Office of Professional Development
About
Welcome to the Office of Professional Development (OPD)! Our goal is to support graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in achieving success at UMass and beyond.
We recognize the importance of both technical and academic expertise, which is why we offer professional skills training in career preparation, communication, grants and fellowships, personal development, and teaching. Our programs include virtual and in-person workshops (400+ each year), daylong conferences, weeklong writing retreats, and experiential learning opportunities.
We warmly encourage all current graduate students and postdocs to get involved early in your time at UMass. By checking out the workshops we have coming up, you’ll find there is something for everyone. We are excited to see you at our events and support you in reaching your goals!
Workshops
OPD offers about 400 events per year. Our extensive programming—created in collaboration with a far-reaching network of partners—prepares participants to thrive in academia, industry, government, and the nonprofit sector.
Dissertation Writing Retreats
Four annual dissertation-writing retreats offer grad student participants time to write and develop effective writing strategies alongside fellow dissertators.
Three Minute Thesis
A flagship event for the Graduate School, the Three Minute Thesis challenges students to communicate to a general audience what they do, how they do it, and why it matters, all in three minutes or less.
Teaching Academy
At the start of each fall semester, we offer a series of teaching workshops on topics like inclusive classrooms, active learning, preparing for class, ungrading, getting your students to discuss and write, and more! There will be something for everyone, from new TAs to experienced instructors.
Teaching at Teaching Intensive Institutions
Many faculty enjoy rewarding careers at colleges and universities that primarily emphasize teaching. This free, annual, one-day regional conference brings together graduate students, postdocs, and faculty to discuss what it’s like to work at teaching-intensive institutions and how to apply!
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Looking for opportunities to acquire practical (work) experience beyond the classroom? Want a chance to apply the knowledge and skills you've gained through graduate school? Practice your skills and expand your possibilities through experiential learning opportunities.
Contact
Heidi Bauer-Clapp
Heidi Bauer-Clapp is the associate director of the Office of Professional Development at UMass Amherst.
Bryan Monesson-Olson
Bryan Monesson-Olson is the associate director of the Office of Professional Development at UMass Amherst.
Johanna Frances Yunker
Johanna Yunker is the associate director of the Office of Professional Development at UMass Amherst.
