The Graduate School believes the journey to academic excellence goes beyond obtaining a degree. It is an ongoing process of growth and refinement beyond the classroom. We recognize that our students are not just here to acquire knowledge, but to prepare themselves for impactful careers and leadership roles, making professional development an extremely valuable part of their educational experience. At Vanderbilt, we believe that fostering the skills and experiences necessary for success is a vital component of our mission. We are committed to providing both professional and career development opportunities for students. Explore the various programming and support the Graduate School offers.
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Russell G. Hamilton Graduate Leadership Institute
The Graduate Leadership Institute (GLI) aims to equip students with leadership skills through ongoing programming and Strengths-based coaching. The program emphasizes understanding one’s personal leadership style, interpersonal dynamics, and practical skills beyond research, fostering well-rounded scholars.
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Graduate and Postdoc Academic Success (GPAS) Program
Graduate and Postdoc Academic Success (GPAS) Program serves as an essential foundation to aid students and postdocs in achieving their academic aspirations. GPAS’ approach involves actively engaging with departments and faculty, offering adaptable programs and workshops, and providing direct assistance to students and postdocs through on-on-one success planning sessions. GPAS hosts several programs throughout the year, including ‘Write On!’, which provides writing support for Graduate School students and postdocs.
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Career Colloquium
The Graduate School hosts a Career Colloquium each semester featuring career development workshops. The Career Colloquium provides our graduate students with career development programming. It not only allows graduate students to learn more about career development topics, but it also encourages graduate students to connect and interact across schools and disciplines.
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Career Center
Vanderbilt’s Career has dedicated staff members for Graduate School students. The Career Center supports non-academic career exploration and planning of graduate students in STEM, humanities, and Social Sciences disciplines.
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BRET
Students in biomedical and biological sciences receive career and professional development support through the ASPIRE Career Development Program of Biomedical Research Education and Training (BRET) in the School of Medicine. The office provides individual career advising for academic and nonacademic career exploration, job readiness, and professional development. BRET hosts programs throughout the year, including a Job Search Series, PhD Career Stories seminars, a large annual career symposium and networking event, internships, and skill-based modules.