Shop Talks

Think of this Shop Talks session as a mini-orientation or orientation refresher! Ashley Carrington, Student Development Specialist II at The Graduate College, goes over several resources available through The Graduate College and the university, including career prep services, library tools, graduate student organizations, funding opportunities, and more. Tips from Ashley and other graduate students also shared at the end of this presentation that can help you succeed in your graduate studies.

Presented by Ashley Carrington, Student Development Specialist II for Retention Initiatives, The Graduate College

Interested in participating in the 3MT® competition? Join Graduate College Associate Dean, Dr. Patti Giuffre, for a 3MT® orientation and tips session, which will cover everything you need to know about preparing for and participating in the 3MT®.

The 3MT® is a research communication competition in which PhD/EdD and master's students on a thesis track present their thesis or dissertation research in three minutes or less and with one PowerPoint slide. More information can be found on our website, visit: www.gradcollege.txst.edu…
This workshop covers finding unique databases, identifying important articles through citation analysis, using citation management tools, exploring a topic with knowledge graphs, and opportunities for publishing your scholarship and building your research identity.

Presented by Dr. Patti Giuffre, Associate Dean, The Graduate College

This Shop Talks session is designed for doctoral students seeking tenure-track and lecturer positions at four-year colleges and universities. It will provide an overview of different types of universities, the typical timeline of job searches, and job application materials. In addition, participants will learn where positions are posted, how to read job advertisements, and how to prepare the various documents needed for applications. It is never too early to participate in this workshop: The earlier you know what is expected, the better you can seek out opportunities during your graduate career that will make you marketable later on. (Interviews and negotiations will be covered in later workshops.) Job interviews and job offer negotiations will be covered in separate sessions.

Presented by Dr. Andrea Golato, Dean, The Graduate College

Learn the secrets of successful graduate students. In just one hour, you will understand advanced search queries, effective research, database tricks, and library services you never knew existed.
This workshop covers finding unique databases, identifying important articles through citation analysis, using citation management tools, exploring a topic with knowledge graphs, and locating opportunities for publishing your scholarship and building your research identity.

Presented by Audrey Stewart, Associate Director, University Libraries

Graduate school is time-consuming, and balancing academic, work, and personal life is challenging. This session will provide attendees with tips and techniques for evaluating and managing their time and attention. Students will learn mindful productivity strategies to increase time for deep work and reduce stress and overwhelm. Both print and digital tools will be introduced.

Presented by Ethne Sorenson, Training and Development Specialist, University Librarie

Sound data management practices can ensure long-term usability of your data, increase your productivity, and promote collaboration. Learning and adapting a few good habits can go a long way in managing your data. In this webinar, you’ll be introduced to tips for managing data, resources through Texas State University, as well as best practices for workflows, file management, documentation, storage, and preservation. This workshop is helpful for researchers in any discipline and stage in their career. Attendees currently planning or conducting research will benefit most from this workshop.

Presented by Xuan Zhou, Data Curation Specialist, University Libraries

Many applications require personal statements, but writing them can present numerous content selection challenges. What should you choose to say about your personal history — and how do you make it relevant? This Shop Talk will focus on personal statements in the context of external funding applications, but the advice and tips shared will be widely applicable to other personal statements. During this session, you'll learn how to:

• curate your personal history
• create a compelling application story
• connect with the organization's goals

Presented by Dr. Andrea Hilkovitz, External Funding Coordinator, The Graduate College &
Dr. Brian Smith, External Funding Coordinator, The Graduate College

Graduate students are more successful in their graduate studies and future careers if they have productive mentorship relationships. This session will provide tips about working successfully, effectively, and efficiently with research advisors, thesis or dissertation committee chairs, and/or mentors. The Assistant Dean of The Graduate College will provide several tips for communicating and clarifying expectations with research advisors.

By attending this session, you will learn how to seek out advisors and mentors, what to expect from an advisor or mentor, and what your role in a mentorship relationship involves.

