Cornell University: Helping humanities students explore careers beyond academia

Humanities doctoral students begin their programs with an area of interest. This focus narrows as dissertation research progresses until, by the end of a doctoral program, it narrows to the point that students see only a path to a faculty or research career. To broaden their view, the Graduate School’s Careers Beyond Academia has expanded its programs to illuminate many more possible careers.

Among the new programs, a two-day online “mini-residency” gives Cornell students the opportunity to listen to professionals talk about their transitions out of academia and into industry. The mini-residencies are composed of a lecture-based discussion the first day followed by a workshop consisting of breakout rooms with focused prompts the next day. Mini-residencies included humanities Ph.D. students from other universities, which created a greater sense of community for brainstorming and opportunities.