Professional Development Seminar Series
This series provides seminars in business, management and communications skills geared to better prepare our graduate students for successful careers in academic, corporate, public and research sectors. The seminars provide graduate students with a practical knowledge of the basic professional skillsets including:
- Leadership
- Mentoring
- Teaching
- Financial and management roles
Seminars also provide information relevant to developing multiple employment options, adaptable skills, and focused, holistic self-knowledge.
Masters Professional Development Series
Spring 2013
January 30, 2013
Etiquette Dinner
5:30-7:30 p.m.
You have that interview with your dream company! You are hosting a potential client at the 'make it or break it' meal! Your department is hosting a scholar that you hold in high regard! Feeling confident about your ability to navigate the meal in these situations? Let us help you prepare! Under the tutelage of an etiquette specialist, you will have the opportunity to learn and/or hone your dining etiquette skills.
Meal Interview Etiquette.pdf
February 20, 2013
Networking and Relationship Building
5-6:30 p.m.
One of the most effective forms of relationship building is networking. Even in the age of social media, Facebook and Twitter cannot replace the face-to-face interaction. However, networking for networking-sake only can feel fake, forced and phony. Creating relationships should be the goal of networking, not meeting as many people as possible. Networking is more than just exchanging business cards. Join us for this session that will explore the how-to’s of networking, provide opportunity to practice networking techniques, and hone your networking skills to make interactions meaningful and memorable.
February 25, 2013
Intercultural Dynamics
5-6:30 p.m.
The key to effective intercultural communication is knowledge. While one session will never prepare anyone to effectively communicate across cultures, we can all learn how to better prepare ourselves for the dynamics of interacting in a global academic, work and living environment. Join us as we discuss strategies to overcome potential problems and misunderstandings.
March 28, 2013
Entrepreneurship
5-6:30 p.m.
The entrepreneurial spirit is a foundation of Carnegie Mellon and our commitment to innovation. The university has long recognized that innovation combined with risk-taking is an essential component in being competitive in a global context. But what do we mean by entrepreneurship? Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? What are the characteristics of a successful entrepreneur? What does it take to bring a vision to fruition? Does an entrepreneur wait for opportunity to come along or make opportunities happen? Join our panelists as we discuss entrepreneurship, vision and reality, their personal experiences and opportunities to bring the entrepreneurial spirit to life at Carnegie Mellon.
April 16, 2013
Launching Yourself in the Workplace
5-6:30 p.m.
You have focused all your energy and resources into landing the dream job, but have you given any thought to STARTING the dream job. Your position title will not define you in the workplace - that is up to you! This session will help you explore how to maximize your first year in the workplace, how to continue your relationships with the network you have built, how to understand the ‘rules’ of your workplace, how to work with change, and identifying a mentor in the workplace. This session is less about work place etiquette and more about navigating your experience.
PhD Professional Development Series
Spring 2013
January 25, 2013
Academic or Industry Career Panel
Noon-1 pm
Panelists:
Jessica Cisewski, Visiting Assistant Professor, Statistics, Dietrich College
Andrew Moore, VP of Engineering and Site Director, Google Pittsburgh
Bill Nace, Assistant Teaching Professor, ECE, CIT
Making career decisions? Did you enter your Ph.D. program thinking you wanted to be in industry or a faculty member but now aren’t so sure? Want to explore options? Join us as the panel shares their experiences in industry and academia, decision making around career paths with a Ph.D., insights gained, and perspectives learned.
February 27, 2013
Writing the Literature Review
Noon-1 pm
Diana L Awad Scrocco, Associate Director, Global Communication Center & Assisting Teaching Professor, Department of English
This workshop will discuss the purpose and common sections of an academic literature review. Participants will learn how to compose an effective literature review that articulates a clear argument and meets audience expectations. We will review examples of strong and weak literature reviews and work together to revise them. We will also spend time reviewing participants’ literature reviews to determine whether writers include the appropriate sections and accomplish their intended purpose.
March 26, 2013
Managing Demands & Time
Noon-1 pm
Ph.D. students are wearing many hats: student, researcher, TA or RA, lab supervisor, budgeter, possibly partner or spouse, maybe parent… This session will help participants identify the roles they have, the demands on their time, prioritizing demands and making decisions about their time.
April 23, 2013
Presentation Prep
Noon-1 pm
Have you ever sat in awe of someone’s presentation skills and wonder how he or she got to be so savvy? Does the thought of giving a presentation make your heart start racing? Do you know what you want to say but not how to organize it for clear conveyance to others? Be sure to attend this session. The focus will be on presenting your academic work but the skills will be transferrable to any type of presentation.