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professional-development

Professional Development Opportunities

The Graduate School recognizes that our students are here not only to acquire knowledge, but also to prepare for impactful careers and leadership roles. We are committed to providing professional development opportunities for students by offering programming throughout the year that supports learning outside the classroom. 

Professional Development Events

Signature Events

  • Convocation 

    Convocation is the annual ceremony to formally welcome new students to the Graduate School. Held on the Monday before the start of the academic school year, new students will hear from Vanderbilt’s distinguished leaders including Vice Provost André Christie-Mizell, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Provost Cybele Raver, and various faculty members. Following the ceremony is a social and information fair in Alumni Hall, the home of the Graduate School. 

  • Honors Fellowship Reception 

    The Graduate School Honors Fellowship Reception celebrates incoming students who have been awarded Graduate School Honors Fellowships. This reception is held each fall before the start of the academic school year. 

  • Career Colloquium  

    The Career Colloquium brings together faculty, alumni, and industry experts to share tools and knowledge to help empower graduate students to excel in their future careers. Programs include panels and workshops from industry and academic specialists and free professional headshots. 

  • Honors Banquet 

    The Graduate School Honors Banquet recognizes student academic and leadership excellence. Awards for Outstanding Doctoral Students, Leadership Excellence, and Innovation are presented. To highlight the culture of mentorship at Vanderbilt, three faculty are recognized with Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring awards as well.  

  • Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week 

    Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week, hosted each April, was established in 1993, by the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students as a way to support and appreciate graduate and professional students. The week seeks to emphasize the contributions, impact, and value of graduate students at Vanderbilt. 

  • Commencement 

    The Graduate School Diploma Ceremony celebrates student accomplishments with the conferring of degrees. Commencement is held in May; the Graduate School Diploma Ceremony follows the main Commencement Ceremony.