Presented by Dr. Patti Giuffre, Associate Dean, The Graduate College

This Shop Talk introduces writers to graduate-level writing expectations. It addresses graduate-level research writing with a focus on the general structure of research-based assignments such as research proposals and research studies for comprehensive exams, theses, or dissertations. Attendees will learn about the parts of these documents, the logic behind how they are written, and how to assess samples of research writing for their strengths and weaknesses in meeting the expectations of the genre. Although writing up literature reviews, methods, results, and conclusions will be discussed, this Shop Talk will serve as a broad overview of the genre.

Presented by Ashland Hubbard, Assistant Director, University Writing Center

This workshop combines reflection activities with practical strategies to increase your confidence as a writer and improve your writing productivity. The session will challenge common writing myths and address typical pitfalls that often hold writers back, such as waiting for inspiration, “binge writing,” all-or-nothing thinking, and more. Participants will identify their own attitudes and beliefs about writing, learn techniques to shift their writing mindset, and practice exercises to build writing stamina and promote positive writing experiences. Participants will also have the opportunity to build their own writing community by signing up to join a writing group. We recommend bringing materials to type or write with to this session!

Presented by Dr. Andrea Hilkovitz, External Funding Coordinator, The Graduate College &
Dr. Brian Smith, External Funding Coordinator, The Graduate College

This session is for continuing TXST students for The Graduate College Scholarship. Find out how to make your application stand out! This presentation will offer valuable insights into the application and review processes for these awards, including tips and tricks for success, requesting letters of recommendation, common mistakes to avoid, and an insider perspective on how this funding is awarded and disbursed.

Presented by Lynnette Lombardo, Internal Funding Specialist, The Graduate College

Designed for doctoral or master’s students writing a thesis or dissertation (or planning to!), this Shop Talks session focuses on important elements and strategies for successfully submitting the thesis/dissertation. One of our Degree Audit Specialists at The Graduate College, discusses helpful resources and information, required formatting, common mistakes and what reviewers are checking for when they look over your document. We encourage you to also check out the Thesis & Dissertation Information page on The Graduate College’s website to see the resources that are covered in this session.

Presented by Lindsi Wharton, Graduate Degree Audit Specialist, The Graduate College

Networking is a critical skill for career success, but finding the time and confidence to make it happen is not always easy. Come explore the essential career development skill of networking and how to make progress towards your career goals. During this workshop, you will learn about networking in a safe environment while developing an understanding of best practices, gain insights and practical tips about what networking is (and is not), and how to tap into the power of networking in a way that everybody can utilize.

Presented by Sherry Yang, Career Counselor, Career Services

The world of scholarly publishing is changing and evolving in many directions. This workshop is designed to help authors find and use the library and other tools to navigate the complex publishing landscape. Topics covered in the workshop include:

• Understanding open access journal options
• Learning to evaluate journals
• Identifying and avoiding “predatory publishers”
• Determining the right publication for your work

Presented by Alexa Hight, Assistant Director of Research and Data Services, University Libraries

Everything you ever wanted to know — or didn't realize you needed to know — about the process of submitting an IRB Application at Texas State: how, what, where, when, and why does it take so long?

We are here to help graduate students, faculty supervising thesis or dissertations, and faculty or staff researchers understand the process from A to Z so you can submit well-prepared applications that get approved on the first review.

Presented by Michelle Davis, Compliance Specialist, Division of Research &
Breanna Moran, Compliance Specialist, Division of Research

Starting an online graduate program can feel isolating—but it doesn’t have to be! Join us for an energizing and practical workshop designed to help new graduate students thrive in virtual learning environments. This session brings together a dynamic panel of faculty and current students who will share strategies for:

• Staying engaged and connected in online classes;
• building a sense of community with peers and professors;
• managing time effectively and keeping up with readings and assignments; and,
• participating meaningfully in online discussions.

Whether you are just beginning your online journey or looking for ways to stay motivated, this workshop will equip you with tools, tips, and inspiration to succeed and feel supported throughout your graduate experience.

