Interpersonal Skills – Career Advising & Professional Development | MIT https://capd.mit.edu Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:05:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 March Career Exploration Opportunities https://capd.mit.edu/blog/2026/02/23/march-career-exploration-opportunities/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:27:41 +0000 https://capd.mit.edu/?p=349406 March brings a range of career exploration opportunities designed to help you connect your interests with meaningful paths forward. From conversations with guest speakers and professionals across global development, anthropology, and energy policy to Fulbright information sessions and international fellowship exploration, these events offer chances to network, ask questions, and discover new possibilities for your future career.

Mon, Mar 2 | 6:00 PM
Infinite Careers — Amah Edoh: Founder of African Futures Lab
In-person, Ford Building (E19-202)

Thu, Mar 5 | 4:00 PM
Graduate Student Professional Development Resource Lounge
In-person, Rogers Building (7-103)

Tue, Mar 10 | 6:00 PM
International Development Career Social
In-person, MIT D-Lab (N51-265)

Tue, Mar 10 | 6:00 PM
Infinite Careers — Kali Benavides, Senior Analyst at National Grid
In-person, Ford Building (E19-202)

Wed, Mar 11 | 2:00 PM
Fulbright In-Person Information Session
In-person, Maclaurin Buildings (4-153)

Thu, Mar 12 | 4:00 PM
Graduate Student Professional Development Resource Lounge
In-person, Rogers Building (7-103)

Fri, Mar 13 | 1:00 PM
Physician Lunch & Learn with Dr. John Leung — Boston Specialist Clinic
In-person, Rogers Building (7-103)

Wed, Mar 18 | 1:00 PM
Explore Fulbright: Norway
In-person, Rogers Building (7-103)

Thu, Mar 19 | 4:00 PM
Graduate Student Professional Development Resource Lounge
In-person, Rogers Building (7-103)

]]> 349406 Career Exploration Bingo + Networking https://capd.mit.edu/events/2026/04/08/career-exploration-bingo-networking/ Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:12:43 +0000 https://capd.mit.edu/events/2026/04/08/career-exploration-bingo-networking/ Turn career exploration into a fun game and enjoy cookies! In this interactive session, we complete a bingo card, each square prompting exploration, reflection, and connection—of career resources, school, work culture, or skills. By the end, you’ll leave with new connections, practical insights, and a clearer sense of what paths are worth exploring next.This CAPD event is open to MIT undergraduates.Please indicate any accommodation needs by completing the following survey: https://airtable.com/shrfsjcovcoDIN0daNote: Accommodation requests should be submitted one week in advance of an event. If accommodations are not possible due to the late timing of the request, a team member will reach out to you to discuss alternative resources and/or solutions.

]]> 347825 February Career Exploration Events https://capd.mit.edu/blog/2026/02/09/february-career-exploration-events/ Mon, 09 Feb 2026 23:01:13 +0000 https://capd.mit.edu/?p=344875 Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance—it’s also a great excuse to invest a little love in your future. 💘 This February, CAPD’s Career Exploration events are here to help you explore new paths, meet inspiring professionals, and spark ideas that might just turn into long-term commitments. Whether you’re curious about studying abroad, unconventional career routes, or hands-on industry insights, consider this your sign to swipe right on what’s next.

Thu, Feb 12 | 2:00 PM
Fulbright Virtual Information Session (Virtual)

Wed, Feb 18 | 1:30 PM
Careers in Patent Law for PhDs & Postdocs
In-person, E19-202 (Ford Building)

Mon, Feb 23 | 12:00 PM
Physician Lunch & Learn with Dr. Lucy Shen
In-person, Rogers Building (7)

Mon, Feb 23 | 5:00 PM
Legal Career Options for STEM Students
In-person, Maclaurin Buildings (4)

Tue, Feb 24 | 6:00 PM
Infinite Careers: Francesca DeMeo — Research Scientist at MIT & CEO of NoStove, Inc.
In-person, location TBD

*not on flyer

Wed, Feb 25 | 1:00 PM
Explore Fulbright: Turkey (Türkiye)
In-person, Rogers Building (7)

Fri, Feb 27 | 10:00 AM
How to Succeed in Your Squiggly Career
In-person, Maclaurin Buildings (10)

Fri, Feb 27 | 2:00 PM
Coffee Chats with Alpha AI Engineering (For 1st & 2nd Years)
In-person

]]> 344875 Distinguished Fellowships Information Session https://capd.mit.edu/events/2026/03/12/distinguished-fellowships-information-session-6/ Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:14:35 +0000 https://capd.mit.edu/events/2026/03/12/distinguished-fellowships-information-session-6/ The Distinguished Fellowships team and MIT alumni will meet to share what fellowships and scholarships opportunities are available to students considering next steps after their time at MIT. Fellowships we support include the Rhodes, Marshall, Schwarzman, Knight-Hennessy, Gates, and many more. We will discuss the internal and external process for preparing to apply for fellowship, and will have members of the MIT community who can share their experiences pursuing, winning, and experiencing fellowships after their time at MIT.

