Professional Development Workshops

Understanding how to communicate in different situations, ranging from academic to professional contexts, is an essential skill in one’s professional development. In this interactive workshop, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars will be able to practice their speaking skills in the types of conversations expected within and outside of academia such as presentations or informal networking conversations. Additionally we will discuss best strategies to create effective verbal and nonverbal communication when encountering new communication situations as they arise. 

March 3, 1-2:30 p.m.; Institute for Emerging Issues (Hunt Library) Room 4101

A series of talks led by A2i industry partners to provide you the opportunity to build your network, explore career opportunities, and prepare for the transition to industry.

March 4, 12-1 p.m.; Zoom (link will be emailed prior to the event)

Topic: Join us to hear from an Idaho National Labs scientist who will share about her journey as an international graduate student to national lab scientist. Learn about key career transitions, visas, networking, conferences, and overcoming challenges in STEM.

Discover how to use research-based strategies to create engaging and impactful online learning experiences. Specifically, we’ll look at methods for creating instructional (lesson) plans that promote dynamic discussions, build community through social or group learning and enhance the level of social presence among teachers and students.

March 5, 3-4:30 p.m.; Albright Entrepreneurship Garage

Discover how to use research-based strategies to create engaging and impactful online learning experiences. Specifically, we’ll look at methods for creating instructional (lesson) plans that promote dynamic discussions, build community through social or group learning and enhance the level of social presence among teachers and students.

March 6, 4-5:30 p.m.; Zoom

The two-day Virtual Writing Retreat Sprint offers graduate and postdoctoral writers the dedicated time and structure to make progress on a major writing project in a supportive online setting.  This event is free to attend but registration is required. 

March 10, 9 a.m. -4 p.m.; Zoom

March 11, 9 a.m. -4 p.m.; Zoom

A series of talks led by A2i industry partners to provide you the opportunity to build your network, explore career opportunities, and prepare for the transition to industry.

March 18, 12-1 p.m.; Zoom (link will be emailed prior to the event)

Topic: Join us to hear from a Sandia National Labs scientist with experience in academia, industry, and national labs who will discuss career choices, pros and cons of different sectors, and key factors for grad students and postdocs to consider.

Are you thinking about trying a new teaching approach, but would like some feedback before you implement it? Would you like suggestions and feedback on lesson plan ideas? Perhaps you would like to do a microteaching demonstration and receive feedback from peers? Or maybe you’re working on developing a policy regarding the use of AI in your course and would like some guidance? Do any of these situations describe a need or interest you have as a Graduate Teaching Assistant? Well, then come join us in the Pedagogy Lab!

March 18, 4:30-6 p.m.; Albright Entrepreneurship Garage

How do you deal with Artificial Intelligence as a teacher? What classroom policies should you have regarding questions of academic integrity? In what ways can generative AI be used to support the processes of teaching and learning? We’ll explore these questions and related issues in this interactive, discussion-focused workshop.

March 19, 3-4:30 p.m.; Albright Entrepreneurship Garage

How do you deal with Artificial Intelligence as a teacher? What classroom policies should you have regarding questions of academic integrity? In what ways can generative AI be used to support the processes of teaching and learning? We’ll explore these questions and related issues in this interactive, discussion-focused workshop.

March 20, 4-5:30 p.m.; Zoom

“Professionalism” is a form of behavior that companies want to see in their employees. As an intern, you can immediately make a good impression through your behaviors and interactions. This seminar provides an overview
of the types of professional attitudes and attributes to have as an intern and potential employee.

March 21, Noon – 1 p.m.; Zoom (link will be emailed prior to the event)

Poster presentations are an effective way to convey your research to various audiences, but how do you present the content on your poster to specific audiences? In an interactive workshop presented by the Graduate School, participants will discuss how to effectively present posters to fit the needs of their specific research situations, no matter if the poster is presented digitally or in person. Using methods such as the rule of three, we will develop strategies to ease the challenges that may accompany the presentation aspect of poster presentations.

March 24, 3-4:30 p.m.; Institute for Emerging Issues (Hunt Library) Room 4101

Games can be an excellent means for promoting student engagement. Learn how game design principles can be applied in learning environments and different examples of how these can be implemented in your classroom.

March 26, 3-4:30 p.m.; Albright Entrepreneurship Garage

Games can be an excellent means for promoting student engagement. Learn how game design principles can be applied in learning environments and different examples of how these can be implemented in your classroom.

March 27, 4-5:30 p.m.; Zoom

Knowing your communication style is the first step in having effective interactions with colleagues and co-workers. Those who register for this seminar will receive a “pre-work” assignment that helps them identify their communication style. Once you understand your style, you can begin to recognize the different communication styles in others – which leads to better outcomes and successful exchanges.

March 28, Noon – 1 p.m.; Zoom (link will be emailed prior to the event)

A series of talks led by A2i industry partners to provide you the opportunity to build your network, explore career opportunities, and prepare for the transition to industry.

April 1, 12-1 p.m.; Zoom (link will be emailed prior to the event)

Topic: Join us for an inspiring Career Insights webinar featuring Dr. Mercedes Arana, Director of the Office of Fellows’ Career Development (OFCD) at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences! 
Dr. Arana will share her non-linear career journey and provide insider tips on how you can leverage your skills and experiences to succeed in a variety of career paths. Don’t miss this chance to gain practical career advice and expand your professional network!

