April 8, 2026
10:00 a.m.

Future Forward is a fast-paced professional development webinar built for PhD engineers who want clarity, confidence, and momentum. Participants begin by identifying their top three strengths, gathering feedback, and aligning those strengths with industry and academic expectations. They then craft a clear, meaningful work statement rooted in purpose. The session builds into strategic networking using the TIARA method, reframes the imposter phenomenon, strengthens time-management skills, and concludes with creating a Personal Board of Directors to navigate career decisions with confidence.  

April 10, 2026
2:00 p.m.
Fitts-Woolard Hall, room 4290

This session equips you with the tools to design a strategic job search plan tailored to your Engineering goals. Discover innovative ways to uncover job opportunities, leverage LinkedIn to expand your visibility, and master networking using the TIARA method. Learn to craft compelling cover letters, ace interviews, identify key supporters, and confidently navigate salary negotiations. We’ll also explore techniques for managing stress and staying motivated during the job search process.  This three hour class will set you up for success.  2-4pm

May 5, 2026
3pm

Burned Out? Staying Motivated Feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your PhD journey? Join us for a candid conversation about staying motivated through the ups and downs of research life. We’ll share practical strategies, mindset shifts, and small habits that can make a big difference. Connect with peers who understand the grind and leave with renewed energy. 
Join Zoom Meeting at 3pm on May 5, 2026:
https://ncsu.zoom.us/j/97627159892?jst=2 

Taking place in January 2025, our first professional development workshop sold out and was a huge success. This engaging three-hour session is designed to help engineering PhD students thrive by aligning their academic journey with their personal values and purpose. Participants developed a clear understanding of your “why” to stay motivated and focused. They learned to navigate timelines, milestones, and critical processes with confidence. Stay tuned for future semester session offerings which will be posted here once dates are secured.

Set your course for success with Connecting with your Advisor and Committee: Intentional Relationship Building, part of our Smooth Sailing series!

This engaging two-hour session will help you navigate the critical relationships that define your doctoral journey. Explore the importance of intentional relationship building and discover the benefits it can bring to your academic and professional life. Learn how to assemble your personal “board of directors,” establish clear expectations, and gracefully receive and act on feedback.

We’ll also tackle setting healthy boundaries and fostering collaborative partnerships with your advisor and committee. Featuring a panel of seasoned doctoral students, this session is packed with real-world insights to keep your journey on course.

This virtual workshop empowers PhD engineering students to assess and enhance their career skill sets. Participants will self-evaluate and seek feedback on their top three strengths, aligning them with industry demands. Through guided research, they will identify skill gaps and create a lifelong learning plan to stay competitive.

The session emphasizes adaptability, communication, problem-solving, and other key competencies essential for success in academia, industry, and beyond.

This virtual lunch and learn workshop is designed for engineering PhD students to strategically assemble and leverage their own “Personal Board of Directors” to navigate their academic and professional journey with clarity and confidence.