From workshops to mentorship, we aim to help grad students explore their next draft.

What can we do?

While traditional academic career paths remain valuable, the reality is that not all graduate students will pursue (or want to pursue) positions within academia. As the employment landscape continues evolving, we must equip our graduate students with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in diverse careers.

Many graduate students express interest in exploring career options but lack the resources and guidance to do so effectively. Our services address a significant gap in current support, meeting the demand for career exploration beyond academia.

Institutions proactively supporting graduate students in exploring diverse career paths gain a competitive advantage. By demonstrating a commitment to holistic student development and career preparedness, your institution can differentiate itself as one that values its graduates' long-term success and fulfillment. And let’s face it — happy alumni give back!

OUR SERVICES

We look forward to partnering with you!


We offer standalone and scaffolded workshops to help your students think creatively about their careers. Our goal is simple: help students make informed decisions about their own futures. We support students to explore their options without fear of judgment or failure—whether the path ahead is in or outside of academia. Our online workshops are holistic in nature and emphasize both the practical and emotional challenges of developing a post-grad career plan.

Workshops for Graduate Students

We are building a network of trained mentors who have successfully transitioned from PhD to career from various humanities and social sciences disciplines. We believe nothing can build confidence like receiving guidance and support from those who understand your struggles and concerns. The Mentorship Program is a good addition to existing career services. In addition to being able to field questions, mentors can also serve as important models of what is possible using one’s PhD!

University Partners

Academia is changing, and many graduates of PhD programs will not end up in a faculty job. However, faculty at research universities do not always know how to support their students in exploring the pathways to a career outside of academia. Next Draft can partner with universities or individual departments to customize a program for your students. In this shifting market, we want to make the case for supporting graduate students through various career options and provide resources for graduate advisors to begin the conversation.

Mentorship Program

CONNECT WITH US

Are you a grad student interested in having us visit your campus?