Patty Hickman

Director, Serves Graduate Students

“What do you do for students at your job?”

I engage with graduate students to explore career direction, network and seek connections. I also work with students to develop skills such as writing resumes/CV’s and interviewing that will lead to success in the internship and job processes. Listening is one of my core values and I attend to each person in a different and personalized manner.

“Who are you? What do you want everyone to know about you? What do you enjoy?”

During my spare time, I enjoy being with my family and friends, cooking and meeting with my book club. In everything I do, I try to be positive and keep life in perspective.

“Why are the Career Center services meaningful?”

Work is a key component of life and Career & Professional Development has a lot to offer to help you navigate it. There is much that you can gain by interacting with the staff at Career & Professional Development.

“In a quote, what do you say to yourself and students?”

Connect + Communicate + Care

All Posts

Trends In Networking: Expanding Your Mindset

Many of us tend to think of networking as only something that you do at events that are labeled “networking events.” This is one view of networking, but it is actually much more. The trend in networking is to expand …

By Patty Hickman
Patty Hickman Director, Serves Graduate Students
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5 Tips to Secure Great Job References

5 Tips to Secure Great Job References

Part of your job search involves asking for references. Employers ask for references because they want to know what others have to say about you. Your references praise or criticism can sway the …

By Patty Hickman
Patty Hickman Director, Serves Graduate Students
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Jobs Outside Academia for PhD’S

JOBS OUTSIDE ACADEMIA FOR Ph.D’S

Do you have a PhD and are now thinking about exploring non-academic career options? The key is being open to applying your skills, abilities and interests in a wide variety of positions and industries.

Here …

By Patty Hickman
Patty Hickman Director, Serves Graduate Students
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Job Offers: 6 Things to Consider

Congratulations!!! You have a job offer.

Now what?

Job offers are exciting. You may have been through a grueling process and dozens of interviews before this offer arrived. But don’t accept it too quickly. Take some time to reflect and to …

By Patty Hickman
Patty Hickman Director, Serves Graduate Students
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Preparation Matters: 5 Steps to Interview Success

Interviewing is a skill and preparation is what will help you to stand out. Here are 5 techniques to get ready!

 KNOW YOURSELF: Be ready to discuss your key strengths and abilities that make you the best candidate for the …

By Patty Hickman
Patty Hickman Director, Serves Graduate Students
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6 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL PHONE INTERVIEW

 For many positions there is a step you must pass through before the in-person interview—the phone interview. Employers conduct phone interviews because this is an efficient way to screen through candidates without the time and expense of an onsite interview.

By Patty Hickman
Patty Hickman Director, Serves Graduate Students
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