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February 11, 2020In this issue: Showcase your research at the Capitol, NCFDD Webinars, and more.
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Tips for Grads: Answering behavioral interview questions
Whether it’s your fifth job interview or your 50th, preparation is the key to portraying yourself in a positive light and maximizing your chances of getting a job offer. However, knowing what to prepare for isn’t always easy.
More than ever, interviewers are focusing on “behavioral” interview questions to assess what a candidate’s past behavior may reveal about their ability, judgement, and personality. Interviewers use question stems like, “tell me about a time when…” to learn about qualities that aren’t easy to explain or demonstrate on a résumé, such as teamwork and problem-solving.
Even if you don’t know exactly what questions will be asked, you can use the STAR method to prepare for behavior-based questions. The STAR method is a great way to organize your thoughts into clear, compelling anecdotes that illustrate your value.
Situation/Task
Describe the context of a relevant situation or task. Be specific, and provide enough detail that the interviewer understands the key aspects of the situation. If you were faced with a particular problem in this situation, describe that as well.
Action
Describe the actions you took to address the situation, task, or problem. Be explicit about the steps that you took, and if it was a team effort what your role was.
Result
Explain the result of your actions. Focus on what you accomplished, what the (positive) outcomes were for all involved, and what you learned.
When choosing scenarios to describe, use a list of common behavioral interview questions to guide your preparation. If possible, select a scenario that demonstrates multiple positive attributes, such as resourcefulness, teamwork, and adaptability. That way, you can focus on preparing and practicing two or three broadly applicable scenarios.
GradConnections Weekly is looking for fresh perspectives on the graduate student experience.
If you have advice, counsel, or tips for UW grad students, you’re invited to write a guest column for “Tips for Grads.”
If you’re interested, check out our infographic for details and email gspd@grad.wisc.edu to let us know.
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| DiscoverPD is an innovative tool for UW–Madison graduate students to advance their academic and professional goals. Review the nine facets of professional development, complete a self-assessment, and get a customized report and recommendations.
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| Upcoming Professional Development Events
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Don't leave money on the table! Before accepting any job offer, realize negotiation is a critical part of the process. In this hands-on workshop, you will explore your values and interests in order to identify your "non-negotiables" before learning and practicing proven strategies for negotiation. You can expect to leave this workshop with greater confidence in your negotiating skills, access to useful resources, and action steps to prepare for negotiations. Food will be provided, with gluten-free and vegetarian options available.
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Grab your strategic plan and learn the secret to making it work day-to-day and week-to-week! How to Align Your Time with Your Priorities is a step-by-step guide to holding a weekly planning meeting (aka The Sunday Meeting). In this webinar you'll learn what works and what doesn't work when it comes to weekly planning, why weekly planning is the bridge between your strategic plan and getting control of your workday, and a 30-minute technique that will help you make sure that the most important things get done each day. To sign up, first activate your National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity account through the UW–Madison institutional membership.
We all hear about the importance of self-care and, in particular, sleep. But many of us continue to struggle finding our internal place of deep rest and renewal. In this workshop we explore the idea and practice of "resting to rise" for academics. We introduce yoga nidra - what it is, what it does, its relevance to faculty, and, most importantly, how to try it and even fit it in to your already-full schedule. You will leave the workshop with access to a free recording, and a plan for weaving it into your life in support of your writing goals and other meaningful projects. To sign up, first activate your National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity account through the UW–Madison institutional membership.
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- InDesign
- Photoshop 2: Effects and Filters
- Structural Equation Modeling, and Mediation (with Stata)
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Special Events & Symposia
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Global Health Symposium
Tuesday, April 7 | 4:45 pm
Abstracts due by Tuesday, Feb. 18
Health Sciences Learning Center Atrium
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Showcase your research at the State CapitolGraduate student researchers are invited to showcase their research at the Wisconsin State Capitol on April 23 at the second annual UW–Madison Day at the Capitol. As part of the event, the Research and the Wisconsin Idea showcase will give graduate students an opportunity to display their work for state legislators, legislative staff, and the public to learn about research taking place here and how it impacts the state and the world. This is an excellent opportunity to formally present your research materials to others. If you are interested in presenting, fill out the Research and the Wisconsin Idea showcase application by Feb. 27.
Changes to travel grant awarding process
Starting this semester, travel grant awards issued to graduate students will not be applied toward segregated fee balances. Departments issuing travel grants will work with the Bursar’s Office on this process. Individual students do not need to use an opt-out form to stop travel grants from being applied toward segregated fee balances. Spring semester segregated fees are due on April 3, 2020, for graduate assistants. If you have questions about travel grants administered by the Graduate School, please contact srgc-conference@grad.wisc.edu; for all other travel grants, please contact your Student Payment Coordinator or Graduate Program Coordinator.
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Mental Health Resources for Grad StudentsAccording to the 2016 UW–Madison Healthy Minds Study, 94% of UW–Madison students do not think any less of a peer who seeks mental health care, and 90% of students who used mental health care found it helpful.
- YOU@WISC. This portal has tools and information to help you be well, with modules on stress management, self-care, social support, suicidal thoughts, mindfulness, academic wellness, and more.
- SilverCloud. This online, self-guided resource provides treatment options 24 hours a day through evidence-based modules on anxiety, depression, body image, and stress. SilverCloud is designed to help students manage day-to-day stresses and improve resilience.
- Let’s Talk. Drop in for a free, informal, and confidential consultation about any topic at locations across campus. Common concerns include stress, sadness, relationships, academic performance, financial struggles, and family problems.
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The Dean of Students Office provides resources to students struggling with a variety of issues, and can be your go-to spot for assistance as a graduate student. To contact the Graduate and Professional Student Assistance Specialist Elaine Goetz-Berman directly, email egoetz2@wisc.edu.
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Please note: Some graduate students may be ineligible to hold graduate assistantship appointments. Be sure to check with your graduate program coordinator about your eligibility before applying.
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There is one award of $2,000 for a graduate student completing research in any field related to Brazil. Applications should include a separate title page, a two- to three-page summer research travel grant proposal, and a one-page budget. Following their return from Brazil, the winners are expected to participate in a panel where each would present a brief report about their research project, with a general discussion following the individual presentations. This panel typically takes place in October annually.
The Mellow Public Humanities Fellowship provides graduate students in the humanities with professional experience outside of academia. By placing fellows in partner organizations around Madison including museums, hospitals, non-profits, community centers, and emerging businesses, the program facilitates the reciprocal sharing of resources and expertise, and highlights the significance of the humanities both on and off campus.
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