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The Graduate School

Professional Development Workshops

The Graduate School offers an array of career preparedness, teaching, writing, and professional development workshops and series which are broken down by competencies. All workshops and development series adhere to the attendance policy and the synchronous Zoom workshop policy.

Career readiness is imperative to ensuring a successful transition from graduate school into the work environment. The best way to establish a pathway to a rewarding career is to develop the competencies employers are seeking in their new hires. Below are the core competencies the Professional Development Team has identified through a review of research by the National Association of College and Employers (NACE) and discussions with our partners. By focusing on the following competencies, the Professional Development team helps our graduate students cultivate the talents, skills and strengths that will prepare them for a variety of positions within their areas of career interests.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Requests can be served effectively if notice is provided at least ten days before the event. Direct accommodation requests for professional development programs to professional-development@ncsu.edu.

Oral & Written Communication

Communicating effectively involves both verbal and written forms. Taking part in the development of this competency builds a foundation for clearly exchanging information, ideas, perspectives and facts with people both inside and outside of a team, a classroom, a department and an organization. Asking appropriate questions, awareness of one’s non-verbal behaviors, active listening and engaging mindfully with people from diverse backgrounds are also important components of this competency.

Serving as a teaching assistant can be a little overwhelming – especially the first few days in the classroom. This presentation shares guidance for how to not only survive, but also thrive, as a teaching assistant during the earlier part of the semester with guidance on communication, time management and work/life balance.
3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2023 Textiles Convocation Room 2225 Register Here

In this two part workshop, we’ll focus on strategies for planning a writing project, as well as fundamental tips for summarizing, paraphrasing, and synthesizing sources in their writing projects. Participants will clarify their writing goals for the semester and learn strategies to implement on current and future writing projects.
Note: This is a two-part workshop. To receive credit for the writing certificate, you must attend both meetings.
3 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, August 29 and September 5, 2023 College of Textiles Room 2117 Register Here

This workshop provides insights for how to lay the groundwork for teaching at the university level. Lesson planning, engaging students and identifying ways to support student success will be shared. (NOTE: This teaching workshop starts at a different time than the others)
1:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, August 30, 2023 Textiles Convocation Room 2225 Register Here

In this two part workshop, we address the challenges of conveying your research story in a persuasive way for technical and nontechnical stakeholders. Specifically participants will practice and discuss strategies for:   

  • Choosing an appropriate structure for reporting and commenting on data
  • Effectively organizing data commentaries 
  • Integrating figures and visuals in reports 
  • Structuring and revising reports

Note: This is a two-part workshop. To receive credit for the writing certificate, you must attend both meetings.
3 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, September 12 and September 19, 2023 College of Textiles Room 2117 Register Here

As an teacher, one needs to keep in mind that students have different ways of learning. Their experiences, their backgrounds, their behaviors, and their preferences all blend together. Knowing how to engage students is important; this workshop focuses on the communication skills and teaching methods to both reach and teach your students.
3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 13, 2023 201 Witherspoon (Main Campus) Register Here

Interviews require research and practice, especially in preparation of behavioral based questions. Learn how to effectively tell your career story through the STAR – Situation, Task, Action, Results – method. In this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the components of a strong elevator pitch and practice ways of sharing experiences that connect to all employers regardless of career goals
  • Use the STAR method to answer behavioral based questions and brainstorm strategies on how to best tailor answers for the employer

3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, September 14, 2023 EB2-3001 Seminar Room Register Here

Do people say that your writing is wordy? In this workshop, we’ll address the challenge of building clear, concise sentences that represent your science to diverse stakeholders.
3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, September 26, 2023 College of Textiles Room 2225 (Convocation Room) Register Here

In this presentation, “emotional intelligence” will be defined and the components of it will be shared. The relationship between emotional intelligence and teaching will also be discussed.
3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2023 Textiles Convocation Room Register Here

Contact colleagues at NC State and beyond with tact and ease! In this workshop, you will gain strategies for crafting effective professional emails.

3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 3, 2023 College of Textiles Room 2225 Convocation Room Register Here

Make progress on a major writing project such as a dissertation, thesis, or article manuscript through dedicated writing time and tips for productivity.

9 to 5 p.m. Monday, October 9 and Tuesday, October 10 2023 Textiles Convocation Room 2225

  • Open to NC State masters, doctoral, and postdoctoral scholars.
  • This retreat requires a two-day commitment, so we ask that participants get permission from their advisors before they register to get the most out of this event.
  • To cover the costs of food and supplies, we have added a $40 non-refundable registration fee.
  • Register here.

