Finding a Workplace Where You Fit

Figuring out what the daily work environment will be like is an important consideration for graduate students in accepting and applying for jobs

"Exploring graduate career options and determining potential career paths is tough enough, but that's just what gets you started in the graduate job search. Once you've found some target industries and occupations, sent a few applications, and are possibly getting invited to interview, you'll need to dig deeper and examine what differentiates one workplace culture from another before committing to a new role. [....]

No matter the amount of preparation you undertake to learn about an organization’s culture before an interview, once you physically step into the workplace, you will have your greatest opportunity to assess that culture by seeing real-time interactions and sensing the general atmosphere and vibe. After your interview, compare what you've experienced with what past or current employees had to say. Only you will know if the fit is right for you."

Natalie Lundsteen is assistant dean for career and professional development at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She is a member and currently serves as president of the Graduate Career Consortium -- an organization providing an international voice for graduate-level career and professional development leaders.