Professional Development: A Return on Investment

Professional Development: A Return on Investment

By M. Caroline Helms and Sandra Spiroff

We have all heard the term “professional development,” but what does it mean more specifically for graduate students? In general, professional development is like a kind of glue that binds together large chunks of study or work experience. During graduate study, it can provide cohesion to completing classes and assignments, projects, internships, externships, or theses and offers exposure to different perspectives and topics.

There are many reasons to engage in professional development throughout one’s career and education. Some specific benefits include distinguishing oneself for employment positions and promotions, becoming or staying current with academic or industry trends, expanding one’s network beyond the department or organization, increasing one’s competence and comfort with various challenges, and building self-confidence. Whether it be understanding the advent of artificial intelligence, firming up one’s writing, speaking, or networking skills, learning how to negotiate, expanding one’s perspectives via cultural competency, or more, lifelong learning through professional development activities is key to staying relevant.

To that end, the Graduate School at the University of Mississippi (UM) offers many opportunities to engage in professional development events and initiatives: Lunch & Learn sessions, the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition, and the G-R-A-D (Go, Research, Apply, Disseminate) Program. Frequently, the Graduate School partners with campus partners for their expertise—a kind of organizational “networking.” Our events are held throughout the academic year, often as a Lunch & Learn session, to assist graduate students in building essential skills and experiencing different aspects of academic and professional life.

Nicholas Sabo

Recent graduates Dr. Nicholas Sabo and Dr. Cindy Pan and current student Nathan Williams are three UM students who have utilized the practical skills and connections acquired by attending professional development events offered by the Graduate School.

Dr. Nicholas Sabo earned his Ph.D. in English from UM in 2024. He has since accepted a position at UCLA where he serves as a digital humanities instructor. During his time here, Sabo attended professional development events, not just to grow professionally, but also to expand his network.

“I have attended many, but the ones about the nitty-gritty of graduate and post-graduate life (such as attending conferences, applying to and moving up in jobs, and submitting articles) have been particularly [beneficial] for helping me learn the things that might otherwise seem too obvious to say,” Sabo said.

Although he found these events helpful and informative, Sabo also emphasized the importance of the networking opportunities. Networking events provide students with an avenue to make social connections with, and learn from, those beyond one’s immediate department or sphere.

“You get to meet people outside of your program and learn their field and challenges. The Graduate School is very accommodating and friendly! A significant reason I attend these events is simply because I enjoy going to [them],” Sabo said.

Cindy Pan

Dr. Cindy Pan, who received her Ph.D. in business administration – finance last May, found professional development events beneficial to her academic growth. Pan, who now works as an assistant professor of finance at Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania, reflected on the specific sessions that most influenced her during her time at UM.

“The sessions on Working with AI, Avoiding Predatory Publishing, and [the] Student Job Search Panel provided me with much insight into common practices and cross-discipline tips. Writing Teaching Statements and Writing Diversity Statements are very beneficial for students who are going on the job market in the following fall semester,” Pan said.

She encourages others to consider attending or continuing to attend these events, even though students may believe that pursuing a graduate degree leaves little time for such endeavors. She advises that there is something to gain from these professional development sessions, even if you have little time to spare.

“I learned about having to write a teaching/diversity statement through these events before I knew they [had] to be part of my job portfolio,” Pan said.

Pan enjoyed the Lunch & Learn sessions and attended other events like Pastries on the Porch, a networking event for graduate students and Graduate School staff, and CETL’s professional development events concerning classroom instruction. Now a college professor, she benefits from the investments she made by attending many professionally geared events.

Nathan Williams

Nathan Williams, a second-year graduate student currently pursuing his Ph.D. in pharmaceutical science, is already taking advantage of the many professional development opportunities provided by the Graduate School. Professional development, networking, and cultural competency events have not only furthered Williams’ knowledge but also afforded him the chance to meet other graduate students and expand his networks.

“As each of us go through school we should never forget to take a moment to ask ourselves ‘what do I need improvement in to have a successful career?’ The workshops provided by [the UM Graduate School] are wonderful places to find these answers,” Williams said.

Williams named some of the most notable events he attended, starting with Night at the Museum, a networking event held at the University Museum that invites students to enjoy a night of art, food, drinks, and fellowship. He also found valuable the Lunch & Learn installment, Making the Most of Your Teaching, a collaboration with CETL on how students can maximize their teaching impact and effect. Another helpful session, with a different flavor, was the Financial Literacy Seminar, which featured a first-generation UM graduate, now working as a Paragon Bank officer. During the seminar, attendees experienced an introductory session on financial literacy and budgeting, and they received a programmed Excel file that they could tailor to their personal budgets.

These events and others have allowed Williams to gain a new experience and perspective. “By attending these events a person has the chance to interact with fellow students and experienced speakers [who] can provide insights to the different resources and opportunities that one didn’t know of before,” Williams said.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your resume, improve application statements related to teaching, research, or diversity, refine your teaching skills, network with other graduate students, or prepare for the job search, the Graduate School’s professional development offerings are an excellent resource for all graduate students.

For more information on upcoming professional development for the Spring 2025 semester, visit the Graduate School website, where we list upcoming events on the monthly calendar, or stay updated through the G School Journal, where we advertise professional development opportunities weekly. You can also follow the Graduate School’s Instagram and Facebook, where we regularly post about professional development events.

Finally, those looking for a deeper dive into professional development tailored to their career objectives should consider the recently launched G-R-A-D (Go, Research, Apply, Disseminate) Program. The page lists the specific details on the five competencies: Artificial Intelligence; Cultural Competency; Networking & Leadership; Spoken Communication & Presentation; and Written Communication. Look for a future newsletter feature on this exciting new program. In the meantime, keep developing!

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