Learning outcomes are student-centered rather than teacher-centered. Understanding how to use learning outcomes to promote student success through what the student is able to do, know and apply will be examined.
3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 11, 2023 201 Witherspoon (Main Campus) Register Here

The resume/CV and cover letter can be seen as the first interview. Participants are encouraged to bring a job posting of interest to the workshop. In this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the formatting components of the job application materials to ensure information is clear, concise, and consistent
  • Determine the experiences and key words that should be emphasized and tailored to the job posting

3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, October 12, 2023 EB2-3001 Seminar Room Register Here

In this workshop, we will discuss how you can use the cover letter to market yourself in ways that set you apart from the rest of the applicant pool, how to tailor your cover letters to each job you apply for, the distinct moves or “parts” of academic and industry cover letters. To get the most out of the session, you should bring a draft of a cover letter for a job that you plan to apply to.
3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2023 College of Textiles Room 2225 Convocation Room Register Here

The interview is an opportunity to further share a candidate’s qualifications and interest in the position with the hiring manager. Although a candidate can never fully anticipate the questions that will be asked in the interview, there are strategies and steps that should be taken in preparation of the conversation. In this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the various components of an interview and how to best prepare for an in-person or virtual interview
  • Identify strategies on how to research an organization and develop thoughtful questions to ask the employer during the interview
  • Craft answers to common interview questions with a special emphasis on the STAR (situation, task, action, result) method

3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, October 19, 2023 EB2-3001 Seminar Room Register Here

You’ve gathered lots of articles and other sources.  What next? In this workshop, we address tips for effectively structuring and synthesizing sources (“literature”) in journal articles and research papers.

3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 24, 2023 College of Textiles Room 2225 Convocation Room Register Here

Mentoring students is as important as teaching them and involves leadership skills. Learning how to engage in effective mentoring practices is the focus of this workshop.
3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2023 201 Witherspoon (Main Campus) Register Here

Write up the results! There’s more to it! In this workshop, we explore how to create strong results, discussion, and conclusion sections, including the different functions each section might serve in a journal article, thesis, dissertation, or report.

3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 31, 2023 College of Textiles Room 2431 Register Here

Where to start? In this workshop, we tackle the challenge of composing two key components of a research article: Abstracts and introductions. Participants will specifically practice strategies for adapting common abstract structures to their own article projects and effectively organizing introductions using the “Create A Research Space” (CARS) model. 

3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, November 7, 2023 College of Textiles Room 2431 Register Here

How do you separate the subjective feedback from the objective feedback on course evaluations? Learn how to use your course evaluations to improve your teaching through the strategies shared in this program.
3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, 2023 Textiles Convocation Room 2225 Register Here

Make progress on a major writing project such as a dissertation, thesis, or article manuscript through dedicated writing time and tips for productivity.

  • Open to NC State masters, doctoral, and postdoctoral scholars.
  • This retreat requires a two-day commitment, so we ask that participants get permission from their advisors before they register to get the most out of this event.
  • Registration coming soon.

9 to 5 p.m. Thursday, December 14 and Friday, December 15 2023 Zoom

Teamwork & Collaboration

Working effectively with others is the major focus of this competency. Appreciating diverse viewpoints, effectively managing conflict, ensuring inclusivity, being accountable for responsibilities, and collaborating to achieve common goals are important skills across a myriad of work environments. Positive working relationships with teams and colleagues are crucial to the success of any organization.

Mentoring students is as important as teaching them and involves leadership skills. Learning how to engage in effective mentoring practices is the focus of this workshop.
3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2023 201 Witherspoon (Main Campus) Register Here

Career & Self Development

Self-awareness is the foundation for understanding how one best operates in both personal and professional environments. This competency involves gaining insight about oneself and, through the cultivation of self-development, acquiring a prescient understanding of how one’s talents and skills can best be utilized through a variety of career paths. Recognizing opportunities for one’s talents and understanding how one’s skills can be transferable among different positions are also important aptitudes associated with this competency.

