OCS and Fellowships are open over Spring Break and virtual advising is available

PhD to Professional: Build Skills and Experience

There are many ways to build professional experience during graduate school—whether you’re exploring career options, developing new skills, or applying your expertise in new contexts. Opportunities like campus fellowships, internships, consulting projects, and leadership roles in student organizations can all help you grow professionally and clarify your goals. The best type of experience for you will depend on your interests and availability. This page outlines a range of opportunities—many of them available directly through Yale—that can fit into your schedule and support your career development.

The Graduate School is a primary source of support for your professional development. Be sure to take advantage of programming to help you develop critical skills and experience, and make an appointment with Suzanne Young, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Professional Development, for one-on-one advice on charting a plan to maximize your time at Yale.

 

⏳Part-Time Opportunities

For many graduate students and postdocs, a full-time summer internship isn’t feasible due to research or other commitments. The good news is that there are plenty of flexible, high-impact opportunities to gain professional experience that can be just as valuable for your career journey as a traditional internship. These include:

  • Part-time jobs and fellowships at Yale: Hands-on experience in areas like communications, data analysis, teaching, and administration at organizations and offices across Yale.
  • Leadership in student organizations: Build skills in project management, teamwork, and strategic planning.
  • Consulting projects: Short- and long-term projects that address real-world challenges and help you apply your research and analytical skills in new ways.

☀️ Full-Time Summer Internships

When possible, a full-time summer internship can be a powerful way to explore a new field. A number of organizations offer internships specifically for graduate students. Yale also offers structured summer programs like the President’s Public Service Fellowship.

Important: GSAS has specific policies regarding full-time internships and part-time work over 10 hours/week. Be sure to review the GSAS Academic Regulations and complete the Request for Summer Internship Form if required. International students should also consult with an OISS adviser before accepting any position.

💻 Virtual & On-Demand Experiences

Even during busy academic periods, you can still build skills and explore careers through virtual job simulations and online learning:

  • Job simulations: Platforms like Forage offer short, self-paced projects designed by real companies to mimic tasks in fields like consulting, data science, and policy.
  • LinkedIn Learning: Yale provides free access to thousands of courses on technical tools, business skills, and career development.

🛠️ Additional Skill-Building Resources

In addition to internships and part-time roles, Yale offers numerous programs designed to help graduate students build transferable skills that are valuable across career paths. For example, sign up for the Yale 3MT Competition or the Yale Toastmasters Club to polish your public communications skills; take advantage of the innovation workshops offered by Tsai CITY , earn a certificate from the Digital Humanities Lab. Explore the resources below for more ideas.

Get Started

If you’re planning to apply for an internship or a part-time fellowship, you’ll likely need a professional resume rather than an academic CV. Start by reviewing our resume tips, and schedule an appointment with an OCS adviser to get personalized feedback.

Crafting your resume can also help you identify gaps in your skills or experience, allowing you to pursue opportunities that make the most of your time and support your career goals.

Seeking personalized advice on your professional development strategy?

Make an appointment with an OCS adviser via the Yale Career Link or with Suzanne Young, GSAS Assistant Dean for Professional Development.

News from OCS

New Funded Opportunity for Humanities PhD Students

New Funded Opportunity for Humanities PhD Students

; This content is restricted to certain users. Please login or sign up to see if you are eligible to view this content.

Internships for International Grad Students: A Step-By-Step Guide

GSAS Transferable Skills

View All

SERVICE HOURS

Day of the week
 Academic Year Summer Hours
Monday 8:30am - 5pm 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm 8:30am - 4:30pm

The office is closed weekends, holidays, and recess days.