Upcoming Career Preparation Workshops!
OPD helps graduate students and postdocs plan and prepare for careers beyond UMass Amherst—and it’s never too early to start!
Ask Your Questions about Immigration
Monday, October 26th - 4:00-5:00pm (515 Goodell)
Join UMass Executive Director of Immigration Services Ken Reade for a chance to discuss your immigration-related questions or concerns. This session, just for graduate students and postdocs, will open with a few quick words from Ken and then an informal question and answer session. Co-sponsored by OGA and OPD.
Looking for an Easy Way to Network?
Tuesday, October 27th - 12:00-1:00pm (online)
Job candidates referred through connections are more likely to bypass application screeners and learn of opportunities not publicly advertised. Do you have a network of people to support your future job search? Building a network takes time - don't wait! This session will teach you how to reach out to a contact, ask strategic questions, and use the information to support your job search.
Using an IDP to Plan Your Career
Tuesday, November 3rd - 12:00-1:30pm (515 Goodell)
The Individual Development Plan (IDP) provides participants with a framework for building skills with intentionality and aligning training with career aspirations. This workshop will introduce participants to the UMass IDP, recommend resources for assessing skills, interests, and values, and offer strategies for effective goal setting. Pizza and salad will be served.
Interview Strategies
Wednesday, November 4th - 11:30am-1:00pm (online)
The thought of interviewing can feel stressful when we don't know what to expect or how candidates will be evaluated. Whether interviewing in person or online, this session will offer a framework that can help reduce anxiety and boost confidence. If you are considering jobs outside academia or non-faculty positions inside academia, this session is for you.
Applying to be a Lecturer, Instructor, or Adjunct
Friday, November 6th - 12:15-1:15pm (online)
Many of the upcoming faculty job postings will be for adjunct or non-tenure track instructors and lecturers. In this workshop, we’ll consider the pros and cons of such positions, as well as how to tailor the application materials.
First Round Faculty Interview Practice
Thursday, November 12th - 11:15am-1:00pm (515 Goodell)
Are you hoping to interview for a faculty job this year? Often first round screening interviews are scheduled with little notice, so it’s good to be prepared! Join us for pizza and to practice your answers to some of the most common questions. Learn the strategies for a successful Zoom or phone interview!
Resume Basics
Thursday, November 12th - 11:30am-1:00pm (online)
Preparing for a job or internship search? This session will talk about the differences between a CV and a resume, help you understand how employers screen resumes, and provide tips for making yours stand out.
Making a CV When You’re New to Grad School
Friday, November 13th - 12:30-1:30pm (online)
Just starting graduate school and wondering what goes on your CV? It can seem like the standard sections don’t quite fit your experience (yet) and your undergraduate work is still a major part of your academic record! Learn what to include now so that you are prepared to apply for grants, fellowships, PhD applications, and other academic opportunities that require a CV.
Using LinkedIn to Support Your Job Search
Monday, November 16th - 4:00-5:00pm (online)
Are you missing out on jobs and internships? Searching in the right place is important, and so is letting organizations find you! Learn how to use LinkedIn to find opportunities and set up a profile that will establish your reputation online.
Negotiating a Job Offer
Thursday, November 19th - 11:30am-1:00pm (online)
Are you hearing that you should negotiate your job offer, but feeling unsure about how to do this? If you are considering jobs outside academia or non-faculty positions inside academia, join this session to learn concrete strategies to negotiate with confidence.
Looking for an Easy Way to Network?
Thursday, November 19th - 2:30-3:30pm (online)
Job candidates referred through connections are more likely to bypass application screeners and learn of opportunities not publicly advertised. Do you have a network of people to support your future job search? Building a network takes time - don't wait! This session will teach you how to reach out to a contact, ask strategic questions, and use the information to support your job search.
Faculty Interviews: Giving a Job Talk
Wednesday, December 2nd - 12:15-1:00pm (online)
At research institutions, the success of your interview may be determined by your job talk (and following Q+A). In this short session, we will discuss the expectations of your audience, the structure of your talk, and how to handle challenging questions.
Faculty Interviews: Tips for the Campus Visit
Thursday, December 10th - 12:00-1:00pm (online)
Join us for a discussion about what to expect, how to prepare, who to impress, things to avoid, and how candidates are often judged in an faculty interview.
Faculty Interviews: The Teaching Demonstration
Tuesday, December 15th - 12:00-1:00pm (online)
A majority of faculty searches now include a teaching demo. Although the content of the demo is important, it is your engaging and interactive pedagogy on display. Learn how to plan a lesson that makes a positive impression on both the students and the committee!
Using an IDP to Plan Your Career
Wednesday, December 16th - 10:00-11:30am (online)
The Individual Development Plan (IDP) provides participants with a framework for building skills with intentionality and aligning training with career aspirations. This workshop will introduce participants to the UMass IDP, recommend resources for assessing skills, interests, and values, and offer strategies for effective goal setting.
Life After UMass: Immigration Discussion
Wednesday, December 16th - 5:00-7:00pm (S330 Life Sciences Laboratory)
Immigration attorney Dan Berger from the leading immigration law firm, Green & Spiegel, will join representatives from the UMass Office of Global Affairs to discuss a variety of longer-term U.S. immigration strategies. Topics will include employment-based visas, inter-company transfers, and U.S. permanent residency (“green cards”). Co-sponsored with the Office of Global Affairs and open to all international students, scholars, and postdocs. Pizza will be served.
Looking for an Easy Way to Network?
Thursday, December 17th - 10:00-11:00am (online)
Job candidates referred through connections are more likely to bypass application screeners and learn of opportunities not publicly advertised. Do you have a network of people to support your future job search? Building a network takes time - don't wait! This session will teach you how to reach out to a contact, ask strategic questions, and use the information to support your job search.
Using LinkedIn to Support Your Job Search
Friday, December 18th - 11:30am-12:30pm (online)
Are you missing out on jobs and internships? Searching in the right place is important, and so is letting organizations find you! Learn how to use LinkedIn to find opportunities and set up a profile that will establish your reputation online.