Harvard Griffin GSAS Students:
As you consider the academic job market there is a lot to learn, and a lot to do, and you may have many questions.
Good news! In addition to the disciplinary expertise available in your department, a network of experts at Harvard is ready to help you navigate various aspects of the process.
Getting Ready for the Academic Job Market: A Working Group – Mondays and Thursdays, June 22 – July 16, 10:30am-12:00pm EDT via Zoom. If you’re a current Harvard Griffin GSAS student or recent alum (Nov ’25, Feb ’26, or May ’26) register for this series offered by MCS, FWC, and the Bok Center! We’ll cover CVs & cover letters, research statements & writing samples, and teaching statement & sample syllabi.
The Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS)
MCS is your one-stop-shop for all your questions about the academic job search! Laura Stark is the graduate career advisor at MCS who specializes in academic careers, including postdoctoral and faculty positions (tenure-track and non-tenure-track, targeting research- and teaching-focused institutions, in the US and abroad).
Start here for an overview of the academic job market, including:
- Curriculum vitae (CV) – detailed critiques
- Cover letters – detailed critiques
- Research statements – one high-level review
- Teaching statements – one high-level review
- Personal or other statements
- Preparing for interviews including mock interviews
- Negotiations and decision-making
- Pursuing jobs beyond academia, too!
Ways to engage:
- Schedule an individual appointment with Laura Stark
- Attend a workshop or career panel, e.g. The View from the Search Committee (October 2026 – Date TBD)
- Attend an Ask Me Anything drop-in hour, offered monthly during the academic year by Laura Stark – see the MCS Event Calendar for details
- Review the 20-Minute Tips videos on academic CVs and cover letters, along with samples in the MCS Guide to CVs and Cover Letters
- Explore the webinars and resources for Faculty Careers in Beyond the Professoriate
- Laura Stark and Caroline Rende are also happy to help you explore and pursue opportunities beyond academia! Schedule an individual appointment
- See more MCS events and resources for careers in academia and beyond.
- NOTE: MCS advisors work with current Harvard Griffin GSAS students and recent alums (<5 years since graduation).
The Harvard Griffin GSAS Fellowships and Writing Center (FWC)
FWC staff and postdocs are happy to help you with all of your academic writing needs, including:
- Writing samples
- Research statements
- Job talks
Ways to engage:
- Submit a piece of writing for feedback
- Come to brainstorming office hours
- Attend a workshop
- Schedule a practice presentation
- NOTE: FWC advisors work only with current Harvard Griffin GSAS students. Alums should work with Laura Stark at MCS.
The Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning
The Bok Center offers workshops and resources on academic job search documents related to teaching, including:
- Teaching statements
- Sample syllabi
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness
Ways to engage:
- Review resources on the Teaching and the Job Market Canvas Site
- Attend a workshop or peer review session on teaching statements or sample syllabi
- Attend Job Market Materials Drop-in Office Hours (held monthly during the Fall 2026 semester)
- NOTE: Bok Center events are open to current Harvard Griffin GSAS students, postdocs, and faculty
The Academic Resource Center (ARC)
Need help managing your time, balancing dissertation completion and job search? The ARC can help!
- Schedule an appointment with one of the ARC coaches
- Attend a workshop or participate in an accountability group
- NOTE: ARC coaches work only with current Harvard Griffin GSAS students.
Be sure to consult with your department, faculty, and peers for field-specific advice, but turn to MCS, the Bok Center, FWC, and ARC for additional perspectives and advice!
All of us are happy to partner with departments to offer workshops and provide more tailored guidance. Don’t hesitate to reach out, and don’t forget to check in with your advisors, consult with other faculty in your field who have recently been on search committees, and talk with recently-hired junior faculty in your field.
Good luck!
