We are here to help Ph.D. students and research master’s students in any discipline make informed strategic decisions about their careers and develop skills through flexible, experiential, and empowering opportunities for their future success.

We are a part of the Graduate School’s Office of Career and Professional Development.

Prior to your first appointment with Careers Beyond Academia staff, please fill out this brief intake survey. If you have questions about how you can make the most of our services, please email us at gradcareers@cornell.edu.

Book an appointment with either MJ or Susi for any career related topic!

Staff

Susi Sturzenegger Varvayanis
Executive Director, Careers Beyond Academia
Office of Career and Professional Development
Graduate School, 172 Caldwell Hall (hybrid work schedule)
607-255-6628
sv27@cornell.edu

Let’s connect, especially if you are:

• a Ph.D. student or postdoc in any field, or a research Master’s student in STEM exploring career options
• seeking guidance on how to frame your research to match an employer’s needs
• want to identify how to address potential skills gaps, or practice interviewing and get feedback on application materials

Marjorie (MJ) Mosereiff (she/they)
Graduate Career Exploration Specialist
Office of Career and Professional Development
Graduate School, 143 Caldwell Hall
607-255-0615
mm2478@cornell.edu

Let’s connect, especially if you are:

• a Master’s student in any field or Ph.D. student in the arts, humanities, or social sciences exploring career options
• looking for guidance on how to communicate and align your strengths, skills and values to varied audiences
• feeling uncertain about your next steps and want support and space to reflect, explore, and plan

Sarah Day
Program Manager for Professional Development
Office of Career and Professional Development
Graduate School, 172 Caldwell Hall
607.255.6741

Mailing/delivery address for Careers Beyond Academia:

Cornell University
143 Caldwell Hall
121 Reservoir Avenue
Ithaca, NY 14853

View the interactive campus map for directions.

In 2026 the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs was formed in the Research and Innovation Division to continue the work of Christine Holmes who retired after many dedicated years at Cornell. Postdoctoral scholars are now served by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs in the division of Research and Innovation. Postdocs can make an appointment with the director, Cynthia Leifer.