Current Events

Fall 2009

PREPARING FOR THE ACADEMIC JOB MARKET: A FOUR-PART PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP SERIES
Sponsored by Graduate and Postdoctoral Professional Development Programs and the Teaching Resource Center Tomorrow’s Professor Today Program

*Session I (9/9): CV and Cover Letter Writing for Academic Audiences
*Session II (9/23): Reflective Teaching Statement
*Session III (9/30): Academic Interviewing
*Session IV (10/21): Talking About Teaching at an Academic Interview

Wednesdays (details below)
12:00 noon - 1:30pm
Harrison Institute-Small Special Collections Library Auditorium
Please note: Participants are highly encouraged to attend all four sessions of the series but are welcome to attend individual sessions if schedules do not permit this.  Pre-registration required.

Session I: CV and Cover Letter Writing for Academic Audiences

Wednesday, September 9
12:00 noon - 1:30pm
Harrison Institute-Small Special Collections Library Auditorium
Speaker: Wendy Perry, Ph.D., Graduate and Postdoctoral Professional Development Programs

Learn about the elements of effective CVs and cover letters for academic job markets.  This workshop draws on the latest literature regarding format, categories of information, changing styles and variations across the disciplinary spectrum.  Participants collectively critique sample CVs and cover letters from a variety of fields and discuss them as marketing tools. Pre-registration required.

N.B. An optional, follow-up working session will be offered on Wednesday, September 16, 12:00-1:30pm in Newcomb Hall, Commonwealth Room.  Ask lingering questions and get peer feedback on your CV or cover letters.

Session II: Reflective Teaching Statement: Effectively Communicating Your Work As a Teacher

Wednesday, September 23
12:00 noon - 1:30pm
Harrison Institute-Small Special Collections Library Auditorium
Speakers: Michael Palmer, Ph.D., and Deandra Little, Ph.D., TRC Faculty Consultants

How do you teach? Why do you teach? How do you communicate the essence of your approach to teaching? In this workshop, we will consider these questions as we discuss reflective teaching statements, go over the nuts and bolts of structuring one, and review statements from different disciplines. You will then have the opportunity to reflect on your own teaching goals and explore strategies for effectively presenting yourself as a thoughtful practitioner to a variety of audiences.Pre-registration required.

N.B. An optional, follow-up working session will be offered on Wednesday, October 7, 12:00-1:30pm in Newcomb Hall, Commonwealth Room. Ask lingering questions and get peer feedback on your Teaching Statement.

Session III: Academic Interviewing

Wednesday, September 30
12:00 noon - 1:30pm
Harrison Institute-Small Special Collections Library Auditorium
Speaker: Wendy Perry, Ph.D., Graduate and Postdoctoral Professional Development Programs

Interviewing is a skill. Learn how to minimize the stress of interviewing and enhance your performance at campus interviews.  Topics include the basics of what to expect at interviews as well as standard questions candidates may receive and questions they may wish to ask. Don’t let other candidates out-do you on preparation. It makes a big difference.Pre-registration required.

Session IV: Talking About Teaching at an Academic Interview

Wednesday, October 21
12:00 noon - 1:30pm
Harrison Institute-Small Special Collections Library Auditorium
Speakers: Michael Palmer, Ph.D., and Deandra Little, Ph.D., TRC Faculty Consultants

Often graduate students get more practice discussing their research than their teaching. This interactive workshop exposes participants to techniques for discussing teaching in formal and informal academic interview settings.  Talking about your teaching in a scholarly way demonstrates your professionalism and dedication to the craft. This session will help prepare you for questions you may encounter and suggest ways to respond to them effectively. Pre-registration required.

Finding a Work/Life Balance
Guest Speaker: Psychologist James Yates, Ph.D.

Wednesday, October 14
12:00 noon – 1:30pm
Newcomb Hall Commonwealth Room

How do I avoid burnout? How do I make sure my career is fulfilling? How do I carve out time for family, friends, fun and much-needed rest and relaxation? This workshop will present exercises that will help you move towards a healthier and more fulfilling work/life balance. Pre-registration required (details TBA). 

Applying for NIH Grants and Fellowships
Guest Speaker: Charles Dearolf, Ph.D., National Institutes of Health Intramural Research

Tuesday, October 20
2:00pm – 3:30pm
Jordan Hall Conference Center Auditorium

Success as an academic scientist often depends upon obtaining outside research funding.  This workshop will discuss the process of writing for funds, focusing on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) postdoctoral fellowship and faculty R01 grant programs.  Topics will include an overview of NIH and the application process, interacting with review and program administrators, and suggestions for improving proposals. Pre-registration required (details TBA).

Converting a CV to a Resume

Tuesday, November 10
12:00 noon - 1:30pm
Newcomb Hall Commonwealth Room
Speaker: Wendy Perry, Ph.D., Graduate and Postdoctoral Professional Development Programs

Resumes differ drastically from CVs.  This workshop introduces participants to strategies for converting their CVs to resumes for job opportunities beyond academic and research positions.  It acquaints participants with the concept of “transferable skills” and draws on the latest literature regarding format, categories of information, and changing resume styles.  Participants collectively critique sample resumes from a variety of fields and discuss them as marketing tools.  Pre-registration required (details TBA).