Presented by Dr. Giuffre, Associate Dean, The Graduate College &
Ashley Carrington, Student Development Specialist II, The Graduate College

Do you feel unproductive at times or believe you should be doing more? This presentation is focused on identifying the difference between healthy boredom and the concept of laziness. In our current fast-paced lives it is important that we don't evaluate ourselves by the completion of our task list. This discussion will help you develop a well-balanced understanding of your experience and utilize your strengths in keeping the mental engine running.

Presented by Gilbert Lopez, Counselor, Counseling Center

This workshop provides an introduction to methods and methodologies, particularly in the context of thesis and dissertation writing. Participants will learn how to identify a methodology and how methodology informs research writing as well as considerations for both qualitative and quantitative methods that are rigorous, reliable, and replicable. In addition, participants will learn about the role of a methods section in research writing and how to differentiate methods, results, and discussion sections. 

Presented by Dr. Lauren Brentnell, Associate Director, University Writing Center

Elevate your professional presence on LinkedIn with essential strategies. Discover how to craft a standout profile, strategically network, and unlock hidden opportunities in the job market. This Shop Talk session will provide actionable insights to help you navigate LinkedIn with confidence and maximize your career potential.

Presented by Sherry Yang, Career Counselor, Career Services

Ever get lost trying to keep track of notes, projects, and readings? Need a place to store all that info, add notes and ideas, and access it later? Notion is a great tool to do this, and in this workshop, we’ll specifically talk about ways to use it for organizing your graduate work.

This workshop introduces using Notion as a project management and note taking tool for graduate students. Attendees will leave with an understanding of how Notion works, how they can leverage the tool for their graduate work, and will be provided a variety of templates to start from.

Presented by Henna Punjabi, Instructional Design Specialist, University Libraries

This Shop Talks session is designed for doctoral students seeking tenure-track and lecturer positions at four-year colleges and universities. It covers the entire interview process. Specifically, we will discuss what questions to expect during preliminary and on-campus interviews, how to interact with the interviewers before and after the interview, what to wear, how to avoid common mistakes in phone and Zoom Interviews, and how to prepare for different elements of an on-campus visit. (The negotiation of job offers will be covered in a separate session).

Presented by Dr. Andrea Golato, Dean, The Graduate College

Are you curious about your career options in academia? In this workshop, we will explore several career paths available within universities. This workshop will delve into the distinctions between tenure-track and non-tenure track positions, providing a clear understanding of the expectations, benefits, and challenges associated with each. Additionally, we will discuss the role and opportunities of post-doctoral positions, helping you to make informed decisions about your future. Whether you aspire to become a tenured professor or are considering alternative academic roles, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate your career journey effectively. Attendees will receive a packet of sample job ads after the session.

Key Takeaways:
• Understand the differences between tenure-track and non-tenure track positions.
• Learn about the responsibilities and benefits of post-doctoral roles.
• Find out more about administrative positions in the university.
 
Presented by Dr. Patti Giuffre, Associate Dean, The Graduate College

This workshop covers the basics of the Open ecosystem! We’ll touch on everything open – from Open Educational Resources (OER) and Open Pedagogy to Open Access and Open Publishing. We’ll also look at resources here at Texas State that support you in these areas and how to begin looking for resources on your own.  

Presented by Isabelle Antes, Open Educational Resources Librarian, University Libraries

Are you ready to make a difference on campus? Join us for an interactive workshop designed for graduate students interested in starting or strengthening student organizations. Whether you have a new idea or want to grow an existing group, this session will give you the knowledge and skills to succeed.
In this session, you will

• understand the steps and requirements for officially registering a student organization, including key policies and resources;
• discover how student groups can enhance your academic experience, build community, and open doors to networking and professional development; and,
• learn how involvement in student organizations develops leadership, communication, and project management skills valued by employers and academia.

Presented by Dr. Patti Giuffre, Associate Dean, The Graduate College