Professional Development

Multi-stakeholder “Social” Series

During year 1, teams will be partnered with members of the Independent Advisory Committee or their colleagues for mentoring lunches. Students can discuss career pathways, industry expectations, job opportunities, and other professional development opportunities.

Workshop

Each year, trainees will participate in at least one professional development workshop offered by the Graduate School’s Professional Development Team. Trainees will reflect on their professional journey using an individual professional development plan (IDP) journal.

Networking

Trainees will participate in at least one networking event each year, such as the PSI BRIDGE Symposium, the Accelerate 2 Industry (A2I) Program, NC Extension Field Days, PSI Hackathon, or DSA Ag Data Jam.

Internships & Externships

GRAD AID for Ag trainees will complete internships with industry, NGO or grower organizations, coordinated with the assistance of members of the Independent Advisory Committee and the University Advisory Committee. Trainees who conduct field work throughout the summer could arrange for extended internships that occur once or twice a week throughout the spring or fall semester or complete an externship in which trainees solve a stakeholder challenge using data analytics.

Mentoring

GRAD Aid for Ag faculty mentors will take part in five online modules from the “Entering Mentoring” program developed by the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) at the University of Wisconsin. Deliverables of this training include the development of a mentor-mentee compact by every mentor and co-mentor.