I Graduated. . . . Now What?

Abstract

This chapter is a reflection upon the author's journey from completing a professional degree program until present day. It is the intent of the author to share lived experiences of a professional who has completed the doctoral degree with emerging completers, and those new to the profession. Having a relationship with multiple mentors can significantly enhance development in early adulthood and in the mid-career stage of the more experienced person. Existing research tends to focus on how mentoring can influence graduate student attrition rates. However, there is little evidence that researchers have approached the issue of navigating career placement after the doctoral degree. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of how new doctoral completers can be supported in post-doctoral career placement.