Professional and career development workshop series

In collaboration with the Graduate School and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, the Graduate Student Association is pleased to offer a series of seminars and workshops to help graduate students and postdoctoral fellows develop and enhance their professional skills to succeed in their current positions and future careers.

Registration is available approximately two weeks before each workshop. Note that some workshops will be held in person and others will be held virtually via Zoom. Registration for all workshops is required in order to obtain the Zoom link to attend virtual workshops. Virtual workshops will be recorded and a link made available if permitted by the presenter(s).

Beyond Graduate School

Beyond Graduate School is a one-of-a-kind, online platform that helps master’s students make the most out of their investment and build their careers. From video lessons on career exploration, to writing application materials, to interviewing and negotiating for that next career step — Beyond Grad School helps master’s students through each stage of their job search.

When logging in, select University of Nevada, Reno and enter your NetID and password.

Beyond the Professoriate

Beyond the Professoriate’s Career Training Platform is an online professional development tool where doctoral students and postdocs can explore career options and learn job search strategies. Through two programs of study (Academic Careers and Professional Careers), students and postdocs are empowered to make informed decisions about their career path and learn successful job search strategies from other PhDs.

When logging in, select University of Nevada, Reno and enter your NetID and password.

All workshops

Virtual workshops are recorded and can be requested by emailing lpietsch@unr.edu.

  • 9/12/2024: Writing Research Statements for an Academic Job Application (in-person)
    • Date and time: Thursday, September 12, 2024; 12-1 p.m.
    • Location: EMM 111
    • Speaker: Dennis Mathew, Associate Professor Biology, Co-Director of Graduate Neuroscience Program; Laura Smithers, Assistant Professor of Higher Education Leadership

    Register for the workshop

    The research statement is your opportunity to sell yourself to an institution and show that you are self-motivated and passionate about your project. Whether you are considering an academic job search or have already begun drafting a research statement, this workshop will help guide you through the process of narrowing your research statement to become relevant and a significant boost to your application materials. Presenters will consider their own experiences writing and evaluating other research statements as part of hiring committees.

  • 09/16/2024: Harnessing AI in Research (In-Person)
    • Date and time: Monday, September 16, 2024; 12-1 p.m. 
    • Location: JCSU, 423
    • Speaker: Teresa Schultz, Health Sciences Librarian and Assistant Professor; Ann Medaille, Professor, Director of Research and Instructional Services

    Register for the workshop

    Explore the intersection of AI and research in our workshop! If you are unsure about incorporating AI into your research, join us to discover the strengths and limitations of AI tools. Learn how to evaluate AI-generated content and understand ownership issues. This hands-on workshop provides valuable insights and practical experience with AI tools. Don't miss the chance to enhance your research capabilities in the age of AI!

  • 09/18/2024: Conflict Resolution (In-Person)
    • Date and time: Wednesday, September 18, 2024; 12-1 p.m. 
    • Location: JCSU, 323
    • Speaker: Will Peshall, Lead, Organizational, and Employee Development

    Register for the workshop

    This workshop will help you to understand what is and is not a conflict, reflect on your natural preferences in dealing with conflict, and learn some strategies for managing a conflict. Will is the Lead, Organizational and Employee Development in Human Resources within the Learning & Development team. He specializes in career coaching and well-being at work. This workshop is ideal for graduate students and postdocs!

  • 09/24/2024: Poster Design (In-Person)
    • Date and time: Tuesday, September 24, 2024; 12-1 p.m. 
    • Location: JCSU, 301
    • Speaker: Amy Shannon, Associate Professor, Life & Environmental Sciences Librarian

    Register for the workshop

    Increase the impact of your conference poster through thoughtful design. This workshop will teach you how to use good design to avoid common poster pitfalls in communicating your research clearly and effectively.

  • 09/25/2024: Data Visualization (In-Person)
    • Date and time: Wednesday, September 25, 2024; 12-1 p.m.
    • Location: JCSU, 301
    • Speaker: Carlos Ramirez-Reyes, Assistant Professor, Research Data Services Coordinator 

    Register for the workshop

    Whether you are designing a scientific poster, writing a peer-reviewed article, or creating a policy brief, it is always a good idea to provide effective data visualizations. Good visualizations help your audience understand and focus on what you intend to convey. In this workshop, we will discuss good and not-so-good practices while creating data visualizations and touch on common pitfalls we can avoid while preparing our data visuals. This workshop consists of a mix of lecture and participatory discussions, and while targeting novice creators, we welcome more experienced creators wanting to improve and refresh their skills.

