Professional Development and Career Readiness
Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition
The Three-Minute Thesis Competition (or 3MT) helps students cultivate their research and presentation skills, so that they can easily relay their research to non-specialists.
SLU's SCRIPTORIUM initiative provides a pro-social and productive research environment. Work in a scriptorium mixes quiet scholarship with times to share and discuss ideas.
NCFDD 14-Day Writing Challenge
The 14-Day Writing Challenge is a free, structured opportunity for faculty, postdocs, and graduate students to develop consistent writing habits, stay accountable, and make real progress. All graduate students at SLU have access to NCFDD resources through our institutional membership.
Communication Skills Workshops Various communication skills workshops are offered throughout the year.
For International Students:
English Language Center: For non-native English speakers, the English Language Center
is a great way to enhance your English language skills. Resources include one-on-one
consultations and workshops, in which staff can assist with classwork, test-taking
strategies, grammatical accuracy, conversation practice, and research skills.
Students can schedule appointments through EAB Navigate on MySLU.
Professional English Communication Microcredential
Teaching and Mentoring
Reinert Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning
The Paul C. Reinert, S.J. Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning serves SLU faculty and graduate students, with work informed by evidence-driven strategies and the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis, or care for the entire person. In addition to individual consultations, class observations, and syllabi review, the center offers several certificates to help graduate students develop their teaching skills:
The Foundations in University Teaching Skills Certificate
The Principles in University Teaching Skills Certificate
The Online University Teaching Skills Certificate
Research and Data Analysis
Institutional Review Board (IRB) Training
OVPR Research Resources Week
Other resources on campus?
Mentee Resources
Self-Awareness and Reflection
A number of online resources are available to support graduate student discernment as you explore where your education might take you.
Imagine PhD
A career exploration and planning tool for the humanities and social sciences
My IDP Science Careers
A career exploration and planning tool for the natural sciences
Intersect Job Sims
An online platform that allows PhD-level scientists and humanists to explore future career options.
ChemIDP
A career exploration and planning tool for Chemical Scientists
National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity
The National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity, or NCFDD, offers virtual programs for faculty and graduate students to learn and integrate strategies for success in their academic career. Webinars include:
Career Exploration an Preparation
Career Services is the primary resource on campus for career exploration, counseling, and content.
National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity
The National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity, or NCFDD, offers virtual programs for faculty and graduate students to learn and integrate strategies for success in their academic career. Examples include a faculty success program, a 14-day writing challenge, department chair success program, and post-tenure pathfinders. Both faculty and graduate students have access to this resource, which is designed to help academics and scholars at every phase of their career.
For International Students:
Office of International Services CPT Workshop
Office of International Services OPT Workshop
Services are designed to help a student from the beginning to the Career counselors are there to help students develop a cover letter and resume, create a job search action plan, prepare for the interview process, and develop salary negotiation techniques. See here for a Career Services calendar.
Leadership and Community Engagement
Interprofessional Collaboration microcredential
Interprofessional Education at SLU offers students the opportunity to experience an enhanced educational experience that prioritizes teamwork, communication, and interdisciplinary learning. Students will get the chance to engage with other disciplines, network with other academics and professionals, and enhance their resume.. Any SLU graduate student is eligible to earn the microcredential, and it is aimed to who actively pursue interdisciplinary learning across three categories: Foundation, Immersion, and Integration. To earn the microcredential, students must submit six artifacts, with at least one from each category, based on either pre-approved or self-nominated learning experiences. Email ipe@slu.edu for more information.
The center partners with academic departments and programs as they design and alter their curricula, and promote equitable, meaningful, and engaging learning experiences, so that teachers at all levels at SLU can enrich their pedagogical practice. Even if you are not a teaching assistant or tutor, it can be useful to consider how a certificate or consultation could help you become a better mentor in your future career endeavors.
For Teaching Assistants and Tutors
All graduate students have access to the same resources as faculty, although some resources will be most useful to those who work as teaching assistants and tutors. Some of these resources include but are not limited to one-on-one teaching consultations, classroom observations, and syllabi feedback.
There are three certificates available for graduate students interested in enhancing their teaching and mentorship abilities:
English Language Center: SLU - Saint Louis University
Jobs on campus can be a great way to supplement your income and meet other students and mentors. First, you will want to consider your Handshake is the place to look for on-campus student positions, but it can also help students and alumni find positions off-campus as well.