Skip to main content
The University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Visit
  • Apply
  • Give
  • Search UMass.edu
Graduate School

Main navigation

  • Apply
    How to ApplyAfter you ApplyInternational ApplicantsNon-Degree Students
  • Academics
    Certificate ProgramsMaster's ProgramsDoctoral ProgramsCourses
    See all academic programs
  • Student Support
    Professional DevelopmentAppointments and FellowshipsInclusionFundingPolicies
    New Graduate StudentsGraduate Student GovernmentGraduate Student HandbookGraduate Student Forms & DocumentsResources
  • Faculty & Staff

    Current Faculty and Staff

    Resources for Faculty and StaffProgram AdministrationAdmissionsMentoringCurriculum ChangesForm Library
    Graduate Program DirectorsStaff DirectoryGrad Office Contact
  • News & Events
    NewsEvents
    Orientation

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Office of Professional Development
  3. Upcoming OPD Workshops!

Upcoming Personal Development Workshops!

Personal development programs help you develop self-awareness, learn new strategies (time management, negotiation), engage others (mentors, networks), and overcome challenges (impostor syndrome, perfectionism, conflict resolution).
 
Working with Your Cognitive Distortions
Wednesday, July 1st - 10:00-11:00am (online)
The human brain is amazing! But it can also be fooled by cognitive biases that influence our decision making in ways we may not see or intend. In this session, we'll tap into neuroscience to identify these predictable patterns and promote better decision making.
 
Getting the Most from Your Reading
Friday, July 10th - 10:00-11:00am (online)
A lot of your time is spent reading. Is your reading productive? Learn to read quickly and effectively. Keep track of your reading and keep up with your ever-expanding field. We’ll share tips from the pros and talk about how to keep up and stay organized.
 
Adopting a Growth Mindset
Tuesday, July 14th - 10:00-11:00am (online)
Do you take failure hard? We all do, but the most successful people view failure as an opportunity. Learn how to grow from setbacks by adopting a growth mindset. While a fixed mindset tells us that we cannot change, a growth mindset turns failure into an opportunity to learn and improve.
 
The Art of Introducing Yourself
Thursday, July 16th - 12:00-1:15pm (online)
Whether hoping to meet people in your department, impress faculty, or simply address your fear of public speaking, a great first step is learning how to introduce yourself. This session will demystify the process and set you on a path for success.
 
Mastering Your Schedule and Avoiding Procrastination
Tuesday, July 21st - 12:00-1:00pm (online)
Tired of deadlines looming? Learn effective scheduling techniques to maximize your time and stay ahead. Uncover the root causes of procrastination and develop strategies to overcome them. Register now and transform your productivity!
 
Understanding Your Time and Setting Goals
Tuesday, July 28th - 10:00-11:00am (online)
Learn to identify what steals your focus and disrupts your productivity. In this workshop, we’ll work through several fun and interactive activities to understand how to better manage your time. We’ll then learn the power of SMART goals and create a personalized roadmap for success. Sign up today and take control of your workload!
 
Building Habits and Creating a Focused Work Environment
Wednesday, August 5th - 12:00-1:00pm (online)
Does your focus fizzle at the smallest distraction? Our workshop can help! Explore your existing routines and brainstorm ways to integrate focused work sessions. Design your ideal distraction-free zone to maximize productivity. Learn strategies for staying accountable and discuss self-motivation methods with your peers. Join us and create an environment that fuels your success!
 
Building a Mentoring Network
Friday, August 7th - 10:00-11:15am (online)
Research has shown that mentors play a vital role in training and career success, but how do you know what mentors you need? Or how to reach out to them? This session will provide tips and an action plan for building your mentoring network. 
 
Getting the Most from Your Reading
Tuesday, August 18th - 10:00-11:00am (online)
A lot of your time is spent reading. Is your reading productive? Learn to read quickly and effectively. Keep track of your reading and keep up with your ever-expanding field. We’ll share tips from the pros and talk about how to keep up and stay organized.
 
How to Impress Faculty
Friday, August 28th - 10:00-11:00am (online)
What is the best way to make a good impression on faculty? Come learn how to impress your advisor, and the faculty you interact with through email, courses, and seminars. Build a reputation that opens doors in your department and around campus.

Local Navigation Links

Upcoming OPD Workshops!
Career Preparation Workshops
Communication Workshops
Grants and Fellowships Workshops
Personal Development Workshops
Teaching Workshops

Contact

Image
Bryan Monesson-Olson

Bryan Monesson-Olson

Associate Director, Office of Professional Development
Email: bolson [at] grad [dot] umass [dot] edu

Site footer

Graduate School
  • Find us on X
  • Find us on Facebook
  • Find us on YouTube
  • Find us on Instagram
Address

Goodell Hall
140 Hicks Way, 5th Floor
Amherst, MA 01003
United States

Info for...

  • Current students
  • Faculty & staff

Admissions

  • How to apply
  • After you apply
  • International applicants
  • Non-degree students

The Graduate School

  • About
  • Our dean
  • News
  • Events
  • Contact Us

Student Life & Support

  • Professional development
  • Funding
  • Policies
  • Inclusion
University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • ©2026 University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Site policies
  • Privacy
  • Non-discrimination notice
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of use