Professional Development for Graduate Students

The Grainger College of Engineering is committed to supporting the success of our graduate students, whether they are teaching, learning, or preparing for future careers. We provide innovative and inclusive programs, services, and resources for career and professional development that educate and empower our graduate students to become thriving professionals in their fields.

RESEARCH • TEACHING • MENTORING

Mavis Future Faculty Fellows Program

The Mavis Future Faculty Fellows program prepares senior Ph.D. students for successful academic careers. Expert-facilitated workshops, invited speakers, and project assignments help participants learn to apply for faculty positions, write competitive research proposals, become effective teachers, and excel as mentors.

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A graduate student writing consultant mentors another graduate student in a grad writing productivity group

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCES

Male graduate student doing laser research at cancer center in Beckman Institute.

Practicums & Capstone Projects

Students in our Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) programs complete a capstone project either independently or in an assigned team on a project sponsored by an industry client. These projects offer practical opportunities for professionally-oriented students to apply processes and technical knowledge to solve real-world challenges and connect with mentors in industry. 

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Teaching Certificates

The Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) offers certificate programs  designed to encourage teaching assistants (TAs) to develop their teaching skills and reflective practice. These programs provide opportunities to document teaching experience, professional development, and the constructive use of student feedback.

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Professional Development on Campus

Career Development Workshops

The Graduate College offers a range of professional development workshops to help you achieve your goals, explore broad careers, communicate effectively, and land a job that's right for you.

Allies in STEM

Allies in STEM is a program the helps graduate students to learn about what it means to be an ally to minorities in STEM, providing practical techniques for implementing these skills into their future careers.

Illinois Leadership® Center

A partnership between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, the Illinois Leadership® Center (ILC) is a campus resource hub designed to provide comprehensive leadership education and training to all Illinois students.