Fall 2026 Professional Development Workshops
Your online presence tells a story before you ever introduce yourself. In this workshop,
you'll learn how to build a professional presence that reflects your skills, experiences,
and goals. Explore how to craft your professional narrative, create consistency across
platforms, and use LinkedIn strategically to expand your network and discover new
opportunities.
Session 1
Date: October 26, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Via Zoom
Session 2
Date: November 10, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Student Union 250
Take a self-assessment to discover your conflict style and learn tangible strategies on how to effectively navigate conflict so you can show up as a better leader and communicator!
Session 1
Date: October 1, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Student Union 250
Session 2
Date: October 12, 2026
Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Cultivating a sense of belonging in the workplace for all people requires the capacity to build and sustain inclusive and equitable spaces for people across a wide variety of identities. This session, intended for grad students interested in both industry and academic careers, will cover strategies for cultivating belonging and sustaining inclusion. Attendees will have opportunities to learn, ask questions, and brainstorm ideas for their current and future workplaces.
Session 1
Date: October 7, 2026
Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Session 2
Date: November 3, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Student Union 250
Refine your job search skills and land a job with confidence! This workshop will guide you in building a targeted job-search strategy, identifying opportunities that align with your goals, and crafting compelling job applications that stand out to employers. We’ll also cover key resume and cover letter tips, common mistakes to avoid, and practical strategies participants can apply right away. Bring a copy of your resume!
Session 1
Date: October 13, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Session 2
Date: October 28, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Student Union 250
Why does networking feel so uncomfortable? For many people, it can feel transactional, performative, or simply awkward. This workshop challenges those assumptions by reframing networking as relationship-building. Learn how to build authentic professional connections through curiosity, genuine conversation, and meaningful follow-up. You'll leave with practical strategies to network with confidence in graduate school and beyond.
Session 1
Date: October 29, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Student Union 250
Session 2
Date: November 17, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Burnout can be a common phenomenon in the graduate student experience. The World Health
Organization reports that nearly half (48%) of 18-to-29-year-olds said they feel drained
compared with 40% of those aged 30 and up. A deep commitment to your studies, long
hours, pulling from your well of energy to get it all done (with all the other things
in your life) can add up and lead to burnout. Getting in front of burnout is vital
to your well being and your ultimate success.
This active-learning session will give you a chance to pause, take inventory of how
you are doing right now, and leave with some strategies to implement right away.
Session 1
Date: October 21, 2026
Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Zoom
Session 2
Date: November 12, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Student Union 250
Pathway to Professional Development Digital Badge
The Pathway to Professional Development digital badge is developed to support graduate students' professional and personal growth while earning their graduate degree. Based on the eight NACE competencies, graduate students will be professionally ready through the various workshops and activities to contribute to their future career and success in their field.
Students who complete the badge will also be invited to a celebration and will receive a "professional kit" at the end of the Spring 2027 semester!
To learn more about this badge and the requirements, click here to view the Informational Guide.
Interested in earning this badge? Complete the following Interest Form!
DEADLINE to join the interest form: February 12, 2027
DEADLINE to complete all requirements to earn the badge: May 3, 2027
