Many people hate the idea of networking. It can feel inauthentic...
Many people hate the idea of networking. It can feel inauthentic...
GradConnections Weekly

April 16, 2019

In this issue: GradConnections is hiring, authentic networking tips, and more.
PHD comic

Tips for Grads: Interpersonal Effectiveness

By Matthew J. Zinsli, PhD student
Many people hate the idea of networking. It can feel inauthentic, manipulative, and self-serving. Yet developing a strong network can be vital for career success, both in the academy and beyond. People in your network are potential colleagues, co-authors, mentors, recommenders, and maybe even friends.
Actively creating a network doesn’t have to feel phony. Below are some tips and resources to improve your networking experience and effectiveness.
  • Network authentically. You don’t need to be a schmoozer, you just need to find people with common interests. Seek out UW alumni on BadgerBridge or find a professional association that suits you. View this networking presentation from the Graduate School for advice on connecting with others in a way that’s true to your personality.
  • Demonstrate that it’s not all about you. An informational interview can help you understand your career trajectory as you ask contacts questions about theirs. Your interviewees will appreciate your interest in their work.
  • Follow up. Once you’ve made a contact, don’t let that relationship wither on the vine. Online networking sites like LinkedIn can help you to stay in touch. Try to bring something of value when you reach out, like an interesting article. And make sure your profile presents your best self by viewing the Graduate School’s LinkedIn workshop.
DiscoverPD: Your guide to professional development
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.
Writing Resumes and Cover Letters for Graduate Students and Returning Adults
Wednesday, April 17 | noon - 1:30 pm
6176 Helen C. White Hall
Fulbright U.S. Student Program Information Session
Wednesday, April 17 | 3 - 4 pm
336 Ingraham Hall
Drop-in Fulbright Open House
Thursday, April 18 | 11 am - 1 pm
301 Ingraham Hall
Writing Your Way to a Fulbright: The Application Essay
Thursday, April 18 | 4 - 5:30 pm
6176 Helen C. White Hall

For Future Faculty

Preparing for success on the job market and beyond.
Find a full list of events on the For Future Faculty website.
Delta Pre-Internship Workshop I: Finding a Project
Wednesday, April 17 | 9:30 - 11 am
302 (Delta Suite), 445 Henry Mall
Using Online Tools in Canvas to Evaluate and Respond to Student Writing
Wednesday, April 17 | 3:30 - 5 pm
6171 Helen C. White Hall
CIRTL All-Network Teaching-as-Research Presentations
Wednesday, April 17 | 4 - 5:30 pm
Online
Facilitation Workshop
Thursday, April 18 | 12:30 - 2:30 pm
Biocommons, Steenbock Library
Active Teaching Lab - Team Teaching
Thursday, April 18 | 1 - 2 pm
120 Middleton Building
Creating Tables and Figures in APA Research Papers
Friday, April 19 | 2 - 3:30 pm
6176 Helen C. White Hall 
This week's Software Training for Students (STS) courses:
  • Illustrator 2
  • Photoshop 2: Portrait Retouching and Color Correction
  • InDesign
For dates and times of each class, and for more software classes, visit the STS website. 
UW–Madison Earth Week
April 15 - 22 | Times and locations vary
A wide range of environment- and sustainability-related events on everything from food waste and bike maintenance to menstruation and environmental justice.

The Plantationocene: An Evening of Conversation with Donna Harraway and Anna Tsing
Thursday, April 18 | 7:30 pm
Varsity Hall, Union South
Creating Advocacy in the Classroom - Social Justice Training
Monday, April 22 | 11 am
MSC Lounge, Red Gym
MGN First-Gen Grad Student Mixer
Monday, April 22 | 4:30 - 6:30 pm
BCC Classroom, Red Gym, first floor
Meet WARF's New Chief Venture Officer
Tuesday, April 23 | 4 pm
H.F. DeLuca Forum, Discovery Building
Deadlines & Announcements

Join our staff to support graduate student professional development!

The Graduate School Office of Professional Development and Communications is seeking a Project Assistant to support and promote the professional development of graduate students. Project Assistants will become knowledgeable about the professional development needs of graduate students and issues related to graduate education, and will develop skills necessary for leadership roles. This position has an anticipated start date of Sept. 1, 2019 and end date of June 30, 2020. This position has fixed work hours, 20 hours per week, with accommodations for class schedules. Applicants should be enrolled in a graduate program leading to a PhD degree. Other job requirements and qualifications are listed in the job posting.

Online financial wellness program now available

The Office of Student Financial Aid is excited to announce a new, free online financial wellness program called GradReady. By creating an account, you can learn about money management and real-world finance topics. There are also personalized budgeting tools that you can use. GradReady is available to all UW–Madison students, staff, faculty, and alumni. To get started, visit the program website and click on "Create an Account."

Healthy Minds Survey launches

UW–Madison students are invited to participate in the 2019 Healthy Minds Study, which will help campus to better understand student mental health and related issues, including sources of support and the campus climate around mental health. You participation helps to improve understanding of unique mental health needs of graduate students. Findings from the study will help shape programs, services, and campus-wide strategy for student mental health. The survey is open until April 30, and 700 students who respond will be randomly selected to receive $10 on their Wiscard. For more information, visit the study page.

Register now for the LEaP Workshop for graduate student teaching assistants

The UW–Madison Teaching Academy invites graduate student teaching assistants to register for the TA-LEaP (Learning Environment and Pedagogics) Institute, a 2-day workshop held August 20-21, 2019. You’ll be introduced to evidence-based practices that have a high impact on student learning, including active learning ideas, syllabus and assignment design, assessment techniques, and information about what students really want from their instructors. Participants will also learn about how learning works, and how best to engage students, including approaches that instructors can use right away. For more information or to register visit the Teaching Academy LEaP website.
Wellness

Mental Health Resources for Grad Students

According 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. As a student, there are a variety of mental health resources available to you at no cost. A few of these resources are listed here.
Group Counseling for Graduate Students. UHS offers support/theme groups for graduate students, including groups for all graduate students, groups for dissertators, groups for graduate women, and groups for graduate students of color. This supportive environment is a great way to share experiences around the challenges of grad school with other grad students.
Multicultural Student Center Drop In Hours. In partnership with other campus resources, the MSC provides in-house support, counseling, and programs aimed at fostering mental health and wellbeing. Drop in hours are free, confidential consultations for UW students. Check the MSC website for hours and location.
For more mental health resources, visit the UHS website on mental health.
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 Dean of Students Office's Graduate Student Assistance Specialist Elaine Goetz-Berman directly, email egoetz2@wisc.edu.
Funding Opportunities
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.

Campus Employment

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