Graduate students at Northwestern are encouraged to explore many avenues to find careers that maximize their individual talents. Opportunities for professional development include Graduate School-led programs, such as Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) and NU Directions.

Part of a nationwide initiative, PFF augments students' disciplinary training with preparation in the issues and responsibilities that shape professional life in the academy. NU Directions, sponsored jointly by The Graduate School, the Searle Center for Teaching Excellence, and University Career Services, focuses on preparation and search for careers within and outside academia.

Professional development programs and career guidance are also available at Northwestern University through academic programs, such as those offered by the interdisciplinary life sciences programs, and through University offices dedicated to assisting students to prepare for and obtain careers within and outside academia, such as the Searle Center for Teaching Excellence and University Career Services. Information about these programs, as well as about external sources of professional job listings, may be found by following the links above to the programs' individual sites.