Each career journey is unique and usually a non-linear pathway. With many options out there, how can an informed career decision be made? In this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Identify areas of interest and how that relates to career options through career planning tools and resources
  • Evaluate values to determine career goals and priorities
  • Leverage networking opportunities with an emphasis on career exploration


3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, September 7, 2023 EB2-3001 Seminar Room Register Here

In this presentation, “emotional intelligence” will be defined and the components of it will be shared. The relationship between emotional intelligence and teaching will also be discussed.
3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2023 Textiles Convocation Room Register Here

The job search process may seem daunting, especially transitioning from academia to industry. In this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Identify individual strengths and skills that can be leveraged in industry
  • Successfully translate experiences to employers through tailored application materials such as the resume and cover letter
  • Create a LinkedIn profile that effectively shares experiences that connect with prospective industry opportunities


3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, September 28, 2023 EB2-3001 Seminar Room Register Here

The job search process takes time, research, and strategy. Job seekers that create a strategy are able to take purposeful steps throughout the process and maximize connections. In this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the various tools and resources that can be used to search for job opportunities
  • Find professionals in roles of interest that can be used for career exploration and preparation
  • Create a tailored, action-oriented game plan to feel organized throughout the process


3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, October 5, 2023 EB2-3001 Seminar Room Register Here

In this workshop, we will discuss how you can use the cover letter to market yourself in ways that set you apart from the rest of the applicant pool, how to tailor your cover letters to each job you apply for, the distinct moves or “parts” of academic and industry cover letters. To get the most out of the session, you should bring a draft of a cover letter for a job that you plan to apply to.
3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2023 College of Textiles Room 2117 Register Here

Now that a formal offer is on the table, it is important to navigate these “difficult” conversations with research, reflection, and confidence. In this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Understand how to negotiate salary and compensation packages
  • Utilize tools and resources to determine the market value
  • Assess short-term and long-term goals that could impact career planning and decision-making


3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, October 26, 2023 EB2-3001 Seminar Room Register Here

Leadership & Management

There is a difference between leading others and managing people. Understanding these differences as well as knowing how to motivate, inspire, and encourage others are vital aspects to effective leadership and management. Leveraging resources, building trust, managing projects, and understanding one’s own leadership and/or management style are important characteristics of this competency.

Through self-awareness in values, strengths, and interests, informed career decisions can be made. In this workshop, participants will identify how past success can lead to future success through intentional career exploration and planning.
3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, September 21, 2023 EB2-3001 Seminar Room Register Here

In this presentation, “emotional intelligence” will be defined and the components of it will be shared. The relationship between emotional intelligence and teaching will also be discussed.
3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2023 Textiles Convocation Room Register Here

Mentoring students is as important as teaching them and involves leadership skills. Learning how to engage in effective mentoring practices is the focus of this workshop.
3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2023 201 Witherspoon (Main Campus) Register Here

Effectiveness & Well-Being

Knowing how to appropriately self-manage, respond, cope and work are imperative to being a productive employee. This competency focuses on developing and implementing the skills needed to be an effective, healthy and contributing member of not only an organization but also society. Recognizing how one can best engage in their personal well-being and their professional undertakings are elements of this competency.

Serving as a teaching assistant can be a little overwhelming – especially the first few days in the classroom. This presentation shares guidance for how to not only survive, but also thrive, as a teaching assistant during the earlier part of the semester with guidance on communication, time management and work/life balance.
3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2023 Textiles Convocation Room 2225 Register Here

In this two part workshop, we’ll focus on strategies for planning a writing project, as well as fundamental tips for summarizing, paraphrasing, and synthesizing sources in their writing projects. Participants will clarify their writing goals for the semester and learn strategies to implement on current and future writing projects.
Note: This is a two-part workshop. To receive credit for the writing certificate, you must attend both meetings.
3 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, August 29 and September 5, 2023 College of Textiles Room 2117 Register Here

Do you know if you have a “growth” mindset” or a “fixed” mindset? Find out what is meant by these terms as well as tips for how to better learn and engage with the work you undertake.
Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 6, 2023 Register for this online workshop.

Time is the great equalizer – we all have only 24 hours in our day. How we choose to structure that time and manage our priorities is key to our effectiveness and well-being. Guidance for how to effectively manage your time will be shared.
Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 20, 2023 Register for this online workshop

Join Jason Pangrac, Vice President and Financial Wellness Lead II from Truist Bank, to learn about financial resources and tools that promote your financial wellness.
Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 4, 2023 Register for this online workshop

There are times we may get caught up in the “imposter syndrome.” The truth? None of us is perfect! Join this discussion to learn ways to overcome the idea of being “perfect” and instead focus on being your best.
Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 18, 2023 Register for this online workshop

It may be that time of the semester when motivation is starting to falter. If you find yourself not as motivated as you would like to be or need to be, join this discussion for insights as to how you can maintain your motivation.
Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Register for this online workshop

Finding it hard to concentrate while studying? Mindfulness is a tool that helps one focus and increases overall effectiveness and well-being. Learn more about mindfulness techniques and how these help when one needs to focus.
Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, 2023 Register for this online workshop