Professional & Career Development

Professional Development Recordings

To access the descriptions, recordings or slides, click on the desired title below. You will need to login using your usf credentials. If you have any issues with the workshops, please email gradpd@usf.edu for assistance.

Workshops have been grouped into the following categories:

Academic & Research Development

Strategies for Managing Time in Graduate School 

In this workshop, we discusses managing time effectively with final exams and papers approaching. Sponsored by the Graduate and Professional Student Council (GPSC).

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

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Goal Setting for Graduate School

Being SMART will help you achieve success in the goal that is most important to you. Join us for an interactive session in SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timebound) and SMARTER (+Evaluate +Readjust) goal setting. We will discuss the mechanics of SMART(ER) goals and have ample opportunity to establish, in real-time, goals that will be achievable and help you succeed in the new year.

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

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Preparing Research Abstracts

Presented by Dr. Stephanie Harper, Assistant Director, ETD & Writing Services, Office of Graduate Studies

Planning to submit an abstract for the Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Research Symposium? In this lecture, we provide a concise guide to crafting abstracts for conferences. This presentation will break down writing the abstract into simple steps that will enable you to create an engaging abstract highlighting your amazing research. 

Academia is competitive and writing a strong abstract is crucial for success. It opens doors to conferences, allowing you to present your research, enhance your communication skills, and network. Effectively summarizing complex research within a tight word limit (often 200-250 words) is challenging. Your abstract must captivate both reviewers and potential attendees, demonstrating your ability to deliver an engaging and informative presentation.

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Designing Your Research Poster 

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

Presenting at the Graduate Research Symposium? Then, this session is for you! Research posters are a communication tool commonly used in the academic community to visually share your research projects and creative ideas. In this session, we will discuss pertinent information about the virtual Graduate Student Research Symposium, key aspects of designing effective posters and tips for your poster presentation.

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Presenting Your Research Poster

Research posters are a communication tool commonly used in the academic community to visually share your research projects and creative ideas.  During this session, we will discuss how to communicate your research in 3-5 minutes, including tips and tricks for presenting that will make your point concise and easy to understand.

Additionally, we will discuss the judging criteria for the Graduate Student Research Symposium and Postdoctoral Scholar Research Symposium help you prepare for the judges. 

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

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3 Minute Thesis Workshop

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

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The Three Minute Thesis, or 3MT, is an annual competition held at over 200 universities world wide, open to graduate students who present their research in less than 3 minutes, with only one static slide.  Winning presentations are engaging stories that are understood by the broader audience, requiring little expertise in the research area.  

This lecture is designed to help you understand and develop your best 3MT presentation so that you're prepared to enter the USF competition, typically held in October. We'll share tips for success including how to frame your research for any audience and considerations for your slide's design.  

The winner and runner up of the USF competition receive awards, and are also supported to travel and present in the Council of Graduate Schools 3MT competitions at the current Council of Florida Graduate Schools Conference and the current Council of Southern Graduate Schools Conference, schedule and funding permitting.

Read 3MT庐 Event Info

Finding & Applying for Graduate Research Fellowships: Tips for Success

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

For graduate students seeking external fellowships for research, travel, or professional development, getting started is often the hardest step. This session provides an overview of the fellowship application process, tools to aid in your search for fellowships, and tips for preparing a strong application.

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Literature Review Workshop

Presented by Dr. Stephanie Harper, Assistant Director, ETD & Writing Services, Office of Graduate Studies

OGS Writing Services presents a writing workshop on structuring and crafting literature reviews. This workshop covers the basic genre conventions of Literature Reviews as well as strategies for organizing and drafting one.

Copyright and Permissions Workshop

Presented by LeEtta Schmidt, Copyright and Intellectual Property Librarian, USF Libraries

While you are researching or working on your thesis or dissertation you are making use of a wealth of different resources: published articles, books, images, software, datasets, etc. All, or almost all, of these things are protected by intellectual property laws like copyright. View Copyright and Previously Published Materials page.

This session will introduce common copyright issues encountered during the research, publication, and the writing of theses and dissertations.

Electronic Thesis & Dissertations (ETD) Workshop

Presented by Dr. Stephanie Harper, Assistant Director, ETD & Writing Services, Office of Graduate Studies

Click here for more information about ETD workshops, including registration for upcoming seminars, previously recorded seminars and slides.

To help graduate students navigate the ETD process, the Office of Graduate Studies holds semesterly workshops to provide critical information, including:

  • an overview of the process;
  • a review of submission deadlines and requirements;
  • student and faculty responsibilities;
  • use of Microsoft Word;
  • formatting requirements for the manuscript;
  • time management tips; and
  • resources to assist you in the preparation and completion of the ETD.

Professional Development

Creating Your Individual Development Plan for Strategic Success

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Development

For many early-career researchers, the path through grad school or postdoc training to career success may feel nebulous.  This seminar introduces the ACHIEVE framework - an improved approach to the Individual Development Plan (IDP) designed specifically for the unique pressures of academia leading to careers in all sectors.  The ACHIEVE model moves beyond a simple checklist of technical skills, integrating seven critical pillars: Assessment of core competencies, Clarity in career goals, cultivation of productive Habits and mindsets, prioritization of Individual self-care, strategic Educational experiences, alignment with personal Values, and the regular Evaluation of progress. By the end of this session, attendees will have a structured toolkit to transform their career aspirations into an actionable, living document that evolves alongside their professional journey.