This CAPD event is open to MIT juniors, seniors, graduate students, and alumni.

Please indicate any accommodation needs by completing the following survey: https://airtable.com/shrfsjcovcoDIN0da

Note: Accommodation requests should be submitted one week in advance of an event. If accommodations are not possible due to the late timing of the request, a team member will reach out to you to discuss alternative resources and/or solutions.

]]> 341528 Save the date: Professional certificates for PhDs and postdocs https://capd.mit.edu/blog/2025/07/22/save-the-date-professional-certificates-for-phds-and-postdocs/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 19:32:03 +0000 https://capd.mit.edu/?p=293342 Professional Certificate programming for graduate students and postdocs has entered its 3rd year. These popular programs provide opportunities for participants to go a little deeper into grant writing and research mentoring, two important topics  certain to play key roles in the careers of research trainees, regardless of their career destination. Past programs have seen high numbers of applicants and strong outcomes in terms of participant satisfaction and growth.

Opportunities to apply for the next round of certificate programs are approaching in the fall semester. Applications for the Grant Writing Training Certificate program open October 1 and close October 15. The Research Mentoring Certificate Program begins accepting applications on November 7 with a due date of November 25.

All MIT PhD students and postdocs are enthusiastically welcome to apply. For questions on the Research Mentoring Certificate please contact Elsie Otero, Assistant Director of Graduate Student Professional Development at eotero@mit.edu; for inquiries about the Grant Writing Training program, please email Amanda Cornwall, Associate Director of Graduate Student Professional Development at acorn5@mit.edu.

]]> 293342 EVENT: Spilling the Tea on Leadership | 24 April 2025, 5pm https://capd.mit.edu/blog/2025/04/02/event-spilling-the-tea-on-leadership-april-24-5pm/ Wed, 02 Apr 2025 19:05:32 +0000 https://capd.mit.edu/?p=271537

Thursday, April 24 | 5-6pm | On-campus

There’s something very special about the opportunity to hear directly from a leader about what her path to success was really like, how she learned to lead, and what has helped her to thrive. In this “Spilling the Tea” event, join an informal chat with MIT alumna Colleen Akehurst, who in her current leadership role serves as Chief Executive Officer at Sterilex. Don’t miss this chance to talk with an accomplished alumna mentor and ask her advice on leadership in graduate school and beyond.

Learn more about Colleen Akehurst on LinkedIn. This CAPD event is open to MIT graduate students.

Register on Handshake (Registration required)
Tea pot and tea cup with spill
]]> 271537 Redefine success, identify challenges, and flip failure this new year! https://capd.mit.edu/blog/2024/01/17/redefine-success-and-flip-failure-this-new-year/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 15:54:59 +0000 https://capd.mit.edu/?p=177303 Life comes with its fair set of challenges. The goal of building resilience is to equip yourself to weather life’s challenges as they arise. Much of that work involves redefining what success and failure mean and finding ways to use both to learn about yourself and grow.

The Flipping Failure initiative aims to provide visibility to stories of academic challenge and resilience so that we can begin shifting the conversation around struggle from a source of shame to a source of learning and growth.

Whether you are new to MIT or a returning student, you might feel anxious about what lies ahead this semester – choosing or changing your major or research focus, managing competing priorities, defining a career path, or worries over academic achievement. You are not alone!

Explore our website and browse through the 20+ stories about the challenges experienced by students at MIT and the strategies they use to cope with them.

Sign up for Flipping Failure’s newsletter to receive timely highlights and activities to help you navigate challenges you may be experiencing.


If you have your own story of academic challenge and would like to share what you learned with peers, fill out this form, and we will keep you informed of our next storytelling workshop series.

]]> 177303 New Professional Development Certificates for PhDs and Postdocs https://capd.mit.edu/blog/2023/10/13/professional-development-certificates-for-phds-and-postdocs/ Fri, 13 Oct 2023 18:50:18 +0000 https://capd.mit.edu/?p=164122 Applications are now open

We are excited to announce that applications are now open for two new professional development certificate programs for PhDs and postdocs for AY 2023-2024: the Research Mentoring Certificate and the Grant Writing Training Certificate. Applications for both certificate programs will close on Wednesday, November 1st. 

Research Mentoring Certificate for PhDs and Postdocs

This program provides an opportunity for PhDs and postdocs to develop their mentoring skills and grow their practice of productive and inclusive research mentoring.  Fundamental to the success of mentors and mentees alike, mentoring is also a transferable skill that is highly valued within multiple contexts. Each session will be led by facilitators trained by the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER).

