Career Development

Throughout the postdoctoral period, postdocs may access a variety of services and resources to help prepare for careers after MIT. 

MIT Career Advising & Professional Development (CAPD)

CAPD offers career guidance and strategies for industry, academic, and other tracks. Discuss your career plans or concerns and receive support tailored to your needs, such as developing your resume, CV, research and teaching statements, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile. Conduct a mock interview to strengthen your interview skills, and get help evaluating and negotiating job offers.

• View upcoming career events for postdocs
• Review CV and application materials guidance 
• Schedule a one-on-one appointment with Handshake
• Read the Career Development Handbook

National Postdoctoral Association (NPA)

All MIT postdocs can join the NPA for free and take advantage of their career and professional development resources, including:

• Job search resources
• SmartSkills series and other events
• Career development webinars

Professional Development as a Postdoc

In addition to many professional development resources in CAPD, you may have other opportunities for professional development.

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Innovation HQ
  • Technology Licensing Office 
• Taking a Course at MIT
• Teaching at MIT

Seminars for MIT Postdocs

MIT postdoctoral scholars are invited to attend Postdoctoral Services seminars on topics related to career development and working at MIT. Upcoming seminars are announced through the postdocs listserv and MIT Postdocs Slack, and materials from past seminars may be shared afterward.

• August 2026 seminar slides: Launching a Research Career: Finding Funding [PDF]

Career Planning Strategy

The Postdoctoral Mentoring and Advising Toolkit, as well as other tools, provides ways for you to plan your career and communicate your professional goals clearly. 

Networking

At MIT, in greater Boston, and nationwide, you have opportunities to learn about job openings and develop your professional network. 

• MIT Postdoctoral Association: Provides career resources, events and other opportunities on its website and related channels. 
• MIT Infinite Connection: The MIT Alumni Association provides a directory, job board and other resources through the Infinite Connection. Postdocs receive an email to join when they become eligible, after 9 months at MIT. 
• MASS AWIS: The Massachusetts chapter of the National Association for Women in Science sponsors many local events (for all genders) related to science, mathematics, engineering and technology fields. (Postdocs are eligible for student membership in AWIS.)
• MassBio: MassBio hosts professional development and networking events for life sciences researchers.