"Scholarship and research aren’t by any means an easy road to go, but it is one of the few occupations where we’re supposed to dream…that’s actually part of the job. Don’t be afraid to dream big."
Janet Shim, PhD ’02, Professor of Sociology
– from remarks to PhD candidates, 2025 Candidacy Ceremony
Year 5: Complete and Launch
As you approach the end of your program, your focus shifts toward completion and transition.
Key priorities include:
- Meeting all administrative and degree requirements
- Planning for commencement
- Securing your next career step
This stage requires organization and forward planning — but it is also a time to celebrate. You have built expertise, resilience, and professional identity. Take time to recognize that achievement.
Program Key:
GHS = Global Health Sciences; HHS = History of Health Sciences; MA = Medical Anthropology; N = Nursing; S = Sociology
Academic
- Update Student Portal
- Apply to Fellowships (Internal and External)
- Attend Dissertation Workshop
- Attend Dissertation Office Hours for Review and Formatting
- Bi-Annual Dissertation Committee Meeting
- Work On and Publish Manuscript
- File Dissertation
- Petition to Graduate
- Dissertation Talk (HHS/MA)
- Commencement
- Complete Doctoral Exit Survey and SED
- Complete Annual Self-Evaluation (N/S)
Curricular and Co-Curricular Activities
- Teach at UCSF and/or External Institutions
- Attend Program Town Halls and Meetings (S)
Community and Resources
- Take Care of Your Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Join RCOs
- Submit an Entry for Grad Slam
- Apply to Conference Travel Award
- Quarterly GEPA Dean's Office Hours
Career
- Look for Research and Teaching Positions
- Postdoc/Job Search (If Postdoc, Reach out to Prospective Research Teams)