Carreer Development Bootcamp - MLA Annual Convention

January 3-7 2018

The Modern Language Association is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the inaugural Connected Academics Career Development Boot Camp, which will take place 3–7 January 2018 at the MLA convention in New York City. PhD students who have advanced to candidacy by January 2018 are invited to apply, and twenty boot camp fellows will be selected.  

The boot camp will explore the versatility of doctoral training in the humanities, provide tools and strategies for effective career planning, and offer students an opportunity to reflect on their graduate studies and developing professional identities. Participants will bring back experience and information that can be used to help other students in their departments meet their diverse learning and career-development needs.

Boot camp activities include
  • an orientation and welcome dinner on Wednesday, 3 January 2018
  • a site visit to one of New York City’s great humanities institutions, the New York Public Library, including a behind-the-scenes tour and a presentation by a panel of PhDs employed at the library
  • a Connected Academics convention track that will allow participants to select from a menu of workshops, panels, discussion sessions, and career events
  • private discussion and debriefing sessions for boot camp fellows led by Chris Golde, a humanities careers professional
  • hands-on guidance and mentorship offered by Dr. Golde and alumni of the New York City Proseminar on Careers
  • many opportunities to network with PhDs working outside the academy, as well as with other Connected Academics guests and proseminar alumni
  • Applicants should be prepared to arrive on Wednesday, 3 January 2018, and attend all four days of the convention. Four to five hours each day will be devoted to boot camp activities.

This inaugural session of the boot camp is free, and all participants will receive a $400 travel grant from the MLA. Participants are expected to request matching funds from their home departments and are responsible for arranging their travel and accommodations.

Applicants are asked to apply online by 2 October 2017.

Posted: September 12, 2017, 4:54 PM