Professional Development Opportunities

Career Opportunity and Professional Development Lecture Series

Invited speakers from different career paths will highlight their experiences in the different positions and provide information about the requirements and interview processes for the different career tracks/types of positions. Typically, speakers provide an informal lecture of one hour with plenty of time for discussion and questions. In addition, speakers will meet with interested students and postdoctoral fellows during small group meeting for additional Q&A.

Students and fellows receive information and instruction in various aspects of professional development, including (but not limited to) applying for postdoctoral or faculty positions, extramural grant submission, and work/life balance. Usually, information is discussed in the format of panel discussions or short workshops by multiple speakers with expertise and recent experiences, with ample time for discussion and questions.

The fall 2023 schedule is currently in progress and future seminars will be announced here at a later date. 

Individual Development Plan

The Individual Development Plan (IDP) is commonly used in industry to help employees, students and postdoctoral fellows define and pursue their career goals. myIDP is a unique, web-based planning tool designed to meet the needs of PhD students and postdoctoral fellows in the sciences. 

Educator Training Program

The Educator Training Program (ETP) within the Graduate School offers students and postdoctoral fellows formal training in educational theory and practice through two courses: Teaching in Higher Education (ID 715) and Teaching Practicum (ID 716). During these two courses, students will study the theories behind successful learning, teaching, and evaluation as they pertain to being an effective educator, as well as put these theories into practice under the mentorship of an experienced educator. Learn more about the Educator Training Program here.  

Trainee Travel Program

The School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences (SGSHS) Trainee Travel Program will provide up to $1,500 per academic year for PhD trainees who are presenting their research at one conference. Moreover, graduate students who are awarded an individual extramural fellowship grant are also eligible to receive an additional travel stipend of $1,500 to present their research findings at a national meeting. The Travel Spend Authorization Form on the intranet must be completed at least two weeks prior to travel for review and approval.

Professional Skills Travel Program

The Graduate School also supports the Professional Skills Travel Program. This program provides up to $1,500 per academic calendar year for PhD graduate students who have passed their qualifying exam and have been admitted to candidacy. The student will be allowed to attend one workshop, review course, etc., per academic year. This workshop, review course, etc., cannot be in conjunction with a scientific meeting. 

Prior to completing a Travel Request form for the Professional Skills Travel Program, a student must submit a Professional Skills Travel Program Request Form. If the form is approved by the Dean of the Graduate School, the student will then complete a Travel Request form with the documentation attached and submit it to the Graduate School. The Professional Skills Travel Program Request Form on the intranet must be completed at least two weeks prior to travel for review and approval.

Millsaps Business Advantage Program

Click here to learn more.