Career Development Approach
VIBRE uses a professional development planning cycle with students so they identify and plan meaningful actions that support success in their graduate training and prepare them for their next steps.
The four stages of this cyclical model are:
- Reflect & Assess – Gather feedback, identify strengths, and clarify career interests.
- Explore & Evaluate – Build skills through training and explore career paths through research and networking.
- Decide & Plan – Set academic and career goals, map out training, internships, or professional involvement.
- Act & Re-Evaluate – Put plans into action, track progress, and adapt as your goals evolve.
PhD Pathway students are exposed to the model early in their training. Students later in their 2nd year or during their 3rd year of graduate studies are encouraged to take the PhD Career Ladder Course, the IDP Course, and/or engage in the activities of Beyond the Professoriate for a strong foundation of putting this cycle into practice. With this foundation, students are better positioned to take advantage of the many programs, services, trainings, and opportunities available to through VIBRE and beyond to prepare for their next career step.