Discover Your Skills
"Building a strong network, whether through platforms like LinkedIn or engaging with peers in meetings, is crucial. You never know how a simple connection can open doors and provide valuable insights. Your network holds the power to shape your professional journey."
Dr. Alexandra Merkx-Jacques
PhD in Microbiology and Immunology
Manager, Research Partnerships at NSERC
Contact Information
Jenny Richmond-Bravo
Doctoral Professional Development Coordinator (Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies)
p. 519-661-2111 x87848
jrichm6@uwo.ca
Current doctoral students will receive a monthly email with Own Your Future news and events.
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For more regular updates, news, job postings, discussion, and program engagement, please Join our LinkedIn Group!
Career Engagement

PhDs Who Excel in Career Engagement:
Envision Multiple Paths to Career Success
You embrace curiosity, explore multiple possibilities, and experiment with different options that align with your expertise and goals. You integrate your values, interests, and strengths into your decision-making to create a purpose-driven career journey.
Build a Network
You cultivate meaningful professional relationships and seek guidance from individuals who can help advance your career.
Invest in Self-Development
You deepen your self-awareness and embrace learning opportunities to enhance your professional growth and development.
Emphasize Relevant Accomplishments
You communicate accomplishments that emphasize your relevant expertise and skills and showcase the impact of your work.
Assess Your career engagement Skills
2024-2025 Schedule
Postdoctoral Pathways: Strategies for Planning and Funding Your Next Career Move
June 17, 2025, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. ET
Interested in a postdoc after your PhD? Join us for an informative session with Mihaela Harmos, Postdoctoral Services Coordinator, where you will learn how to transition to a postdoctoral position and identify sources of funding. Discussion will also consider how a postdoctoral position can support your career journey for careers both within and beyond academia.
Incorporating AI in Career Planning
June 26, 2025, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ET
Are you curious about how AI can help you in your career planning? Are you wondering how can you maintain scholarly integrity while using AI as a tool for research? Join this session with Career Coach David Feeney where you will consider AI as a thinking partner and learn to use it as a tool for ideation, reflection and exploration. Attendees will leave with an understanding of how to strategically incorporate AI into their scholarly practice and future careers.
more Career Engagement resources for PhDs
Life Design (Career Education)
Life Design harnesses design thinking methods to support career and life planning.
Interviewing Support (Career Education)
Interviewing is an art and the key to success is preparation. Practice your skills in mock interviews, workshops, and more.
Career Education Workshops and Events
Check out upcoming workshops on topics including interview skills, using LinkedIn, resume writing, AI in career planning, and special topics for International students.
Employer Information Sessions
Every year, employers and educational recruiters visit campus to meet and recruit students.
Graduate Student Internship Program
The Graduate Student Internship Program is designed to bridge the gap between academia and the workplace.
International Student Services - Working and Volunteering
Learn about work permits, immigration, and more!