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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 Graduate Students
Thursday, August 29, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EST, Virtual

Are you ready? Fall career fairs begin September 4th! 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.

Resume Writing for Graduate Students
Wednesday, September 4, 10:00 am - 11:00 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.

CVs and the Academic Job Search
Friday, September 13, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST, Virtual

This workshop offers tips for structuring your CV and suggestions for approaching the academic job search. The session will also address how to begin writing application materials like teaching and research statements. Learn more and register here.

Cover Letter Writing for Graduate Students -
Thursday, September 19, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EST, Virtual

This workshop is designed to help students write an effective cover letter. The session provides a cover letter checklist and addresses how to tailor your cover letter to each position. Learn more and register here.

How Graduate Students Can Leverage AI in the Job Search
Thursday, September 26,  3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST, Virtual

Tools like ChatGPT, Co-Pilot and Gemini can be helpful in the job search. This session will discuss how to leverage generative AI in both career exploration and the job search. Additionally, the session will address how to revise AI created materials to match your voice and authentic self. Learn more and register here.

Job and Internship Search for Graduate Students
Wednesday, October 2, 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 how to leverage resources like Handshake, CareerShift, and GoinGlobal. Learn more and register here.

Networking and LinkedIn for Graduate Students
Monday, October 7, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm EST, Virtual

Do you have a Linked In profile? If so, this session will offer tips for optimizing both your LinkedIn profile and your online presence. Additionally, the session will address the questions “What is networking, why does it matter, and how do you do it?” The workshop will also cover how to utilize LinkedIn for both networking and the job search. Learn more and register here.

Interviewing for Graduate Students
Wednesday, October 16, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, EST, Virtual

This workshop discusses the interview process, provides basic interview tips, and shares a formula for answering behavioral questions. The session will also offer strategies for dealing with interview anxiety. Learn more and register here.

Offer Negotiation for Graduate Students
Thursday, October 24, 11:00 am - 12:00 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.

Communication Strategies for Graduate Students: From Job Search to Workplace Success
Tuesday, October 29, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm, EST, Virtual
Professional communication plays a critical role in the job search process and is a key skill for long-term career success. In this workshop, you'll gain practical insights on how to effectively communicate in professional settings, from writing clear and impactful correspondence to navigating workplace conversations. We’ll also discuss the importance of verbal communication and how to ensure your message is effectively conveyed. Additionally, we’ll explore how body language and other non-verbal cues contribute to making a positive impression. 


Whether you're preparing for interviews, following up after a networking event, or looking to enhance your day-to-day interactions at work, this session will equip you with essential tools for success. Learn more and register here.

This fall's series, held in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Graduate School and the University of Virginia's Ph.D. Plus Program, is designed for Ph.D. students who want to better understand the pros and cons of pursuing the postdoc path, including what to look for in a postdoctoral position, and tips on networking effectively to land one. 

The 3-part series will run weekly on Thursdays, 3 - 4 p.m., beginning October 17.

Why PostDoc?
Thursday, October 17, 3:00 - 4:00 pm EST, Virtual
In this session, we will cover the objectives of a postdoctoral position and why an individual may consider pursuing one. As part of the session, participants will engage in self reflection around their current training and career goals and work to articulate whether postdoctoral training serves these goals. Learn more and register here.

Expand Your Horizons with Non-academic Postdocs
Thursday, October 24, 3:00 - 4:00 pm EST, Virtual
This session will be grounded in work by Virginia Tech Engineering Education Professor David Knight's PLoS One paper: U.S. postdoctoral careers in life sciences, physical sciences and engineering: Government, industry, and academia. The workshop will begin with an overview of data on career trajectories and earnings for both life sciences and physical sciences and engineering graduates pursuing postdocs in academia, industry, and government. The second half of the session will provide an overview of common options for postdocs outside academia including at the National Laboratories, via government agencies, and industry.  Learn more and register here.

Finding and Vetting a Postdoctoral Position
Thursday, October 31, 3:00 - 4:00 pm EST, Virtual
In this session, we will discuss the importance of the training aspect of the postdoctoral position and cover specific components of the environment one should consider before accepting a postdoc position. In addition, we will discuss practical tips you can use to expand your network not only to learn of postdoctoral opportunities but to also assess the fit and relevance of potential opportunities to your needs. Learn more and register here.

Panel with Current Virginia Tech Postdoctoral Associates
Thursday, November 7, 3:00 - 4:00 pm EST, Graduate Life Center Room C
Come hear from current Virginia Tech postdocs about their experience applying for postdoc positions and what it is like being a postdoc including opportunities available in Virginia Tech’s Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship program’s Innovation and Science Policy & Research Ethics Tracks. Learn more and register here.

Navigating Feedback
Tuesday, November 12, 1-2pm, Zoom

The feedback process is one of the moments of engagement that lead to conflict and discomfort in the working relationship between faculty and students. This conversation, led by Graduate Ombuds Bryan Hanson, looks at the difficulty of navigating the feedback process and getting the most out of the feedback we receive. We will explore some of the reasons we may resist feedback and cover some of the tips and strategies for engaging in the feedback process more effectively. Register here.

How to Get Hired: What You Really Need to Know
Tuesday, November 19, 2-3pm, Zoom

Landing a job and thriving in the workplace takes more than having subject matter knowledge.  Learn from employers the essential skills every graduate needs, no matter the discipline or position. Three employers will discuss the importance of leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and communication skills in the work environment. Panelists include Zackory Biggers, GE Aerospace; Wayne Epps, Torc Robotics; and Chris Morales, Genesco Sports Enterprises. Sponsored by the Graduate School. Register here.