The course explores roles and responsibilities of the working professional in a research or corporate environment with presentations by invited professionals.

• 2 credit hour course
• Pass/No Pass grading system.

Topics include:

• expectations of the working professional,
• networking,
• interviewing,
• how to be successful at the job search
• balancing professional and personal life.

GRAD 59000 is posted to the academic transcript but cannot be used to fulfill Plan of Study requirements.

1. Construct an institutional profile and assess personal fit and career goals with missions and company culture. (CO1, CO2)
2. Effectively communicate their skills and abilities as a future professional. (CO5)
3. Perform a skills assessment of technical and personal skills and devise a strategic plan for improvement. (CO2, CO3)
4. Debate “hot topics” in research and industry. (CO4)
5. Assemble a professional portfolio, which includes job search documents (CV, resume, cover letter, research statement and career objective) and a conceptual framework with strategies that facilitate the transition from graduate student to working professional. (CO2, CO3, CO5)

Presentations and class discussions
Invited professionals discuss the various types of organizations and company cultures, professional experiences, what it means to be successful, balancing personal life and career, and how to advance in your career. Speakers represent small businesses, multi-national companies, consulting firms, federal agencies, research institutes, and non-profit organizations.

Skill Identification
Discussion of the skills needed by the working professional and the resources available to graduate students for skill development and enhancement documented in a professional portfolio.