsed by University Career Services.

Self-Assessment Resources

  • O*Net Skills Search:  This database allows you to browse a number of careers based on identified skill areas (developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge).
  • O*Net Interests Search:  This database allows you to browse a number of careers based on identified interest categories (preferences for work environments and outcomes).
  • O*Net Values Search: This database allows you to browse a number of careers based on identified values categories (global aspects of work that are important to a person's satisfaction).

Online Tools