The Academic Job Series – Summer 2026
Faculty Futures: Plan and Prepare
The series begins on Wednesday, May 27, and concludes on Wednesday, July 22
This virtual series hosted by UConn is open to all URI students and features workshops on academic job searches, faculty application materials, teaching and research presentations, interviews, and negotiating offers. Sessions will be presented by Melanie Sinche, Director of Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Success, The Graduate School; Kay Kimball Gruder, M.Ed., Certified Career Services Provider™ (CCSP), Associate Director of Graduate Student and Postdoc Career Programs and Services, UConn Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills; and Rachel Prunier, Ph.D., Director of Teaching and Learning in the Life and Physical Sciences, UConn Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. The series begins on Wednesday, May 27 and concludes on Wednesday, July 22. Click HERE for event details and registration links
June 2026 Events
Job Search Strategies for Graduate Students & Postdocs
Thursday, June 11, 12-1 p.m., via Zoom
In this workshop, you will discover how to frame your career planning as an ongoing process, whether you are currently focused on a job search or getting ready for a future search. Led by Graduate Career Advisor Dr. Natalie Lundsteen.
From the Hiring Table: Insights from Consulting Firms
Tuesday, June 16, 10-11 a.m., via Zoom
Are you curious as to how employers actually evaluate candidates, and what helps applicants stand out? Join this program, hosted by Brown University and the University of Rhode Island (URI), for a virtual employer panel designed to give students a behind-the-scenes look at the recruiting process from the employer perspective. This session will spotlight 4 consulting firms: Tighe & Bond (Engineering), The Brattle Group (Finance), Weston & Sampson (Environmental), and Oliver Wyman (Public Affairs), who will share behind-the-scenes insights on how students can strengthen their job search strategies and make strong impressions through professional communication and personal branding across their application materials, networking, and interviewing. REGISTER HERE
Constructive Communication for the Workplace (and Your Job Search)
Tuesday, June 30, 4-5 p.m., via Zoom
This session will address common workplace communication challenges, including giving and receiving feedback; conducting difficult conversations: and professional email tips. Led by Graduate Career Advisor Dr. Natalie Lundsteen.
July 2026 Events
Identifying Grants and Fellowships and Writing Successful Applications
Wednesday, July 1, 12-1 p.m., via Zoom
Karen Markin, Director of Research Development at the URI Office of Research and Economic Development, and external funding expert, will lead a session on the basics of identifying governmental fellowships and writing an effective grant or fellowship proposal. She will discuss do’s and don’ts of the process and what she sees are the best ways to succeed.
From Experience to Employment: Strategically Showcasing Your Strengths
Thursday, July 16, 1-2 p.m., via Zoom
In this session, led by Graduate Career Advisor Dr. Natalie Lundsteen, you will: (1) identify your strengths and skills, (2) translate experiences into marketable skills, (3) learn strategies for marketing yourself, (4) understand how to demonstrate effective communication during interviews, and (5) gain resources & guidance for future growth.
Taking an Entrepreneurial Approach to Graduate Career Development
Wednesday, July 29, 4-5 p.m., via Zoom
In today’s highly competitive academic job market and uncertain economy, graduate students and postdocs need more than credentials to succeed. You’ll also need the right mindset. Developing an entrepreneurial approach to your own professional development can help you recognize opportunities, navigate uncertainty with confidence, and create a fulfilling and purposeful career path. Led by Graduate Career Advisor Dr. Natalie Lundsteen.
August 2026 Events
Academic Job Search Overview & Preparation
Thursday, August 6, 3-4 p.m., via Zoom
Considering the academic job market this year? Learn more about timing and requirements for an academic job search. In this workshop, we will discuss the timeline for faculty jobs, how to find open faculty jobs, points to consider as you review the job openings, and commonly requested application materials.
