Professional Development

Success as a graduate student means much more than getting into a program and earning a degree. It also means developing as a scholar, teacher and professional, complete with all skills needed to be competitive for a variety of careers. In particular, national studies recommend developing core competencies as a project manager, mentor collaborator, communicator, leader and interdisciplinary thinker.

The Graduate School, in partnership with other Binghamton University resources, has put together a series of workshops and programs to enhance and help you articulate these skills, as well as promote personal well-being. It will be worth your while to spend an hour or two every semester reflecting on your progress. Remember, your professional development is ultimately up to you. Return to this page often to make sure you are on track, plan for upcoming events, and remind yourself of helpful resources.


EARLY ACADEMIC STUDIES
Scholar	Teacher	Professional	Well-being
Complete required modules on the Virtual Orientation and attend Orientation event(s) Become familiar with your program's curriculum and requirements Meet with your advisor/program director to discuss your studies Get to know your graduate director Explore and develop your research interests Attend workshop on Intro to Graduate Life and/or Intro to Writing & Research	Attend TA Orientation Take a teaching course Become a tutor	Explore the Center for Career Development Get involved in your department's graduate student organization Develop your Curriculum Vitae (CV) Learn about professional organizations and publications in your field Attend a professional conference Complete training in Responsible Conduct of Research	Join a department organization Create a support group among your cohort Explore the Binghamton Area Develop and reflect on your time management skills Explore Campus Recreation programs and events Attend a Graduate Student Organization (GSO) event Connect with the Counseling Center Explore the Multi-Cultural Resource Center
MIDDLE ACADEMIC STUDIES
Scholar	Teacher	Professional	Well-being
Carefully consider and decide on an advisor Meet with your advisor a couple times a year to discuss your progress and goals Develop a research plan for your thesis/dissertation Attend a workshop on Fellowship & Grant Writing or Publishing & Publications Submit your work to a professional journal	Consider a Certificate in College Teaching Attend a workshop through the Center for Learning & Teaching Mentor undergraduate students Attend a workshop on Syllabus & Teaching Begin compiling a Teaching Portfolio	Present a paper at a professional conference Plan a research trip Apply for Travel & Research Funding Gain Professional experience by working or volunteering with a local business Join the executive committee of your department's graduate student organization, the GSO or another Unversity committee Attend a workshop on Fellowship & Grant Writing or Publishing & Publications	Create a network of professional mentors Explore community-based research, internship and volunteer options through the Center for Civic Engagement
ADVANCED ACADEMIC STUDIES
Scholar	Teacher	Professional	Well-being
Be aware of graduation deadlines Prepare your thesis/dissertation according to the guidelines Submit your work for publication in professional journals	Develop a Statement of Teaching Philosophy Compile and polish your teaching portfolio Mentor new graduate students	Attend a workshop on Academic Hiring or The Job Market for Science & Engineering Explore the Career Development Center's resources on the academic job search, the non-academic job search, curricula vitae (CVs), cover letters, and interviews	Form or join a dissertation/thesis support group

RESOURCES FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional Development

RESOURCES FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Campus Resources

Other Resources

Teaching Portfolios