Graduate Students

Recommended career milestones

The O'Neill School offers abundant resources to help you reach your career goals. Below are examples of opportunities that will enhance your career readiness:

  • Begin one-to-one meetings with an O’Neill career coach in the summer—or as soon as you’re admitted to your program and participate in the Graduate Career Onboarding 
  • Join a Career Readiness and Exploration Workgroup (CREW) and meet regularly to network, share, and motivate each other 
  • Discuss with your academic advisor opportunities to participate in the O’Neill Leadership Program and how an O’Neill International experience could fit into your academic journey 
  • Join a student group or professional association relevant to your field  
  • Attend O’Neill Career Services events, such as employer info sessions, career panels, and career fairs 
  • Create a professional résumé and draft tailored cover letters—the O’Neill Career Services team is here to help 
  • Build or update your LinkedIn profile and begin connecting with peers, faculty, and alumni 
  • Explore internships, fellowships, practicum opportunities, and consulting projects for summer or during the academic year 
  • Identify key technical or policy skills to strengthen (such as data analysis, budgeting, project management) 
  • Conduct informational interviews with professionals in your desired sector (government, nonprofit, private) 

  • Take leadership roles in student clubs and organizations 
  • Refine your résumé, cover letter, references list, and other job materials based on feedback from an O’Neill career coach 
  • Expand your professional network through conferences, alumni events, and LinkedIn outreach 
  • Participate in mock interviews and attend employer visits hosted by O’Neill Career Services
  • Begin applying for full-time positions or post-grad fellowships early in the year (if graduating in spring) 
  • Consider whether you’ll pursue additional credentials including O’Neill Certificates or doctoral studies
  • Stay engaged with the Career Hub, the O’Neill alumni network, and faculty for ongoing support and recommendations 

Graduate Career Coaching Office

O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
1315 E. 10th St., A311
Bloomington, IN, 47405

(812) 856-2984
darballi@iu.edu

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