Professional Development (Professionals in Preparation) Foundational-Level

Issued by The University of Southern Mississippi

Earning this badge indicates basic-level professional skills supporting leadership and collegiality in a diverse workplace. Badge earners can communicate complex information effectively to a broad audience and understand the value of presenting and publishing original work. They respect personal and professional ethics, integrity, and quality mentorship. They understand business and dining etiquette and are prepared for formal and informal parts of a job interview.

Type Learning
Level Foundational
Time Months
Cost Paid

Skills

Earning Criteria

Develop the skill to explain the significance of complex research to a general audience by participating in USM's annual Three Minute Thesis competition.
Learn mentorship skills by participating in faculty-led analysis of realistic case studies describing graduate student and mentor interactions.
Create and present a poster style research presentation or oral presentation at the graduate research symposium, competently explaining the project and answering questions for a broad audience.
Attend a two-semester series of workshops and seminars addressing topics in academic integrity, career building, job searches, leadership, voice training, and the publication of scholarly works.
Complete an individual development plan to assess personal strengths and weaknesses, explore career options, set professional goals, design strategies to strengthen areas of weakness, and track progress.
Learn business and dining etiquette skills and expectations for business and academic interviews.