Graduate Division Dean's Update: 11/13/25

Dear Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars,

A couple of weeks ago, I did a team-bonding exercise with the Graduate Division staff. I have a strong belief that each of us carries traits that are essential within a community. Yet recognizing those traits often begins with the simple act of naming them….naming the values that shape how we move through the world and the roles we fulfill for one another.

This all started months ago when my therapist asked me to define my values. I offered a few words off the top of my head…equity, curiosity, the usual list. She told me to stop giving her the expected answers and to name what my values truly were. Since then, I have been on a journey to articulate those traits in myself, to understand the values that guide me as a leader.

So, when a structured opportunity arose to do this work with my team (because yes, I often need structure to get things done), I took it. The whole Graduate Division staff joined in. And as often happens, my mind wandered to Carl Jung’s societal archetypes. I do not subscribe to everything Jung wrote, nor do I believe any of us is a monolith. We are never just one thing. But there is value in naming the parts of ourselves that tend to show up.

In the staff meeting, I asked everyone to write down five values they bring to the Graduate Division (and yes, I provided a list of about 100 possible values). Then I asked them to narrow their list to three and write each one on a sticky note. Around the room, I had placed different archetypes—Magician, Innocent, Sage, Ruler, Outlaw, Caregiver, and so on—and I asked them to place their sticky notes under whichever archetype fit them best.

What we found was striking: every archetype had notes under it, even ones that some might consider “difficult,” like the Outlaw. Of course, the Caregiver had the most notes (think Student Services). What emerged was a picture of a balanced organization, an ecosystem where all parts are active, and where balance itself is crucial.

I explained to my staff that every role matters. The colleague who questions everything and pokes holes in ideas aligns with the Outlaw or Rebel. They help ensure we are thinking critically and grounding decisions in facts. The Ruler brings order and structure. The traits that sometimes frustrate us in others are often the very things a community needs to stay balanced.

I want to invite you to reflect on this for yourself.

What are your three values? Not who you think you are supposed to be, but who you genuinely are. What is the North Star that quietly guides your decisions? What roles do you play in the communities you inhabit? How do you contribute by adding clarity, introducing creativity, grounding conversations in evidence, or bringing compassion into the room?

You are all needed here. Every single one of you. I encourage you to name the space you occupy…not as something fixed or complete, but as a starting point for understanding what you bring to this world. Because I see the gifts you contribute, and this community is richer because of them.

Thank you for shaping this place with your insight, your courage, and your presence.

Upcoming office hours for the next two weeks are listed below. They are first come, first serve: https://uci.zoom.us/j/7277477

Wednesday, November 26 – 1 pm PT

Now on to the rest of this week’s events and opportunities:

Virtual: Beyond the Professoriate – Job Search in Uncertain Times
November 19, 2025 | 9 am – 10 am PT

Register: https://institutions.beyondprof.com/webinar-job-search-uncertain-times/
The funding landscape for graduate students and PhDs in the US has changed dramatically over the last year. As policy changes continue to impact the future of higher education and academic research, many students and postdocs are feeling uncertain about their future in academia. In this webinar, the Beyond Prof team will lay out a four-step framework to help graduate students and postdocs navigate career planning during times of change. Whether you’re exploring nonacademic career options or just looking for stability, this session will provide clarity and actionable steps to help you move forward with confidence. This webinar is uniquely designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering: 

  • How can I assess my current situation in higher education?
  • How can I explore my nonacademic career options?
  • Why do I need to build a community to help me during these uncertain times

In-Person: Leveraging AI for Inclusive Career Success
November 19, 2025 | 1 pm – 2 pm PT
Register: https://app.joinhandshake.com/events/1816959/
Discover how to leverage ChatGPT and other AI tools to support your career journey in this workshop designed for all students. Learn practical strategies to strengthen your resumes and cover letters, find jobs and internships, and build meaningful professional connections. This session highlights how to use AI thoughtfully while showcasing your unique strengths and experiences, empowering you to confidently take your next career step.

Virtual: Deciding Between Academic and Non-Academic Careers
December 8 – 11th, 2025 | 9 am – 10 am PT

Register: https://app.joinhandshake.com/events/1817011/
PhDs work wherever smart people are needed. In today’s creative economy, a faculty career isn’t the only option for PhDs who are seeking engaging and rewarding work. PhDs work in every part of the economy – industry, nonprofits, higher education, and government. But what career pathway will be right for YOU? This special workshop series is designed to walk doctoral students, PhDs and postdocs through a series of exercises to help them evaluate career options and identify next steps in building their career either as faculty or beyond the professoriate.

  • December 8, 9-10am – Introduction to Optimal Career Pathway/How to decide
  • December 9, 9-10am – How to identify your values
  • December 10, 9-10am – How to identify your most marketable skills
  • December 11, 9-10am – How to build your network using on campus resources 

This series is uniquely designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:

  • What other career options are available to PhDs in my discipline?
    ● How to identify career pathways that are right for me?
  • What can I do with my PhD?
  • How do I build a community to help me navigate my job search

New Resource: Nature Masterclasses On-Demand
 UC Irvine Graduate Division, in partnership with GPS-STEM, the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, and the School of Medicine, now offers graduate students and postdocs free access to Nature Masterclasses On-Demand. These online courses, designed by Springer Nature experts, will help you sharpen your research, writing, and publishing skills.

