Professional Development for Graduate Students

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 is recommended that you devote some time every semester thinking about 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

  • 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 a workshop on intro to graduate life and/or intro to writing and research 

Teacher

Professional

Well-Being 

Middle Academic Studies

Scholar

  • 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 and grant writing or publishing and publications
  • Submit your work to a professional journal

Teacher

Professional

  • Present a paper at a professional conference
  • Plan a research trip
  • Apply for travel and 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 University committee
  • Attend a workshop on fellowship and grant writing or publishing and publications

Well-Being

  • Create a network of professional mentors
  • Explore community-based research, internship and volunteer options through the Center for Civic Engagement

Advanced Academic Studies

Scholar

  • Be aware of graduation deadlines
  • Prepare your thesis/dissertation according to the guidelines
  • Submit your work for publication in professional journals

Teacher

  • Develop a statement of teaching philosophy
  • Compile and polish your teaching portfolio
  • Mentor new graduate students

Professional

Well-Being

  • Form or join a dissertation/thesis support group

Resources for Professional Development

Campus Resources

Other Resources

Teaching Portfolios