Graduate School
Professionals in Preparation
Page Content
Graduate students, are you interested in developing skills that will make you more marketable and effective in the workplace? During the 2023-24 academic year, the Graduate School will sponsor “Professionals in Preparation”, a professional development workshop series open to all graduate students to help improve “transferable skills” that will set you apart from others in the increasingly competitive job market. Transferable skills include those abilities that cross disciplines, such as leadership, effective communication, ability to problem solve and manage projects, professionalism, and others.
Students may choose the option to earn a digital badge that can be affixed to digital CV’s or résumés, LinkedIn, and other social media accounts. The badge links to a description of the skills learned and provides a digital credential that can be viewed by prospective employers, hiring committees, and others who will be interested in your preparedness for the workforce.
Professionals in Preparation (PIP) is a two-semester professional development program consisting of:
Workshops and seminars which will be held approximately twice monthly from 12-1p.m. on Thursdays in the J.B. George Building, room 142.
Sessions will include:
- Interviewing tips
- Effective communication
- Publishing and peer review
- Etiquette and presence
- Interviewing skills
- Ethics and integrity in scholarship
Mentorship workshops including case study discussions with faculty experts will provide training on managing real life situations that may occur between faculty and their graduate students.
Three Minute Thesis: To be held November 9-10, 2023. Participants will compete in the annual 3MT competition which requires them to present the importance of their research to a general audience in less than three minutes. Participants will compete for the title Grand Champion and significant prize money.
Susan A. Siltanen Graduate Student Research Symposium: To be held Thursday, April 18, 2024. Participants will submit an abstract and present their research during the annual symposium. Students will compete with other graduate students for monetary prizes for best presentations in specific categories.
- Students will work independently to complete an IDP and submit electronically no later than Friday, April 12, 2024. The submission will be scored as based on thoughtfulness, completeness, and organization using a standard rubric (provided by Dean Coats).
- All students must address the requirements of the rubric and develop the IDP using a template appropriate to their discipline. Examples include: American Psychological Association; AAAS; American Chemical Society.
- Please do not simply fill out one of the templates, as there should be a synthesis of the information. All IDPs must be reviewed with your advisor/major professor before submission.
- Submit your Individual Development Plan!
PIP Workshops and Recordings
PIP workshops will be held in-person at the Hattiesburg campus in the J.B. George Building, room 142 . A recording will be posted on our PIP website after each workshop. Students who are unable to attend in-person can view the recordings and complete a post workshop survey to receive credit for attendance.
Registration is required to attend.
In this interactive session, we will discuss how to adapt messages to various audiences, how to prepare for speaking in different professional settings, and considerations for virtual delivery and visual aid.
Presenter: Dr. Laura Stengrim - Director of the School of Communication
Video Password: GradSchool2023
Please join USM's 2022 Three Minute Thesis Grand Champion, Evan Stacy, as he facilitates this session providing valuable advice on how to prepare for the research competition. During this workshop, participants will be introduced to 3MT competition guidelines and deadlines. This workshop is open to all graduate students and will be helpful for students preparing for their next job interview when you may be asked to give an elevator speech.
Presenter: Evan Stacy - 2022 Three Minute Thesis Grand Champion
Video Password: GradSchool2023
Introduction to grant writing from 1,000 feet. Find funding, structure a proposal, write to sell.
Presenter: Dr. Julie Cwikla - Director of Creativity and innovation in STEM, Director of Center for STEM Education
Sketch a timeline for your dream project and build a budget.
Presenter: Dr. Julie Cwikla - Director of Creativity and innovation in STEM, Director of Center for STEM Education
"Mindset Matters" is a dynamic session that explores the value and purpose of activating an entrepreneurial mindset. Attendees will leave with an enhanced understanding of this mindset and how to apply it in their personal, academic, and professional lives
Presenter: Dr. James Wilcox - Director of the Hatchery
Video Password: GradSchool2023
Join Dr. Sam Bruton, Director of USM's Office of Research Integrity, for an interactive discussion of a variety of ethical issues that arise in research. Topics include human subjects research ethics, research misconduct, and authorship ethics.
