The Career Colloquium is organized to provide critical career development opportunities as you begin to think about your future aspirations. With several events throughout the week, there will be many opportunities to connect with professionals and hear advice about the job search. You may attend as many sessions as you like throughout the week. Registration is required for each event.
Keynote Speaker: Connecting Research to Policy
Monday, February 16th, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Alumni Hall Reading Room (206)
Register HERE.
Ganesh Sitaraman, a distinguished faculty member at Vanderbilt’s Law School, will deliver a keynote regarding the relevance of research policy for graduate students. This will be an opportunity for doctoral students to learn about translating research into policy-relevant insights, career pathways connected to this work, and practical guidance for scholars who want their research.
Harnessing your Strengths Toward Career Success
Tuesday, February 17th
*More information to come.
In this interactive workshop, you will break down each of your top five CliftonStrengths and translate them into concrete, transferable skills employers value. You’ll learn how to articulate your strengths in resumes, interviews, and professional settings. Students can participate if they have already taken the CliftonStrengths assessment, or they can reach out if they need a code to take the assessment before the workshop.
Professional Headshots
Wednesday, February 18th, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Alumni Hall Lounge (100)
Register HERE.
Update your professional profile with a high-quality headshot. Available by sign-up in 5-minute intervals. If you can no longer attend the slot that you have signed up for, please log back into the sign-up to remove your name so that others can take advantage of this opportunity.
Please Note: Professional headshots are only offered to Career Colloquium participants who have not taken a headshot through the Graduate School in the last year. If you sign up for a headshot, you must also register for and attend a session.
Beyond Academia: Career Panel
Wednesday, February 18th, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Alumni Hall Reading Room (206)
*Event registration info to come.
Graduate school provides specialized training that may seem to limit your career choices, but a Ph.D. opens doors to so many possibilities. This panel brings together professionals who have pursued rewarding careers beyond the traditional academic path. Panelists will discuss how their professional journeys have evolved after earning their doctorate—from navigating job markets and finding mentors to translating their academic skills into impactful roles in diverse industries.
Panelists:
- Kendra Abkowitz, Ph.D., MBA, Senior Director of Sustainability and Resilience, Office of Mayor Freddie O’Connell
- Nicolette M. Kostiw, Ph.D., CPHRM, Director of Partner Engagement, Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy, Vanderbilt University
- Miriam Kraatz, Ph.D., Owner and Instructor, Construct Nashville
- Cathryn Stout, Ph.D., Director of Strategic Communications, ACLU Tennessee
Resume Drop-In Hours
Wednesday, February 18th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Alumni Hall Lounge (100)
No appointment needed. These 15 to 20-minute sessions are a quick and easy way to get career support and receive feedback on your resume.
Innovation and Impact of VU Research: A PechaKucha Style Event
Thursday, February 19th, 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Kissam Center MPR and Classroom
Apply HERE.
Register to attend HERE.
Using the 20 slides x 20 seconds format, each presenter has six minutes to distill their research discoveries, innovations, and real-world impact into a tightly crafted narrative. Join us for a celebration of research, creativity, and the power of concise communication.
Decoding your Story: Networking and Interviewing Success
Friday, February 20th, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The Pub at Overcup Oak
*Event registration info to come.
Join us for a lively, low-pressure way to sharpen your interview skills through the Story Mason card game in partnership with the BRET Office of Career Development! Whether you’re prepping for an upcoming interview or just wanting to sharpen your skills, come play, connect, and level up your interview game, one card at a time. Food and drinks provided. Bring an ID if you plan to have alcoholic beverages.
Professionalism Policy for all events:
If you register for an event, please make sure you have cleared your schedule to attend. We require advance notice of at least 48 hours for cancellation. This gives others the opportunity to take your place. Thank you for your adherence to this policy.
Questions? Email graduateschool@vanderbilt.edu.