  • 09/26/2024: Careers Representing America: Diplomat in Residence Visit
    • Date and time: Thursday, September 26, 2024; from 2–3 p.m.
    • Location: JCSU 301, Graduate Student Lounge
    • Speakers: Antoinette Hurtado, Diplomat in Residence – Southwest (Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico)

    Register for the workshop

    Dream of making a difference with your degree? Want to get paid to travel the world? Want a career or internship with global impact, purpose, and adventure?

    The U.S. Department of State offers careers and internships for students and alumni from all academic backgrounds, including engineering, information technology, international affairs, operations and management, law enforcement, languages and much more.

    Diplomat in Residence for the Southwest, Antoinette Hurtado, will talk about State Department careers and student programs and share her journey U.S. diplomat. Student programs include internships, career pipeline fellowships that pay for the student's education and give them&nbsp job as a diplomat upon graduation, and study abroad scholarships. Join the session to learn more and see if this might be the right path for you!

  • 10/01/2024: Networking and LinkedIn (In-Person)
    • Date and time: Tuesday, October 1, 2024; 12-1 p.m. 
    • Location: JCSU, 301
    • Speaker: Jim McClenahan, Executive Director of Outreach and Engagement

    Register for the workshop

    This workshop will help you optimize your LinkedIn experience and leverage its power for networking opportunities in today's digital age. You will learn expert tips, tricks, and strategies to: Build a robust professional network, showcase your skills and experience, and discover job opportunities. By the end of this workshop, you will be able to utilize your LinkedIn account to make meaningful connections, network with others, and unlock new possibilities for job growth and professional development.

  • 10/02/2024: Don’t Feel Like You Belong? Learn About Imposter Phenomenon (In-Person)
    • Date and time: Wednesday, October 2, 2024; 12-1 p.m.
    • Location: JCSU, 301
    • Speaker: Adrienne Renwick, Teaching Associate Professor, School of Public Health

    Register for the workshop

    Are you feeling like you are not smart enough, doubting yourself, or feeling like you don’t belong? These feelings may be a result of imposter syndrome. This workshop will discuss what imposter phenomenon is, how to recognize it, and how to deal with it in your life.

  • 10/10/2024: Balancing Academics and Personal Life (In-Person)
    • Date and time: Thursday, October 10, 2024; 12-1 p.m. 
    • Location: JCSU, 301
    • Speaker: Michael Pauldine, Licensed Psychologist, Assessment Coordinator, Counseling Services

    Register for the workshop

    As a graduate student, juggling academics with personal responsibilities can be overwhelming. Many graduate students must navigate multiple commitments, including careers, families, and hobbies, while pursuing their studies. Our workshop is designed to provide you with effective techniques for multitasking and time management, enabling you to focus on your studies while still nurturing your personal life.

  • 10/15/2024: Managing Your Money: Graduate Student Edition (In-Person)
    • Date/Time: Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 12-1 p.m.
    • Location: JCSU, Great Room
    • Speaker: Conrad Chow, Program Coordinator, Nevada Money Mentors

    Register for the workshop

    Join Nevada Money Mentors for a workshop designed specifically for graduate students, where you'll learn how to stretch your GA salary further and make smart financial decisions. We'll dive into budgeting techniques tailored for limited income, explore effective credit card strategies, and share hacks to maximize your savings. Whether you're balancing tuition, rent, or unexpected expenses, this session will equip you with the tools to manage your money with confidence and set yourself up for financial success.

  • 10/16/2024: Interviewing Skills: How to Answer the STAR Questions (In-Person)
    • Date and time: Wednesday, October 16, 2024; 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
    • Location: JCSU, 422
    • Speaker: Theresa McKim, Teaching Assistant Professor, Department of Biology & Institute for Neuroscience

    Register for the workshop

    In this workshop, attendees will learn about and practice applying the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, & Result) method to effectively answer interview questions. We will provide examples of common interview questions (industry, academia, etc.) and attendees will actively practice answering interview questions to hone their skills.

  • 10/21/2024: Lit Review (In-Person)
    • Date and time: Monday, October 21, 2024; 12-1 p.m.
    • Location: JCSU, 301
    • Speaker: Elena Azadbakht, Associate Professor, Health Sciences Librarian 

    Register for the workshop

    Learn about different review types and styles and how to best conduct a comprehensive search across various databases and other online resources. We will also discuss strategies for effectively organizing and synthesizing your sources.