UMSI Doctoral Student Success Series

Attend this panel session to hear UMSI faculty members share information about their own academic job search and provide insight for students in today's market - including needs and concerns of international students, tips/do's/don'ts for CVs, cover letters and application statements, and insights to help students prepare for various stages of the process including interviews and campus visits. Whether you are on the market now or wanting to learn for the future, come with questions to ask and engage in the discussion. 

Learn about varied academic career paths from a panel of faculty members in different types of institutions (e.g., research-focused, teaching-focused, 4-year, 2-year, Online, etc.). Learn about faculty career options and pathways as well as job search strategies and what to expect in interviews and campus visits. Ask questions and gain insights whether you are focusing on a certain type of institution or you are open to different paths in a challenging job market. This event is virtual (Zoom) only.

Panelists include:

• Yan Shvartzshnaider, Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University

• Doug Zytko, Associate Professor in the College of Innovation & Technology, UM-Flint 

• Eni Mustafaraj, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Wellesley College

• Andrea Grover, Associate Professor in Information Systems & Quantitative Analysis, University of Nebraska-Omaha

This interactive session will help PhD students navigate social media strategically — from communicating research effectively to maintaining a professional brand and engaging with diverse audiences. We’ll discuss:

• How to share your research online without oversimplifying it

• How to engage with audiences and build your professional brand 

• Tips for writing accessible and engaging posts about complex topics

• Managing personal vs. professional boundaries online

• Examples of successful academic and research communication

The hierarchies that shape our universities often create the conditions for graduate students to struggle with writing and research, as well as challenges over community and belonging in academia. Dr. Naber’s workshop will guide participants in how to reground ourselves in relation to our research, writing, and the “why” of our projects and how to name and claim their key ideas while transforming them into their theoretical, methodological, and analytical contributions. 

Grounded in self-confidence and collective power, participants will walk away with new tools for articulating their ideas beyond the obstacles that often obstruct the development of our analyses and our projects. Participants leave Dr. Naber's workshop with practical tools and a new sense of possibility related to their writing and career goals.

After you RSVP, you will receive a link to pre-work that Dr. Naber asks that you complete so you are prepared to get the most out of the workshop There is a brief video in which Dr. Naber explains the pre-work which includes a self introduction form and three brief assignments. The self intro form and assignments will be seen only by Dr. Naber.

Learn more about Dr. Naber’s workshops here.

Learn more about her insights, strategies, and approaches here.

This panel of UMSI alumni will offer insights, guidance and strategies for students navigating a job search outside of faculty roles in academia and has become an annual event. Past students who attended have found the panel inspirational while offering practical strategies for students seeking positions in varied settings in the public and private sectors. Watch your email for additional publicity and this year’s panelists. As you register, add your questions for the panelists, and/or raise questions during the Q&A session. Join your peers for an engaging and purposeful conversation that may open new ideas and help you chart your next steps.

Learn about the steps, timing and process of completing your dissertation. Hear diverse perspectives from faculty members and recent alumni representing a range of fields and methods. Participate in discussion with panelists and peers. We’ll cover the dissertation process from start to finish, addressing questions including:

• How do I select a dissertation topic?

• How do I form a committee and who could / should be on my committee?

• What is the three paper option and why might I choose that?

• What are pitfalls to avoid in the proposal writing process?

• What strategies can help me make steady progress?

• How should I time the dissertation proposal vs. the dissertation defense?

• What is the role of non-chair committee members? Should I plan to meet with them before the defense? 

• What happens during the defense? What is the role of the committee, the chair and the audience?

Gain insights, ask questions, and prepare for your next steps!

Learn about the grant writing and funding proposal process from a panel of UMSI faculty members representing diverse research areas. Hear their experiences and ask questions about funding sources, selecting what grants to pursue, strategies for successful proposals, pitfalls and success stories. Consider how you can further your knowledge and preparation now for this central component of faculty careers.

Hear from a panel of UMSI PhD alums sharing their insights and stories about seeking - and landing - faculty positions in research institutions. Join us on Zoom for a discussion about all aspects of the faculty job search process. Whether you are preparing to go on the job market in the fall or building awareness for a future job search, bring your questions and hear from those who have navigated the process to a successful outcome.