Graduate Student Resource Center

Supporting Graduate Students' Academic and Professional Success

Making the Most of Your Professional Development This Summer

By Jason Chou | July 10, 2024

This summer, the Graduate Student Resource Center and Dr. Vanessa Lee at the Career Center have teamed up to bring you the R’Grad Professional Pathways Series. This series of three workshops aims to provide graduate students and postdocs with knowledge and skills to make you more competitive when it comes time to apply for jobs. So while you try to stay cool when the mercury rises, what we don’t want to cool off are your professional development goals.

[Image Description: A white cat with black ears lays on its back and cooling off right in front of an oscillating electric fan.]
Pictured: It should never be THIS hot!
 
Job Search Toolkit – Tuesday, July 9th from 11am to 12pm on Zoom.
[This workshop has already passed, but you can still contact the Career Center for the information presented.]

The first workshop in the R’Grad Professional Pathways Series is The Job Search Toolkit. I’ve heard it said that you can fix almost anything with the right tools. The Job Search Toolkit is meant to provide the tools that will help you find the right job for you. Find out about resume formatting tips, job search resources, decoding a job description, and presenting yourself as a strong candidate for the position you want. The workshop is more relevant to those who are looking for non-academic careers, but those looking for academic careers will find a great deal of relevant information.

[Image Description: Mister Crabs hands Patrick Star a spatula and a hat for the job.]
Pictured: The right tools help you get the job done!
 
LinkedIn and Networking – Tuesday, July 30th from 11am to 12pm on Zoom.

85% of jobs are filled as a result of networking, so you definitely want to look into honing your networking skills. Many graduate students know they ought to start networking but are not sure how to begin. Enter LinkedIn, one of the primary online places to practice getting connected with those in your field! In this workshop, you will learn the top tips and strategies to network with prospective employers, recruiters and other professionals. Discover the best modern practices to succeed in networking on LinkedIn and be proactive by taking the steps toward landing the job you want.

[Image Description: Malik Sanon in Mutual Friends wearing a beany and gesticulating by pointing left and right.]
Pictured: Networking is a crucial element for getting the job you want.
 
EQ and Your Career Development – Thursday, August 22nd from 11am to 12pm on Zoom.

Employers are focusing on EQ (emotional intelligence) when they look to hire new employees or promote current one. Learn how to leverage EQ to your advantage during the interview process and when you are in the workplace. Every field and workplace has their unique culture and characteristics, so understanding whether the job is a good fit is important for both your success and satisfaction at your job.

[Image Description: Eamonn Walker as Wallace Boden in Chicago Fire telling a fellow firefighter, “Looks like you’re gonna fit right in.”]
Pictured: Employers are looking for interpersonal skills as well as technical ones.
 

When it comes to making the most of your professional development this summer, the Career Center and the GSRC encourage you to take advantage of these workshops. The ultimate goal of your graduate school and postdoc appointments is a career that is fulfilling and rewarding. Remember to keep your professional development in mind and be prepared for the job search and interview process when the time comes.

 

[Image Description: Rachel, played by Jennifer Aniston in the hit comedy show Friends, gesticulates toward her someone saying “I’m gonna go get one of those job things.”]
Pictured: The time to look for a job is coming faster than expected!
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