During this program, students will explore key concepts in mentoring pedagogy, including:

  • maintaining effective communication
  • aligning expectations
  • addressing equity and inclusion
  • assessing understanding

Over the course of the program, students will develop a mentoring philosophy that they can use in their mentoring experiences.

All PhDs and postdocs at MIT who are interested in research mentoring are encouraged to apply for the program, which will take place in person during IAP 2024.  

Applications open October 16th and close on November 1st. Spaces are limited. 

This certificate program is co-produced by CAPD and the Engineering Communication Labs.

Apply for the Research Mentoring Certificate

Grant Writing Training Certificate for PhDs and Postdocs

Grant writing is an essential skill that grows in importance during the transitions from graduate student to postdoc and faculty member. PhD students and postdocs planning for research-focused or research-supporting roles in industry will have an advantage if they are familiar with the principles of grant writing and the grant submission process.  

The Grant Writing Training Certificate consists of 3 training sessions (and one additional session for those focusing on NIH grant proposals):

  • Overview session featuring faculty expertise on the grant-writing process
  • IAP 1-day intensive session facilitated by Dr. John Robertson, a noted expert in grant writing who facilitates trainings at institutions around the US and internationally. 
  • Spring semester session focusing on the grant submission process, including MIT’s internal processes, requirements for submission of federal grant applications, and information on creating budget proposals. 
  • Optional 4th session focusing on NIH proposals

Applications open October 16th and close on November 1st. Spaces are limited. 

This program is co-sponsored and produced by CAPD and the Office of the Vice President for Research.

Apply for the Grant Writing Training Certificate
]]> 164122 Women in Tech Conference 2023 @ Tufts University https://capd.mit.edu/experiences/women-in-tech-conference-2023-tufts-university/ Fri, 25 Aug 2023 01:20:25 +0000 https://capd.mit.edu/?post_type=experience&p=154672 Women in Tech 2023 is a space for gender minorities in tech to network, build community, hear from prominent speakers, and learn about exciting job and internship opportunities. There will be 20+ speakers from across various tech-related industries, panels and workshops, professional development opportunities, and a career fair with recruiters from several major tech and tech-related companies! Food and information about transportation will be provided.

 

Who: All university students, and recent grads of any gender from any university.

When: September 23rd, 2023

Where: The Joyce Cummings Center at Tufts University in Medford, MA

177 College Ave, Medford, MA 02155

Cost: Free!

 

 

For further information and regular updates please visit our website, follow our Instagram, or contact us regarding future details and registration.

Website: https://www.tuftswit2023.com/

Instagram: @wicstufts

Email: tuftswit2023@gmail.com

]]> 154672 2024 “Spilling the Tea” with MIT Graduate Alumna https://capd.mit.edu/blog/2023/07/28/spilling-the-tea-for-mit-graduate-women/ Fri, 28 Jul 2023 19:35:23 +0000 https://capd.mit.edu/?p=150959 The “Spilling the Tea” series is back! At these small-scale, limited-enrollment events, join in a conversation with an alumna leader over (iced) tea and cookies. Each of the “Spilling the Tea” parties takes an important topic incorporating an aspect of gender as its theme, such as women and leadership, women and communication, women and balance, and more. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to benefit from mentorship and community alongside fellow MIT graduate students.

PAST EVENTS

Spilling the Tea on Women in Academia

April 1, 2024; 12:15 – 1:15, Margaret Cheney Room (3-308)

There’s something very special about the opportunity to hear directly from a research and faculty leader about what her path to success was really like, how she found her way, and what has helped her to thrive. In this “Spilling the Tea” mentorship event, come talk with Whitney Lohmeyer SM ’13, PhD ’15 (AeroAstro) and hear her advice on careers in academia, and how she balances her passions for research, teaching, and service.

Spilling the Tea on Women and Leadership

Thursday, August 03, 2023 at 4:00pm to 5:00pm, Room 10-100

It is rare to have the opportunity to hear directly from a leader about what her path to success was really like, how she learned to lead, and what has helped her to thrive. In this “Spilling the Tea” event, join an informal chat with MIT alumna Colleen Akehurst, who in her current leadership role serves as Managing Director for Paine Schwartz Partners. Don’t miss this chance to talk with an accomplished alumna mentor and ask her advice on leadership in graduate school and beyond. Learn more about Colleen Akehurst here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-akehurst-a797426/.

Registration required via Handshake. 

Spilling the Tea on Women and Work-Life Balance

Friday, August 29, 2023 at 11:00am – 12:00pm, Room 10-100

Have you ever wished you could get candid, straightforward advice about balancing your work and personal/family life as an unendingly busy graduate student? What if you could have the chance to hear from women more advanced in their careers who have been where you are, contending with many of the same issues that you are now facing? Join us for this “Spilling the Tea” mentorship event for graduate students with Catherine Lee SM ’90 and Rachel Pytel PhD ’07.

Registration required via Handshake.

Tea pot and tea cup with spill
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