CALS: Graduate Student Professional Development Workshop

Graduate Student Professional Development Workshop

What Is It?

For 23 years our college has hosted this workshop which lasts for 3 days over Fall break. The program provides advanced graduate students (2 from each of our 18 departments) with professional skills and experiences beyond those normally obtained during their formal academic training. Students are nominated by their department heads to attend.

The goal of this workshop is to provide advanced graduate students with professional skills and experiences beyond those normally obtained during their formal academic training. The workshop is designed to expose graduate student participants to many professional development issues including personnel management, role of personality types, interviewing skills, stress management, ethics, and interactions with the media. A copy of the program from last year is attached. Graduate students, department heads, and administrative staff who participated in this conference over the past 23 years have rated the program very highly.

All of the students reside at the Aqueduct Conference Center for the duration of the workshop. Many students have favorably evaluated the event as the highlight of their graduate education. Comments from previous attendees include-

"Without a doubt, the best 3 days in terms of quality of time spent of the last six months. I received more than I ever expected. I identified with the problems presented. I needed the guidance and organization you gave to my thoughts and plans. My sincere thanks for this lesson of life. I hope I can someday pay back all you have given me."

"The workshop was truly a retreat of sorts. The Aqueduct Conference Center was a beautiful location. The food and service was excellent. The workshop was logistically perfect. I made some lasting friendships. I left with a broader perspective of myself, my future and truly felt rejuvenated upon my return to Raleigh."

"It was so inspiring! It was some of the best time I have spent in grad school. I feel ready for the next step in my career."

"I really enjoyed the Graduate Student Professional Development Workshop last week. I learned a lot and felt very inspired after hearing the great talks and meeting so many interesting people."

"You gave a very inspiring talk and really helped me think about my life priorities. As soon as I finish my prelim exams I would like to meet with you to get a little more career guidance!"

"I wanted to take the time to send you a quick note to say thank you for all you did to set up such a great workshop last week. The experience was awesome, the speakers even better, and your presentation where you showed your kids growing up so fast left such a lasting impression on me that I doubt I will ever forget it. So thank you, you have enriched my life and for that I am grateful."