Professional Development Workshops
Career and Professional Development and the Graduate School offers many workshops designed for graduate students. Find more information below about upcoming workshops.
Career Fair Prep for International Graduate Students
Wednesday, January 29, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EST, Virtual
Are you ready? Spring career fairs begin February 6th! This workshop will cover how to prepare for and navigate a career fair. The session will discuss how to identify employers that hire or sponsor international professionals. This event is open to undergraduate and graduate international students.. Learn more and register here.
Career Fair Prep for Graduate Students
Wednesday, January 29, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm EST, Virtual
Are you ready? Spring career fairs begin February 6th! This workshop will cover how to prepare for and navigate a career fair. The session will also include tips for in-person and virtual career fairs. Learn more and register here.
How Graduate Students Can Use Generative AI in Career Exploration and the Job Search
Friday, February 7th, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EST, Virtual
This workshop covers how to use generative AI to explore careers and find jobs. Tools like ChatGPT and Copilot can generate lists of employers, suggest possible careers, and create interview questions. AI tools can also help you identify key skills in job descriptions and revise application materials. Learn more and register here.
Resume Writing for Graduate Students
Tuesday, February 11, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm EST, Virtual
Having a well-polished resume is a critical step toward getting an interview. Start preparing early to be ready for Fall career fairs. This workshop will provide tips for crafting an effective resume. The session will also include information on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Learn more and register here.
Job Search Strategies for Graduate Students
Wednesday, February 19, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EST, Virtual
This workshop provides an overview of key steps, best practices, and effective strategies for the job search including gap analysis, parallel planning, and informational interviews. The session will also discuss resources like Handshake, CareerShift, and GoinGlobal. Learn more and register here.
Interviewing for Graduate Students
Wednesday, February 26 , 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm EST, Virtual
This workshop discusses the interview process and provides basic interview tips. The session also explains the STAR format. This format provides a framework for answering many behavioral questions. The session will also offer strategies for dealing with interview anxiety. Learn more and register here.
Offer Negotiation for Graduate Students
Tuesday, March 4, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm, EST, Virtual
This workshop identifies factors involved in career decisions and provides information on appropriate negotiating behaviors. Participants will also learn about follow-up practices for accepting or declining a job offer. Additionally, the session introduces web-based tools for determining cost of living and salary ranges. Learn more and register here.
Writing Series: Writing Sessions for Every Stage
Designed for graduate students in a writing phase at any level!
This series offers a variety of structured and flexible sessions to support your writing journey. Whether you’re seeking a structured writing period, a focused environment, or the freedom to drop in as needed, our offerings cater to diverse needs. From facilitated workshops and Pomodoro sessions to quiet, open writing spaces, this series allows you to develop skills, boost productivity, and bring your ideas to life. Embrace the chance to write, connect, and grow in a community dedicated to creative and academic excellence.
All-Day Writing Retreats | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm | Graduate Life Center
Pre-registration is required for each event*[You will receive a confirmation of your registration within 1-3 days after you submit the registration form]
Snacks, Coffee, and Lunch will be provided for registered participants
- Thursday, January 30 | Register Here [Registration Closed]
- Thursday, February 27 | Registration Here
- Thursday, March 20 | Registration Will Open 2-3 Weeks Before Event
- Thursday, April 24 | Registration Will Open 2-3 Weeks Before Event
- Reading Day Writing Retreat, May 8 | Registration Will Open 2-3 Weeks Before Event
Three Options for the All-Day Writing Retreat
- Facilitated Workshop | workshop in the morning, writing session in the afternoon
- Facilitated Pomodoro Writing Session
- Open, Quiet Writing Session [Recommended for Experienced Writers]
Zoom options available for all sessions
Open Writing Drop-In Hours | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm | Graduate Life Center
Need a flexible writing space? Drop in during open hours to work at your own pace in a quiet, supportive environment—no registration required!
Snacks and coffee will be provided during all sessions.
- Tuesday, February 4 | Graduate Life Center, Meeting Room C
- Monday, February 10 | Graduate Life Center, Meeting Room D
- Tuesday, February 18 | Graduate Life Center, Meeting Room C
- Tuesday, March 4 | Graduate Life Center, Meeting Room C
- Wednesday, March 12 [Spring Break] | Graduate Life Center, Meeting Room C
- Tuesday, March 18 | Graduate Life Center, Meeting Room C
- Tuesday, April 1 | Graduate Life Center, Meeting Room C
- Wednesday, April 9 | Graduate Life Center, Meeting Room C
- Tuesday, April 15 | Graduate Life Center, Meeting Room C
- Tuesday, April 29 | Graduate Life Center, Meeting Room C
This event is intended for graduate students.
If you have any questions, please contact brogan@vt.edu