Presenter: Dr. Samuel Bruton - Director of the Office of Research Integrity
Video Password: GradSchool2023
True Colors is an interactive workshop that helps you create the opportunity for self-discovery and improved communication. By completing the True Colors training, you will develop into more effective teammates, collaborators, leaders, thinkers, and innovators able to interact with others from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Presenter: Dr. Emily Holmes - Director of Office of leadership and Student Involvement
Video Password: GradSchool2024
This workshop will provide a broad overview of conference etiquette across academic disciplines. Drs. Alford and Bonfils will discuss what graduate students can expect at a variety of academic conferences, review positive behaviors students can engage in while attending conference events, and provide real-life examples of conference behavior for discussion with the audience.
Presenters: Dr. Mac Alford, Professor and Curator of the Herbarium and Dr. Kelsey Bonfils - Assistant Professor of School of Psychology
Video Password: GradSchool2024
You have done all the work to write an amazing thesis and earn your degree, but how can you make sure that you're competitive in a job market full of talented people? You would be surprised how many mistakes graduate students make when they're on the job market. Come to this session to learn the culture of the job market in higher education, and learn some tips and tricks to avoid the preventable pitfalls! Whether you're going on the market this year, or in the future—bring your questions and learn.
Presenters: Dr. Matt Casey - Director of School of Humanities and Dr. Scotty Piland - Director of School of Kinesiology and Nutrition
Video Password: GradSchool2024
Presenters: Krystyna Varnado - Senior Associate Vice President for Human Resources and Todd Jackson - Executive Vice President of the Area Development Partnership
Video Password: GradSchool2024
Job market complexity creates opportunities for people who can skillfully negotiate the terms and conditions of employment. Every situation is unique, but some strategies, tactics, and principles can help you address many of the issues people face in negotiating with employers. Attend this workshop to learn about negotiating a job offer and how to tactfully and confidently ask for what you want.
Presenter: Dr. Sarah Morgan - Associate Director and Professor of School of Polymer Science and Engineering
Video Password: GradSchool2024
Proper dining etiquette is essential for making a favorable impression at both lunch/dinner interviews as well as in social business situations. This workshop will discuss the history of etiquette and how rules evolve and change over time. We will discuss the value of dining etiquette in the modern workplace and how understanding various rules can enhance one's professional presence. Lunch will be provided to all attendees. Students will need to submit a refundable $20 deposit to confirm attendance. Students who attend the workshop will receive a full refund of their $20 deposit.
Presenter: Ms. Linda Montgomery
Professionals in Preparation Digital Badge
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will have the option to receive a digital badge that can be affixed to digital CV’s or résumés, LinkedIn, and other social media accounts. The badge links to a description of the skills learned as a part of the program and provides a digital credential that can be viewed by prospective employers, hiring committees, and others who will be interested in your preparedness for the workforce. For students choosing the digital badge option, the cost of the program is $50.
- Attend a minimum of 5 regular workshops/seminars EACH semester
- Participate in the Three-Minute Thesis AND Graduate Student Research Symposium
- Submit Individual Development Plan
- Submit PIP digital badge application and $50 fee
1. Can students not on the Hattiesburg campus participate in the Professionals in Preparation program?
Yes, we will record each workshop and post the video on the Graduate School website. Students who are unable to attend a workshop in person can view the recording and submit a post-workshop survey to receive credit for attendance.
2. What if I am working on a research project or assignment? Will presenting on this work meet the communication competition requirement?
Yes, presenting on a project rather than a thesis will not be a problem. You will still be required to present your research at both the Three-Minute Thesis and the Graduate Student Research Symposium.
3. What is a digital badge?
A digital badge links to a permanent description of the skills learned in the program and provides a credential that can be viewed by prospective employers. It can be added to your curriculum vita, résumé, LinkedIn account, or other social media accounts.
4. Is there a cost associated with the digital badge?
For students choosing to earn the digital badge, the cost of the program is $50. A link to the badge program will be provided upon request.
For more information or to request a link to the digital badge application, contact Shaadi Shoubaki (Shaadi.ShoubakiFREEMississippi).