Facilitated by the Director of Teaching Programs, this will be an interactive discussion session where attendees will discuss questions and issues regarding the use of generative AI in teaching and learning. As a group, we will also explore perspectives and potential opportunities for how AI tools can enhance instructional strategies and student engagement. Please join us in this lively discussion!

April 4, 11-12:30 p.m.; Graduate School Conference Room 2328

You have made a good impression at your internship site; now you just need to be sure you are networking! This seminar provides guidance on how to effectively network with others as well as the importance of building connections to help you along your career path.

April 4, Noon – 1 p.m.; Zoom (link will be emailed prior to the event)

This workshop aims to provide some of the core fundamentals for effectively mentoring undergraduate students. You will explore key topics such as building supportive mentor-mentee relationships, setting realistic goals, offering constructive feedback, and fostering academic and personal growth.

April 9, 3-4:30 p.m.; Albright Entrepreneurship Garage

This workshop aims to provide some of the core fundamentals for effectively mentoring undergraduate students. You will explore key topics such as building supportive mentor-mentee relationships, setting realistic goals, offering constructive feedback, and fostering academic and personal growth.

April 10, 4-5:30 p.m.; Zoom

Unlock the potential of your smartphone. Whether you’re trying to showcase your research, document new work or explain new discoveries, this Graduate School training will cover practical techniques for capturing high-quality photos and videos.

April 10, 10-11 a.m.; The Graduate School Conference Room 2328

Join us for an interactive workshop that will address the challenges of interpreting journal article reviewers’ comments and revising your article. We’ll look at how reviews are constructed and strategies for composing effective replies to reviewers. Participants will also have time to implement reviewer feedback and compose their own responses to reviewers to complete the feedback cycle.

April 10, 12-1:30 p.m.; Zoom

One dimension to diversity in the work environment is that of generational differences. There are now five different generations in the workforce, and knowing how to work with each of them is imperative to one’s career success. Asa graduate student intern, having an understanding of generational differences and how to bridge the gaps will help you communicate better and work more efficiently with your co-workers, colleagues and supervisors.

April 11, Noon – 1 p.m.; Zoom (link will be emailed prior to the event)

A series of talks led by A2i industry partners to provide you the opportunity to build your network, explore career opportunities, and prepare for the transition to industry.

April 15, 12-1 p.m.; Zoom (link will be emailed prior to the event)

Topic: TBD

Learn ways to interpret end-of-course evaluations so they can be a helpful tool for reflecting on your teaching and also as a resource for generating new ideas for change (e.g., continuous improvement).

April 16, 3-4:30 p.m.; Albright Entrepreneurship Garage

Learn ways to interpret end-of-course evaluations so they can be a helpful tool for reflecting on your teaching and also as a resource for generating new ideas for change (e.g., continuous improvement).

April 17, 4-5:30 p.m.; Zoom

Contact colleagues at NC State and beyond with tact and ease! In this workshop, you will gain strategies for crafting effective professional emails. Specifically, participants will practice and discuss strategies for: organizing a professional email message, making inquiries and requests, and creating a professional tone or voice in email.

April 22, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Zoom

How would you describe your teaching philosophy to someone who has never observed your teaching? In this workshop, you’ll learn strategies for distilling the most important elements of your teaching philosophy and expressing it in a clear, succinct narrative. We will especially think about how it can be used to highlight your strengths when applying for academic teaching positions.

April 23, 3-4:30 p.m.; Albright Entrepreneurship Garage

How would you describe your teaching philosophy to someone who has never observed your teaching? In this workshop, you’ll learn strategies for distilling the most important elements of your teaching philosophy and expressing it in a clear, succinct narrative. We will especially think about how it can be used to highlight your strengths when applying for academic teaching positions.

April 24, 4-5:30 p.m.; Zoom

The two-day In-Person Writing Retreat Sprint offers graduate and postdoctoral writers the dedicated time and structure to make progress on a major writing project, as well as resources for writing strategies and guest speakers about campus writing and research resources.  This event requires a $40 registration fee.

May 5, 9 a.m. -4 p.m.; College of Textiles Convocation Center Room 2225

May 6, 9 a.m. -4 p.m.; College of Textiles Convocation Center Room 2225

In this workshop we will learn how to approach finding fellowship and grant opportunities. We will discuss developing a plan for locating relevant fellowship and gran, while also learning more about the types of opportunities available for your own interests.

June 3, 10-11:30 a.m.; Zoom

Combining personal writing and academic writing can be a challenge, especially when it comes to applications. In this workshop we will explore how to write personal statements and narratives for fellowship and grant applications.

June 10, 10-11:30 a.m.; Zoom

Developing a concrete research statement is a requirement for many graduate academic and research opportunities. Through this workshop we will craft research statements that can be used for fellowship and grant applications. We will discuss challenges to this type of writing, while also considering techniques to enhance your writing.

June 17, 10-11:30 a.m.; Zoom

Wanting more one-on-one feedback on your fellowship and grant application? This workshop session is available by appointment for specific feedback and workshopping on an application you are developing or hoping to apply for in the future. 

June 24, 10-11:30 a.m.; Zoom