Professional Development Programming with The Graduate School

Graduate school is an important balance of gaining an academic skill set and networking within your field. Professional Development Programming with The Graduate School can help you succeed in both. Our programming offers professional development opportunities for students, and helps students increase their professionalism, academic advancement, communication, engagement and success. By participating, students will be supported in developing communications, interview, stress management and debt management skills – among other critical and timely topics.

Workshops are voluntary and relevant to all graduate students, regardless of field of study or current employment status. Registration for workshops is free for current graduate students.

The programming is co-sponsored by The Graduate School, the Graduate Student Association, and many other departments across campus.

Upcoming Professional Development Sessions

Fall 2025 Professional Development Opportunities

1. October 2nd - General Library Research Skills

    Virtual 12:00-12:50 p.m. Registration Form

2. October 9th - Science/PubMed Library Research Skills

    Virtual 12:00-12:50 p.m. Registration Form

3. October 23rd - Occupational Wellness

    Virtual 12:00-12:45 p.m. Registration Form

4. October 29th - How to Ethically & Effectively Use AI in Your Career Search

    University Club DeVos Center 12:00-1:00 p.m. Registration Form

5. November 4th - Budget and Spending Plan

    Virtual 12:00-12:45 p.m. Registration Form

6. November 11th - Wealth Building Workshop

     Virtual 12:00-12:45 p.m. Registration Form

Winter 2026 Professional Development Opportunities

1. February 5 - Career Fair Prep

    Virtual 12:00-12:45 p.m. Registration Form

2. February 17 - Etiquette Lunch

    Regency Room 12:00-1:30 p.m. Registration Form

3. March 19 - Violence Prevention/Healthy Relationships 

    Virtual 12:00-12:45 p.m. Registration Form

 

We are regularly adding more workshops so please continue to check back.

If you have recommendations for topics that you would like to see covered please reach out to Trista Shumway in the Graduate School. 

Previous Professional Development Sessions

  1. Interviewing Skills  
  2. Presentation Skills 
  3. Mentorship Panel 
  4. Professional Image 
  5. Career Fair Prep
  6. Navigating the interview and onboarding process as a non-binary or trans candidate
  7. Meditation Sessions
  8. Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness Practices
  9. Library Workshop Part 1
  10. Library Workshop Part 2 
  11. How to Connect with a Recruiter
  12. All Things Fellowships
  13. How to Start a Business
  14. LinkedIn Workshop
  15. How to utilize the GVSU Alumni network
  16. Career and Internship Search Process for International Students

What topics does Professional Development with The Graduate School cover?

Professionalism - The professionalism section include resources concerning interviewing skills, career planning tools, salary/benefit information, and workplace attire.

Advancement - Find out more about continuing education, funding a higher degree, teaching after graduate school, and personal advancement.

Communication - The communication section contains resources regarding conflict management, employee communication, international relations, and public speaking.

Engagement - Learn about networking, cultural competency, mentoring, and social acceptance.

Success - The success section covers material about financial planning, stress management, time/organization, and maintaining relationships.


Page last modified October 30, 2025
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