Professionals in Preparation

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: Amanda Walsh - Interim Director of the Speaking Center

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This generative AI workshop will explore the applications of gen AI for research and writing. No prior experience with AI is required. 

Presenter: Dr. James Thomas, Assistant Professor, School of Education

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An introduction to grant writing from 1,000 feet. Find funding, structure a proposal, write to sell.

Presenter: Erica Kennedy, Associate Vice President for Research

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Sketch a timeline for your dream project and build a budget. 

Presenter: Erica Kennedy, Associate Vice President for Research

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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: James Wilcox, Director of the Hatchery

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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. Sam Bruton, Professor, School of Humanities

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Dr. Emily Holmes, Director of Office of Leadership and Student Involvement, will lead 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.

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This workshop will provide a broad overview of conference etiquette across academic disciplines. Drs. Mac Alford and Kelsey 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.

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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. Join Dr. Matt Casey and Scott Piland 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.

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Preparing for the non-academic market takes work, but no matter what stage you are currently at, there are a number of steps you can take to ease the transition. While academics frequently pursue research positions there is a broad range of non-academic professions where your talents will be extremely valuable.

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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. Join Dr. Morgan to learn about negotiating a job offer and how to tactfully and confidently ask for what you want.

REGISTRATION FORM

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 address the value of dining etiquette in the modern workplace and how understanding various rules can enhance one's professional presence.

REGISTRATION FORM

Workshops and seminars which will be held approximately twice monthly from 1:00-2:00p.m. on Wednesdays 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 October 31-November 1, 2024. 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 3, 2025. 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 11, 2025. 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. 

• 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.