Fall 2026 - Professional Development

The Graduate School is hosting 3 separate Professional Development Seminar Series this fall semester.  Come sharpen your skills with these in-person workshops and earn a certificate by attending a full seminar series of one of the following.

Questions about any of these? Reach out to Mary Anne Berzins.

Presentation Skills

This is an in-person workshop open to graduate students and postdocs to work on the know-how and production of clincher presentations. We’ll work on themes such as strong openings, engaging and informative presentation slides, enrapturing in-person and online presence, driving a quick-witted Q&A, and a resolute finish. Participants will need to bring either a presentation or a poster to work on.

Location: Sunnyside Apts. Aspen Community Center (BLDG 791)

Schedule: Saturdays, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

• Aug 29^th – Making Content Accessible and Understandable
• Sept 5^th – Understanding Your Audience & Practice Tailoring Your Message
• Sept 12^th – Slide Review
• Sept 19^th – presentation Delivery/Impactful Posters
• Sept 26^th – In-Person Vs. Virtual Formats
• Oct 3^rd & Oct 24^th – Individual Presentation Practice

Register for Presentation Skills now!

Supervising Work & People

This is an in-person workshop open to graduate students and postdocs to work on the know-how and production of clincher presentations. We’ll work on themes such as strong openings, engaging and informative presentation slides, enrapturing in-person and online presence, driving a quick-witted Q&A, and a resolute finish. Participants will need to bring either a presentation or poster to work on.

Location: Gardner Commons 3105 Conference Room

Schedule: Wednesdays 9:30 am – 11:00 am

• Sept 2^nd – Understanding the Role of the Supervisor
• Sept 9^th – Hiring & Onboarding
• Sept 16^th – Engaging Employees
• Sept 23^rd – Employee Performance
• Sept 30^th – Feedback, Coaching, & Professional Development
• Oct 7^th – Time Management & Prioritization
• Oct 21^st – Building a High Performing & Supportive Team Culture

Register for Supervising Work & People now!

Developing Your Leadership Skills

The Graduate School invites graduate students and postdocs to this interactive series focused on core aspects of leadership, including effective collaboration and mentoring, conflict navigation, challenging conversations, and compelling negotiation skills.

Location: Gardner Commons 3105 Conference Room

Schedule: Wednesdays, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

• Sept 2^nd – Leadership Fundamentals
• Sept 9^th – Collaboration
• Sept 16^th – Working Optimally with Others
• Sept 23^rd – Conflict Navigation
• Sept 30^th – Challenging Conversation
• Oct 7^th – Negotiation
• Oct 21^st – Mentoring

Register for Developing Your Leadership Skills now!