Seizing the Lessons From “Carpe Careers” (opinion)

From federal funding cuts to the prolific use of AI among students to new policies regarding international visas, 2025 was a year of upheaval and uncertainty for graduate students, postdocs and the staff and faculty who support them.

Perhaps more than ever, we are grateful to the career and professional development experts who wrote for “Carpe Careers” last year. Throughout these tumultuous times, they continued to share creative best practices and strategies for advising graduate students and postdocs and for supporting themselves and the critical work that they do.

As we begin a new year, we want to reflect on key themes from the dozens of “Carpe Careers” publications of 2025 and offer suggestions for how readers can implement some of the lessons learned from them in 2026.

What Is ‘Carpe Careers’?

“Carpe Careers” is a long-running series published by Inside Higher Ed that provides career advice for graduate and postdoctoral scholars, as well as guidance for the faculty, staff and administrators who support those scholars.

Each article is written by a member of the Graduate Career Consortium—a national organization of graduate-level career and professional development leaders. Writers include career counselors, program managers, deans, faculty and other professionals from institutions ranging from Research-1 universities to nonprofits to research laboratories to health-care facilities.

Career Development Lessons From 2025

“Carpe Careers” publications from 2025 point toward several important lessons about the evolving landscape of graduate and postdoctoral education:

• We need to think creatively to support international researchers. “Carpe Careers” articles this past year also noted the unique challenges that international Ph.Ds. and postdocs face on the job market. Authors provided advice for helping international students develop networking skills, including practicing small talk and networking with intention. They also offered strategies for finding an international research job.
• Other writers encouraged universities, employers and professional societies to develop methods to better support their international researcher populations.
• Ph.Ds. and postdocs can explore a wide variety of careers. Despite a competitive job market, this year “Carpe Careers” writers reminded readers of the vast array of careers available to graduate students and postdocs. Authors discussed a variety of unique postdoctoral programs, including ones focused on administration, commercialization and research-adjacent fields.
• Others talked about the pros and cons of freelance and consultant work. One author emphasized that, in this world of diverse career options, there is no longer an “alternative” career path for Ph.D.s and postdocs—instead, there are a multitude of viable and exciting career options.
• Self-reflection and mental health are critical for career development. Many “Carpe Careers” pieces this year reminded students and staff alike of the value of prioritizing mental health and taking time to reflect. Some writers noted the importance of self-reflection for students, particularly after an experiential learning opportunity.
• Others emphasized the value of embracing career pivots, realizing when you’ve outgrown your role and remaining hopeful during a stressful job search. Some writers spoke explicitly to staff and faculty who support students, reminding them to take care of themselves, particularly when the world appears to be in crisis.

Best Practices for Readers of ‘Carpe Careers’

Readers can get the most out of “Carpe Careers” by approaching each article as a tool for steady and intentional growth. One helpful practice is to pause after reading and choose a single idea to try in the coming days. This might involve revisiting your résumé after learning a new way to highlight accomplishments, experimenting with a networking strategy that feels more authentic or reflecting on your long-term goals after reading about career pivots.

Readers can also benefit from sharing articles with colleagues, mentors or students, since conversation often deepens understanding and encourages accountability. Returning to earlier pieces throughout the year can reinforce learning and help readers see how their needs evolve over time.

Best Practices for Writers of ‘Carpe Careers’

Writers contribute most effectively when they combine clarity, personal insight and practical guidance. Readers appreciate stories that illustrate real challenges and solutions, especially when those experiences mirror their own uncertainties about career direction, mentoring relationships or job-market transitions. Writers can strengthen their impact by offering advice that is applicable and actionable, such as specific questions to ask during an informational interview or strategies for navigating a stressful period in graduate school. Staying aware of broader trends in higher education and research also helps ensure that content speaks to current needs.

When writers approach each article with empathy and a desire to support readers through both periods of confidence and moments of doubt, their work becomes a meaningful part of the larger professional development community.

Looking Ahead

As the new year has begun, writers and readers can continue exploring how AI intersects with human-centered advising, focusing on integration rather than replacement. Career development conversations can highlight emerging paths earlier, helping trainees see a wider range of possibilities with more confidence. Readers and writers can deepen the experiences of international scholars by offering community-informed strategies.

This coming year also invites greater collaboration. New writers can strengthen their contributions by seeking feedback from veteran “Carpe Careers” authors, creating a supportive cycle of shared learning and refinement. Readers can share articles with peers to spark conversations around best practices and generate new ideas for career and professional development.

A continued focus on well-being and sustainable growth can help ensure that professional development remains supportive and responsive to the needs of graduate education and academic administrators.

Ultimately, 2025 taught us that adaptability is essential, since students, postdocs, staff and faculty continue to navigate rapid changes in federal funding, workforce expectations and technological innovation. Graduate students and administrators will need to continue to apply that adaptability to meet the challenges and opportunities of the new year.