Don’t Wait for Graduation: Prepare for What’s Next Now
It’s never too early to start preparing for life after graduate school or your postdoc. Whether your next step is academia, industry, government, or entrepreneurship, the most successful transitions happen when you start building your professional network and career skills well before you’re ready to make your move.
This fall, Purdue Engineering is offering two unique opportunities designed to help you connect, explore, and practice your next steps:
Virtual Grad Career Fair – October 8
Think of this as your chance to practice your “elevator pitch” while also learning about real opportunities. Meet recruiters one-on-one or in group chats to hear directly about positions at their companies. Even if you’re not on the job market today, these conversations will help you understand what employers are looking for—knowledge that can guide how you shape your remaining time at Purdue.
GradBridge Mentoring Circles – February 2026 (Applications Due January 5, 2026)
Graduate school can feel like a maze—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. GradBridge connects you with experienced mentors who have walked the path you’re on now. Across three sessions, you’ll join small group conversations on career exploration, professional growth, and the transition into different sectors. It’s a rare chance to ask candid questions, gain perspective, and build lasting connections.
Why Start Now?
- Clarity: Early exposure helps you refine your goals.
- Confidence: Practicing your story now makes you more prepared when the right opportunity comes.
- Connections: Networking isn’t something you do once—it’s something you build over time.
Your graduate degree gives you technical expertise. These events help you pair that expertise with career readiness, so you’ll be ready to step confidently into what’s next.
Mark your calendars, apply, and show up—it’s one of the best investments you can make in your future.