💡 Courses cover topics such as choosing the right journal, persuasive grant writing, research integrity, and more. Certificates are available upon completion.

👉 Explore Nature Masterclasses by clicking here

Become a Mentor with UC Irvine’s Next Gen Pathways Program
Want to support incoming grad students while building your own leadership skills? The Next Gen Pathways mentoring initiative is now recruiting mentors for the 2025–26 academic year.

This peer mentorship program connects experienced UC Irvine graduate students with new students navigating the transition into grad school—especially those who are first-gen, international, parenting, or facing hidden challenges. Mentors help with everything from research and time management to navigating campus life and offering encouragement.

✅ Flexible time commitment
✅ Matching based on shared experiences
✅ Self-paced training (~60 min)
✅ Mentorship experience for your CV

🔹 Register to mentor: uci.mentorcollective.org/register/uci-grad/mentor
🔹 Learn more: grad.uci.edu/next-gen-pathways

 

Your experience can make a real difference.

Let’s Taco ‘Bout Imposter Syndrome – Next Gen Pathways
Date: Tuesday, November 18th
Time: 11:30AM – 1:30PM
Location: GPSRC – Program Room
Registration: https://bit.ly/4i2Y6LF

Join us as we talk about Imposter Syndrome, tips & tricks! Dr. Phong Luong will be guiding us through some activities along with stress management tips.

This is a FREE event and space is limited. RSVPs are first-come, first-serve—so make sure to grab your spot soon! 

We will have free food (tacos) and drinks!

Division of Career Pathways Resources
Not sure what life after your Master’s degree or PhD looks like or have questions about your next career steps?

Book a 45-minute 1:1 session with the Division of Career Pathways team for personalized support—including career exploration, job or internship search strategies, resume/CV reviews, mock interviews, and more. Whether you’re considering further education, an academic path, or jumping into industry, we’re here to help you navigate your journey.

About our team: Dr. Jill Wells, Associate Director of Career Education, has over 25 years of experience in teaching and leadership, working with students of all ages. Before UCI, she supported graduate students and postdocs at Caltech and advised business students at USC, where she earned a dual doctorate in education and an MBA. She is eager to support graduate students at every stage of their academic and professional development. Maks Giljen, a 4th-year PhD student in clinical psychology, is a Graduate Student Peer Career Educator and passionate about guiding fellow grad students in their career planning.

 

Let’s connect and get you on the right track! Appointments can be booked here: https://app.joinhandshake.com/appointments

Take Advantage of Division of Career Pathways’ Professional Photo Booth

The Division of Career Pathways (DCP) is pleased to introduce our all-new Professional Photo Booth, a complimentary, walk-in service at the Division of Career Pathways offering FREE professional headshots for UCI students, staff, and faculty. These professional headshots are perfect for your LinkedIn/ Handshake/ Zoom profile, department website, and also works for UCI Digital ID photo requirements. 

Wellness and Inclusion Services

We know that getting through graduate school takes a lot of effort, so we provide support to our students along the way. Many of Graduate Division’s services can help you maintain your work/life balance. At UCI, we believe that healthy Anteaters are productive Anteaters, which is why UCI Graduate Division has our counselors available for any student or postdoc who feels they need to talk with someone.

Services Offered: Academic support; Equity and inclusion support; Time management strategies; Tools to master effective communication skills; Strategies for navigating professional and academic expectations in graduate school; Referrals to campus services

 

Please reach out to Dr. Phong Luong (pbluong@uci.edu) directly to schedule an appointment.

Helpful Resources Provided by UC Irvine Libraries

Here are a few helpful links below provided by the UC Irvine Libraries. UC Irvine Libraries developed a guide to help new scholars navigate the realm of scholarship.

 

Graduate Student Research Support Guide

Digital Scholarship Services (DSS) Main Site

  • https://www.lib.uci.edu/dss
  • This site provides an overview of UC Irvine Libraries’ digital scholarship services with contact information, workshop details, and other tools and resources

DSS Programming Workshops

LibGuide on Software for Data Analysis (by Danielle Kane, Computational Research Librarian):  https://guides.lib.uci.edu/dataanalysis
Links to her other Libguides (GIS, Data Visualization):  https://guides.lib.uci.edu/prf.php?id=5952d46c-7cdb-11ed-9922-0ad758b798c3

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 


Dean’s Recent Alumni Fellowship
This fellowship aims at easing the transition from graduate school into full-time careers either in academia or other industries. While the fellowship is unpaid, a recipient of this fellowship will receive access to resources that will pay immense dividends going forward and was developed in consultation with young professionals and alumni to provide resources they wished they had access to while in graduate school. Click above for more information and to apply.

  • Deadline: Rolling

More information is located on the Current Fellowships page and 2023-24 Funding Timeline.  Additionally, please reach out to Turner Dahl (tdahl@uci.edu) with any questions you may have.

 

In Closing
As you look through the opportunities above, I encourage you to reflect on the values that anchor you and the roles you play within this community. Each of you brings a necessary piece of our shared balance. James Baldwin reminds us, “The place in which I’ll fit will not exist until I make it.”

Thank you for shaping this place with your insight, your courage, and your presence.