Setting Strategic Career Goals that are ACHIEVE-able!

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Development

Vague goals lead to burnout.  SMART goals lead to momentum.  This interactive workshop will build on prior ACHIEVE lectures and help you to establish meaningful career goals.  We will breakdown the SMART(ER) = (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timebound) and (+Evaluate +Readjust) goal setting methodology to help you build a roadmap for your professional future. By moving beyond intent and into the "mechanics" of success, you will learn to stress-test your ambitions and create flexible, real-time objectives that adapt as you grow.

Understanding How Your Habits and Mindset Impact Your Growth

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Development

Building on our previous session where we mapped your career trajectory using the ACHIEVE framework, we are now shifting our focus from the "what" of your goals to the "how" of your daily execution. Here we dive deep into the internal systems that determine whether an IDP becomes a reality or just another forgotten document. To move beyond theory and into actionable self-awareness, we will utilize two core tools: the HabitFinder assessment to decode your current behavioral patterns and Carol Dweck鈥檚 mindset assessment from her book, Mindset (will be sent to registrants). Together, these will help you identify the cognitive roadblocks and habitual shortcuts that are either accelerating your graduate education and research or holding you back from your next major breakthrough.

Integrating Well-Being into Your Career Journey

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Development

Elevate your professional growth by integrating personal health into your career roadmap using the wellness component of the ACHIEVE IDP. This seminar explores how to use The University of New Hampshire Well-being Wheel to assess your current balance and set sustainable goals that prevent burnout while accelerating achievement. Join us to transform your development plan into a comprehensive strategy for long-term success and vitality.

Strategic Time Management for Productivity

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Development

In your day to day during grad school or postdoc training, the challenge isn't just "being busy," but managing the cognitive load of competing academic, professional, and personal demands. This seminar provides a variety of productivity tools and systematic frameworks so you can flexibly determine options to put into practice. Participants will leave with a ideas to better manage their time and create a space to sustain high-level output while mitigating the burnout inherent in the graduate and postdoctoral journey.

Goal Setting & Vision Boards

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Development

Vague goals lead to burnout.  SMART goals lead to momentum.  This interactive workshop will build on prior ACHIEVE lectures and help you to establish meaningful career goals.  We will breakdown the SMART(ER) = (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timebound) and (+Evaluate +Readjust) goal setting methodology to help you build a roadmap for your professional future. By moving beyond intent and into the "mechanics" of success, you will learn to stress-test your ambitions and create flexible, real-time objectives that adapt as you grow.

Navigating Difficult Conversations

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Development

Navigating difficult conversations can be challenging, but it is an essential skill in both personal and professional settings. This lecture will provide practical strategies for managing difficult conversations, including how to prepare for them, how to initiate them, and how to respond to challenging comments and behaviors. We will also explore techniques for active listening, empathy, and building trust. We will explore case studies to actively apply the concepts.

Overcoming Procrastination & Stress

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Development

Overcoming procrastination and stress can feel overwhelming, but developing these skills is essential for achieving success in both personal and professional life. This lecture will provide practical strategies for managing procrastination and stress, including how to identify their root causes, how to build effective habits to combat them, and how to respond when pressure and avoidance begin to take hold. We will also explore techniques for prioritization, mindfulness, and building resilience. We will explore case studies to actively apply the concepts.

Building Your Professional Network

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Development

Building a professional network can feel intimidating, but it is an essential skill for advancing your career and opening doors to new opportunities. This lecture will provide practical strategies for growing and maintaining a professional network, including how to identify the right connections, how to initiate meaningful relationships, and how to nurture them over time. We will also explore techniques for effective communication, personal branding, and building trust. We will explore case studies to actively apply the concepts.

Goal Setting & Vision Boards

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Development

Setting meaningful goals and creating a compelling vision can be transformative, but it is an essential skill for achieving success in both personal and professional settings. This lecture will provide practical strategies for effective goal setting and vision board creation, including how to define clear and actionable goals, how to design a vision board that reflects your aspirations, and how to stay motivated and accountable along the way. We will also explore techniques for visualization, self-reflection, and building a growth mindset. We will explore case studies to actively apply the concepts.

Career Planning & Job Search

What's Next? Demystifying The Job Market

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

Don't let career uncertainty hold you back. Clarity and strategy are your allies. This workshop is designed to transform anxiety into actionable steps. We'll delve into self-assessment to define your goals, explore diverse career options, master networking and informational interviews for insider insights, and analyze skill gaps to strategically build your future. Leave with a personalized plan to achieve your career aspirations.

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Identifying & Articulating Your Transferable Skills

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

Confused about how to effectively communicate your skills to land your next role? What exactly does "tailoring" mean? We'll explore how to assess your current skillset, both technical and non-technical, and understand skillsets you're already gaining during your grad school and postdoc experiences.  This interactive session will help you to prepare for your upcoming job search.

