METEO 891

Professional Development for Graduate Students

Meteorology 891

Professional Development for Graduate Students

Semester:  Spring 2021                       
Course designation in curriculum
:  Professional Elective

Instructor:  Dr. David Stensrud, david.stensrud@psu.edu, Office Hours:  By appointment

Class meeting times and locations:  Tuesdays 1:35 – 2:50 pm via ZOOM

Brief course description from University Bulletin

This one-credit pass/fail course will offer practical advice to graduate students regarding their future career in the atmospheric sciences and help them think through their employment options. Topics will include professionalism and ethics, needed skills to succeed, career paths and planning, grant writing, finding a mentor, developing professional references, salary negotiations, etc. There will be guest speakers, including successful alumni, university staff and others whose participation will enhance the value of the class.

Prerequisites and concurrent courses:  None            
Required textbook:  None

Course content:

  1. January 19: Introductions, course overview
  2. January 26: Professional ethics:  Responsible Conduct of Research
  3. February 2: Writing and Reviewing Scientific Papers
  4. February 9: WELLNESS DAY – NO CLASS
  5. February 16: Grant Writing and Getting Funding
  6. February 23: CVs and Professional Narratives
  7. March 2: Financial literacy
  8. March 9: Post-Doctoral Opportunities and Jobs
  9. March 16: Interview Practice
  10. March 23: Leadership Skills and Emotional Intelligence
  11. March 30: Professional societies
  12. April 6: PhD Graduates in Industry
  13. April 13:  PhD Graduates in Academia and Government
  14. April 20: Career Planning After College
  15. April 27: Alumni Interview Presentations

Note on Course Outline  Please note that this outline serves only as a general guide to the course.  The actual topics covered may vary at the discretion of the instructor.