2021 Prep Talk Synthesizing Practical Advice on

So, what now…? Synthesizing Practical Advice on #AltAC and "Pracademic" Career Opportunities for Graduate Students
Fri, 11/19: 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM PST
Washington State Convention Center
Opportunities await those in the communication discipline who desire to cultivate careers outside of or adjacent to traditional academic careers. However, many folks feel stuck on the next steps required to leave academia. Based upon insights from Virtual Workshop Series on #AltAC, hosted by The Transformation Project (ASU) and funded by an NCA Advancing the Discipline Grant, this presentation will synthesize key pieces of advice for seeking out jobs in industry and administration. They include a process of "unlearning" aspects of academia, networking, translating one's skills to professional language, creating a plan for visibility, and focusing on new goals. The presentation will include a short video, reflections from a student perspective, as well as discussion about what faculty can do to help mentor students to pursue #AltAC careers. Marco and Sarah's talk concludes with laying out a vision for the future for graduate students, faculty, and NCA members invested in strengthening programming and events on #AltAC in our discipline.
View the "5 steps toward your non-academic career" video at: • Video
Authors
Marco Dehnert, Arizona State University
Sarah Jane Tracy, Arizona State University