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Strategic Networking: Building Your Career Connections

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

Being able to build relationships (networking) helps you develop and improve your skillset and gain resources necessary to your career development. It is critical to present yourself during these interactions with confidence, through understanding the difference between self-awareness versus bragging, and especially in recognizing and dealing with imposter syndrome that may surface.  During this seminar, we will discuss tips and techniques for this as well as email/LinkedIn etiquette for building and securing connections and developing your 鈥渆levator pitch鈥 when you meet someone in person or virtually.

The Power of Informational Interviews: Gaining Insider Perspectives

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

 Informational interviews can be used to understand a potential career of interest, to connect with individuals and expand your network, to learn how others have navigated transitions from training to career, to have a deeper understanding of a role you are applying for, to gather insight about salary ranges, and so much more. Come learn about how to leverage this opportunity to maximize your career exploration and job search.

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How to research potential career paths

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

It鈥檚 a feeling almost everyone has at some point, but few admit: the "career panic." This session is designed to turn that uncertainty into a structured strategy for exploration. You鈥檒l learn how to move from staring at a blank search bar to building a list of viable, exciting career paths using modern research tools and networking hacks.

LinkedIn Strategies for Job Seekers

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

In today's competitive job market, a strong LinkedIn profile is essential.  This interactive seminar will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to optimize your profile, maximize your visibility and attract recruiters in your field. We'll cover crafting compelling headlines and summaries, showcasing your skills and experience, leveraging keywords for search optimization, building a powerful network through strategic connections, engaging with relevant content, utilizing LinkedIn's job search features, and understanding how to effectively reach out to recruiters and hiring managers.

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How to Effectively Connect and Partner with Recruiters in Your Job Search

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

Recruiters can be an asset during a job search, but how do you find the right one(s) to connect with?  The aim of this lecture is to help you understand how recruiters work, the different types of recruiters that exist, how to approach them, and how to partner with them during your job search.

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Decoding the Job Ad: How To Spot What Employers Really Want

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

Graduate school and postdoc training can equip you with expertise, but can you translate it into the language employers understand? This seminar will crack the code of job advertisements, empowering you to identify key skills and experiences employers seek. Learn to navigate job ads with confidence and tailor your applications for maximum impact. 

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Crafting Compelling Cover Letters

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

A cover letter is an opportunity to demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and professional goals uniquely qualify you for a position. In this session, we will explore techniques to translate your research experiences for all career options and strategically tailor your cover letter to increase your chances of getting an interview.

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Resume Essentials: Optimize Your First Impression

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

Your two-page resume is the key to getting interviews. The purpose of this seminar is to equip you with a toolkit that will enable you to present your skills and experiences clearly and concisely that will grab the attention of HR and hiring managers.

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Ace Your Interviews

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

Preparing to make a great impression during an interview and bridge the gap between application and job offer can feel overwhelming. The interview is crucial to the career exploration and transition process. The aim of this workshop is to provide a toolkit for all participants to understand how to prepare for the interview and create a positive first impression, how to respond to common interview questions, how to ask thoughtful questions, and ultimately wow your interviewer(s).

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Understanding the Art of Job Offer Negotiation

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Success

Like many steps in the career exploration process between finishing your degree or your current postdoc position and your next career opportunity, you've likely never been exposed to training in negotiation. And yet, negotiation is a critical skill that impacts your personal and professional relationships daily! This seminar will discuss the dynamics of negotiation and uncovering all parties鈥 needs from how to prepare, defining your BATNA, and (hopefully!) ending with an agreeable negotiated result.  Examples will focus on how to navigate job offers.

Preparing for Academic Careers

To Postdoc or Not to Postdoc?

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Development

Exploring options about what comes after the completion of your Ph.D. research dissertation? A postdoctoral training experience may be the opportunity to continue your training, professional development, and career exploration. We will discuss important considerations for deciding if a postdoc is appropriate and selecting a postdoc position to set you up for future success.

Planning Your Job Search & Transition to Faculty

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Development

This session will demystify the faculty role. We'll explore the different types of faculty positions (e.g., tenure-track, teaching-focused) and the expectations for research, teaching, and service. We'll also discuss the importance of mentors, networking, and strategically planning your faculty job search.

Crafting Your Research Statement and CV

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Development

A strong research statement is your professional identity on paper. This session will guide postdocs in writing a compelling narrative that outlines their past work, future vision, and how they will secure funding. We'll also cover how to format and tailor a CV to highlight key achievements for a faculty search committee.

The Job Search and Interview Process

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Development

This session will cover the practicalities of the academic job search. We'll discuss how to identify target institutions, network effectively, and prepare for interviews. We'll focus on the three-part interview which includes the research talk, the chalk talk, and the one-on-one meetings.

The Art of Academic Teaching

Presented by Tracy Costello, Ph.D., Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and Graduate Student Development

Effective teaching is a key component of a faculty position. This session will cover pedagogical techniques, course design, and assessment strategies. We'll also discuss how to prepare a teaching portfolio and the importance of student feedback.

 


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