Professional Development Graduate Scholarship

Funded by the Division of Graduate Studies and, in part, by the Gary E. Smith Foundation, this award is designed to support outstanding graduate students pursuing activities that would enhance their skills, knowledge, and abilities beyond their academic coursework and research, preparing them for post-graduation careers and increasing their overall employability and success in their chosen fields.

Up to $2,000 will be awarded to each student for the duration of their UO tenure. Applications will be reviewed and scored. Total available funds are limited each period.
The Division of Graduate Studies will feature awardees on the Division’s website and social media.

Key elements of graduate student professional development may include, but are not limited to:

• Skill Development: workshops, seminars, and training sessions to develop skills that are transferable and valuable in various professional settings, but not usually offered by the academic program/department. These skills include communication, leadership, project management, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Career Exploration: providing opportunities to explore potential career paths, industries, and job roles relevant and/or tangential to their academic disciplines. This could involve career fairs, networking events, and talks from professionals in different fields.
• Career Preparation: assisting students with resume/CV writing, interview skills, and job search strategies.
• Research and Writing/Performance Support: assisting with improving research and writing/performance skills, which are crucial for publishing research papers, preparing theses or dissertations, performances or showcases.
• Teaching and Mentorship: offering teaching and mentorship opportunities meant to help develop instructional abilities and gain experience as educators or mentors.
• Networking and Collaboration: encouraging students to build professional networks within and beyond their academic community, connecting with researchers, industry professionals, and alumni.
• Ethics and Responsible Conduct: opportunities providing guidance on ethical issues related to research or work, ensuring the understanding of principles of professional integrity and responsible conduct in their field.
• Presentation and Public Speaking: opportunities to practice and improve presentation skills to different and diverse audiences.

Complete applications, inclusive of recommendation letters, are due by 11:59pm on June 1, 2024 for professional development activities taking place between July 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.