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Online Career Resources

National Postdoctoral Association

Cornell University is a sustaining member of the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA). Founded in 2003, the NPA’s mission is “to advance the U.S. research enterprise by maximizing the effectiveness of the research community and enhancing the quality of the postdoctoral experience for all participants.”

As a postdoc, faculty member or employee of a sustaining member institution, you are eligible for a free Affiliate Membership to the NPA, including newsletters and members-only web content.

Postdoc Academy

The Postdoc Academy is a comprehensive online and in-person program built on the National Postdoctoral Association core competencies to support skill development throughout postdoc training, from orientation to next career step.

My Individual Development Plan (IDP)

An Individual Development Plan (IDP) helps you explore career possibilities and set goals to follow the career path that fits you best, we encourage you to complete an IDP and discuss it with your advisor.

this IDP from ScienceCareers is more focused on STEM postdocs

New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS)

Cornell University maintains an institutional membership with the New York Academy of Science (NYAS). Secure a sponsored free one year membership with NYAS to access to various resources such as networking and resource building and career readiness training.

Activate your account by completing the Cornell specific membership form.

ImaginePhD for PhD Career Tools (Designed for Scholars in the Humanities and Social Sciences)

 ImaginePhD is a free online career exploration and planning tool for PhD students and postdoctoral scholars in the humanities and social sciences. Cornell graduate students can 1) conduct online self-assessments to identify skills, interests, and values, 2) explore careers paths, 3) develop next steps for career and professional development, and more.

Activate your account and create an account through the ImaginePhD website.

Optimal Resume to Prepare Your Job Search Materials

Optimal Resume is an online resource, which provides sample resumes and cover letters as well as templates to help you create your resume and cover letter. Additionally, you can practice your interviewing skills through the Optimal-Interview tool. Cornell graduate students have free access to these premium resources.

Activate your account by visiting the following link and create an account:

GoinGlobal for International Job Search

GoinGlobal is a great place for international internship or job opportunities. In addition to the job listings, this site provides country- and city-specific employment/career guides, which are all developed by local employment experts. This site also has an H1B visa resource, helping international students identify employers who have historically hired international talent in the United States.

Utilize all the premium resources by following the steps below:

  • Use Cornell IP address in order to use the Johnson Graduate School of Management (JGSM) account (e.g., computer labs located across campus, Cornell Wi-Fi)
  • Go to the GoinGlobal website

Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) Programs

CIRTL is a North American future faculty preparation effort with branches at more than 40 universities. Participate in webinars, online courses, and summer teaching institutes on diversity in the college classroom, Individual Development Plans (IDPs), the academic job search, and many additional topics on teaching and research mentoring.

The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity

The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD). Individual NCFDD memberships are available for free to all Cornell community members as a benefit of Cornell’s Institutional membership. Resources provided by the NCFDD include 14-Day Writing Challenges, Monday Motivators, Dissertation Success Training Modules, Guest Expert Webinars, and more!

Cornell is an institutional member of the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NFCDD), a nationally recognized, independent organization providing online career development and mentoring resources. The NCFDD provides members with access to tools to increase research and writing productivity and improve work-life balance.

Activate your account by following the steps below:

  1. Go to the Faculty Diversity website
  2. Under “Select Your Institution,” choose “Cornell University”
  3. Select “Activate my Membership”
  4. Complete the registration form using your Cornell email address
  5. Check your Cornell email account to find a confirmation/welcome email. Click “Activate Account” in the email