CareerWISE Informational Website

The CareerWISE Project

With the generous support of the National Science Foundation, CareerWISE researchers examine the barriers, supports, and processes at play for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) PhD programs.  The innovative CareerWISE Resilience Training Program provides online resources to support graduate students in STEM fields that can be unfriendly and isolating for women.

Organized around a problem-solving framework, the CareerWISE website features a broad compendium of interactive materials from which women can select based on individual needs. Beginning in October, 2009, the CareerWISE program is available to research participants. 

Research over five decades has shown that many women face extra challenges while preparing for careers in science and engineering.  Completing a doctoral program can be a particularly stressful process. It takes more than acing core classes, passing exams, and producing original research to excel in graduate school.

Sometimes the parts that aren’t covered in coursework or labs are the most challenging aspects of surviving and thriving. Learning the ropes, and climbing the non-academic ones, includes managing the relationship with your advisor, balancing personal and career demands, facing a cold or isolating departmental climate, or staying motivated and productive even when delays and setbacks happen.

We developed this CareerWISE website to help you master the art and science of dodging academic bullets and building your stockpile of personal resilience skills.  You want to finish your degree and CareerWISE is here to help you do that.