The Graduate Center’s Office of Career Planning & Professional Development invites PhD students to apply to the Summer Institute on Careers Beyond the Academy, a funded, cohort-based program for doctoral students in the humanities and humanistic social sciences who want to explore career possibilities outside of faculty roles. Whether you’re curious about non-academic work or actively planning your next steps, this summer Institute helps you see how your PhD skills translate to meaningful careers across sectors.

Participants receive a $4,000 fellowship for taking part in the program.

Over the course of the summer, you’ll gain practical tools, structured guidance, and dedicated time to reflect on what you want from your career—while learning alongside a supportive group of fellow PhD students. The Institute emphasizes exploration, skill-building, and connection, helping you build confidence, clarity, and professional relationships that last well beyond the summer.

About the Institute

The Summer Institute on Careers Beyond the Academy is a multi-session seminar series focused on helping PhD students confidently connect their scholarly expertise to a wide range of professional contexts. Through interactive workshops, guided exercises, and candid conversations with alumni working across industries, participants will:

• Explore diverse career paths aligned with their interests, values, and strengths
• Identify and articulate the transferable skills developed through doctoral training
• Develop and refine job search materials, including resumes and cover letters
• Practice effective interviewing strategies and learn how employers evaluate candidates
• Build intentional networking practices and meaningful professional relationships with alumni
• Learn how emerging technologies—including AI—are reshaping hiring and workplace practices

Eligibility

• Open to PhD students in the humanities and humanistic social sciences
• Priority will be given to Level 2 students; Level 1 and 3 students are also welcome to apply
• Applicants must be enrolled for the Fall 2026 semester

Program Commitment

Participants are expected to attend all sessions, complete readings and brief assignments between meetings, and engage actively with cohort members to support shared learning and progress. The sessions will start on Thursday July 30, 2026, and will be held Tuesdays through Thursdays from August 4 to 20, 2026. All sessions are in-person, and exact timings will be confirmed closer to the time.

Compensation

Students who successfully complete the Institute will receive a $4,000 stipend.

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials:

• A resume or CV
• A 1-page statement of interest describing why you are applying and what you hope to gain from the Institute (please include your program and level of study)

Application Deadline

The application opens on Friday, February 27, and closes on Friday, March 13 at 11:59 p.m. Students should apply via Handshake, the Office of Career Planning & Professional Development’s job and internship database. (To locate the opportunity, simply search under job postings for Careers Beyond the Academy or posting number 10768170). If you plan to apply but have not used Handshake, you can access detailed instructions through our website.

Questions?

For questions about the Summer Institute on Careers Beyond the Academy or the application process, please contact Professor Elizabeth R. Macaulay ([email protected]) or Dr. Sarah Hildebrand ([email protected]).