SERIES GOALS

The purpose of this series is to increase graduate students’ access to career planning expertise at the program level by building career development knowledge and referral skills in graduate program coordinators/managers. The intent is not to train graduate program coordinators/managers as career services professionals; rather, through active participation graduate program coordinators/managers will build knowledge and skills that allow them to have career-related conversations and provide referrals for graduate students considering careers outside of the academy. This series is optional for graduate program coordinators/managers. 

VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS

Active Engagement Strategies for Career Conversations  

June 24, 2025
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Online via Zoom

Register Today!

Speaker: Judy Ettinger, Continuing Education Instructor, Department of Counseling Psychology 

After a brief review of effective listening skills, this training will focus on career conversations. Participants will explore and practice several strategies, including the use of Stories that Come from Role Metaphors. The training will be grounded in Schlossberg’s Transition Theory, a framework often applied to students as they transition into graduate programs and later move into careers or postdoctoral experiences.

The Impact of Birth Order on Career Decisions

July 10, 2025
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Online via Zoom

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Speaker: Judy Ettinger, Continuing Education Instructor, Department of Counseling Psychology 

Birth order has long been studied as a meaningful factor in personality development—but did you know it can also play a significant role in career decision-making and vocational behavior? In this interactive session, participants will explore the influence of birth order on career paths, drawing from key research. We’ll discuss how birth order may shape graduate students' career choices, leadership tendencies, and interpersonal dynamics in the workplace. Participants will also have the opportunity to reflect on their own birth order and consider how it may have influenced their own professional journeys.

IN-PERSON DISCUSSION & COMMUNITY BUILDING EVENTS

Community Conversation: Understanding the Landscape of Departmental Career Development Support for Graduate Students

Thursday, June 19, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
52 Bascom Hall (In person)

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Facilitator: Elizabeth Hart, Assoc. Dir. for Career Development, UW-Madison Graduate School

Join the Graduate School’s Associate Director for Career Development, along with fellow Graduate Program Coordinators and Managers, for a collaborative session focused on supporting the career development of graduate students. This is a valuable opportunity to:

• Share what you’re currently doing in your program(s)
• Explore new ideas and strategies
• Learn from peers
• Build connections and community with colleagues across campus

Whether you're looking to enhance your current offerings or simply curious about what others are doing, we welcome your voice and perspective!

Career Conversation: Article or Book Chapter Discussion

Thursday, July 17, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
52 Bascom Hall (In Person)

Register Today!

Facilitator: Elizabeth Hart, Assoc. Dir. for Career Development, UW-Madison Graduate School

Join the Graduate School’s Associate Director for Career Development and fellow Graduate Program Coordinators and Managers for an article discussion on emerging practices and challenges to career support for graduate students in the U.S. (Details will be shared in advance).

ON-DEMAND TRAINING

Looking to learn about graduate student career development at your own pace? Explore six key career planning and professional development resources for graduate students, offered through the Graduate School and our partners: 

• DiscoverPD
• ImaginePhD
• myIDP
• Beyond the Professoriate
• Beyond Graduate School
• National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity