Shop Talks

Grad College Shop Talks include everything that has to do with your graduate degree, from program requirements to research and everything in between. Grad College Shop Talks provide presentations in key areas of your shop — including strategizing efficient degree completion, finding research support, disseminating your scholarship, and planning for your career. We even offer a certificate of completion which you can add to your resume!

Upcoming Shop Talks

Our Shop Talks are always free, and we invite you to join us for as many sessions as you would like. To view Shop Talks descriptions and to register, select a Shop Talk title that you are interested in learning more about.

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If you would like to register for a Shop Talk on a mobile device, turn the device horizontally to access the registration link on an entry below.

Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
Come listen to the wisdom and advice of experienced masters and doctoral students as they discuss things they know now that they wish they had known when they began their degrees!

Presented by: Ashley Carrington, Student Development Specialist II, The Graduate College


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
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: Jess Williams, Assistant Director, University Libraries


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event
Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
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


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event
Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
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, Administrative Assistant II, University Libraries


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
Interested in participating in the 3MT® competition? Join Graduate College Assistant 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… 

Presented by: Dr. Patti Giuffre, Assistant Dean, The Graduate College


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event
Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
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: Courtney Stevens, Graduate Degree Audit Specialist, The Graduate College


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event
Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
This workshop covers entering the academic conversation of your field and writing literature reviews. Participants will build an awareness of the literature review as a genre and learn strategies to locate, organize, and synthesize scholarship relevant to their research question(s). Emphasis will be placed on helping participants situate their work as an extension of or response to an existing academic conversation. 

Presented by: Dr. Joanna Collins, Assistant Director, University Writing Center


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event
Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
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


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
Literature Reviews are time consuming and often overwhelming, but new artificial intelligence (AI) tools can streamline the process. This workshop will introduce various tools for finding and evaluating sources, viewing connected citations through visual knowledge maps, and organizing your findings for pre-writing. Ethical considerations and best practices for research-related prompt engineering will also be discussed.  

Presented by: Jess Williams, Assistant Director, University Libraries


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event
Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
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, Assistant Dean, The Graduate College


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event
Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
Do you feel unproductive at times and 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 judge 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, LCSW, Counseling Center


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event
Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
When you write a thesis, dissertation, or academic journal article, you are addressing a small audience of academics in your field. However, academic writers sometimes need to speak to wider audiences with limited or no specialized knowledge, such as when writing proposals for funding, when creating outreach materials for the public, or when communicating with the media. During this session, you will gain practice with the following:

• analyzing your audience
• recognizing and avoiding jargon
• editing for simplicity and conciseness
• using examples and anecdotes
• writing with directness

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


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
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


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event
Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
This workshop addresses two critical stages of the writing process: revising and editing. Participants will learn key differences between revision and editing and leave with useful tools to apply to their own writing, including reverse outlining, paragraph hooks, the "old-new" principle, and more. 

Presented by: Dr. Joanna Collins, Assistant Director, University Writing


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
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


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event
Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
In our virtual learning or work environments, online presentations are the new normal. Whether you are preparing for a professional or academic presentation, we have the strategies and tips for creating a successful and engaging presentation that will knock the socks off your viewers! In this session, we will cover: applying basic presentation and public speaking skills to a virtual environment using technology to engage your audience creating interactivity and engagement using free tools.

Presented by: Dr. Brittany Hyden, Lecturer; Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies &
Dani Dalrymple, Manager of Talent Development & Communications, Human Resources


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
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


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event
Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
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: Kristin Van Diest, Librarian, University Libraries 


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event
Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
This session is for prospective applicants 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.


The Graduate College Scholarship is *not* open for students in College of Applied Arts. This information is posted on our scholarship website.

Presented by: Lynnette Lombardo, Internal Funding Coordinator, The Graduate College

Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event
Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
Many applicants to external fellowships, scholarships, and grants fail to provide the level of specificity needed to make their academic background, research experience, personal history, and career plans relevant to a funder's mission and goals. This Shop Talk will teach participants how to recognize and address this problem through interactive exercises on the following topics:

• avoiding generic language
• detailing vague language
• using examples strategically
• making space for specificity

Presented by: Dr. Andrea Hilkovitz and Dr. Brian Smith, External Funding Coordinators, The Graduate College


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event
Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
As a graduate student, you are developing and strengthening several marketable skills that will make you a competitive candidate in the job market. The key is knowing 1) what top skills employers from all industries are looking for, 2) how to express how you gained those skills, and 3) how you would apply them at the workplace. In this Shop Talks session, you will learn how to showcase your marketable skills to employers in resumes and interviews and through networking.

Presented by: Sherry Yang, Career Counselor, Career Services


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
Are you a graduate student eager to make a significant impact with your research? Join us for an engaging and informative webinar, presented by the University Libraries, as we explore effective strategies to increase your research impact and enhance your scholarly profile. In this webinar, we will guide you through a variety of practical tips, tools, and resources designed to help you navigate the complex world of academia and amplify the visibility and reach of your research findings. 

Presented by: Laura Waugh, Assistant Director, University Libraries


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event
Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
This Shop Talks session is designed for Ph.D. students seeking tenure-track and lecturer positions at four-year colleges and universities. It covers the entire interview process and job offer negotiations. Specifically, we will discuss what questions to expect during preliminary and on-campus interviews, what to wear, and how to prepare for different elements of an on-campus visit. In addition, we will discuss concerns of dual career couples, factors to consider when evaluating a job offer, and job offer negotiations.

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


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event
Location:
Online
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Ashley Carrington
512-245-3593
amc189@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
The Graduate College
Sometimes, it is hard to see the forest because the trees are in the way. This quick seminar on budgeting and financial planning will help you balance your loans, income, and financial forecast using free financial management tools available at Texas State.

Presented by: Dr. Byron Kerr, Assistant Director, Financial Aid & Scholarships


Register today!

Did you know you can earn a Certificate of Completion by attending Shop Talks? Learn more.
Click here for more information
more about event

What Students Are Saying

headshot of Elisabeth Cuerrier-Richer

"As an international student, I am continuously impressed by the resources offered by The Graduate College to help student success, as I did not encounter anything similar at my previous institutions. I am very grateful for the Shop Talks because they have helped me grow as a writer, improve my presentation skills, feel more structured in my finances and gain more self-confidence on the job market. In short, they have become crucial to my development as a graduate student and professional in academia."

Elisabeth Cuerrier-Richer, PhD, Department of Anthropology

headshot of Kayanna Resetar

"As a current graduate student working towards my M. Ed. In Student Affairs in Higher Education, Shop Talks have been essential to my program by helping me understand the process of research, walking me through helpful links and tools for classes, and helping me find new ways to fund my degree. The Shop Talks have taught me to be a better student by reaching out to and using the resources around me on and off campus. I have grown in my program, as a student, and as a person in learning about these topics."

Kayanna Resetar, M. Ed. Student Affairs in Higher Education

headshot of Crosville Williams

"I gain much more than academic support, but a set of handy tools to bring along in the next stage of my professional journey."

– Crosville Williams, Master's in Public Administration

  If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact 512.245.2281 at least 72 hours in advance of the event.

  Texas State is a tobacco-free campus.