Grad Career Week

Turning Research Skills into a Career Advantage

11 a.m.–noon, Arts & Sciences Hall room 255  

In this workshop, we’ll discuss how the research skills you’ve acquired in your classes can give you an advantage in your job search. We’ll talk through how being able to analyze information, question popular claims, communicate clearly, and manage uncertainty can set you apart. You’ll also get tips on recognizing your strengths and using simple networking strategies to find a job where you can thrive.

Presenter Bio:

Mike Wagner, PhD, is the Director of the MS in Human Resources program at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati, where he also serves as an Associate Professor – Educator. He teaches courses in Leadership, Professionalism, Employee Compensation and Ethics, and the HRM Capstone, bringing a practitioner-focused, data-driven perspective to the classroom. 

A seasoned human resources professional, Mike has extensive leadership experience in employee engagement, survey design, compensation, HR strategy, analytics, and risk management across global and Fortune 500 organizations. He brings a consultative, evidence-based approach that drives measurable improvements in employee engagement and organizational performance. 

Previously, Mike was Vice President of Compensation at Fifth Third Bank, where he led the team responsible for incentive design and compensation strategy for commercial bankers, capital markets traders, underwriters, and call center teams. He has also held compensation and HR analytics roles at American Express, AXA Equitable Insurance, and Mercer Human Resources Consulting. 

Mike earned his PhD in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University in New York City. His research on human resources has been published in peer‑reviewed journals and presented at international business conferences.

Presented in partnership with the Carl H. Linder College of Business.

Register for the Turning Research Skills into a Career Advantage workshop

Simplifying Science: Translating Your Research to Accessible Audiences

1–2 p.m., Langsam Library room 462

This interactive workshop is designed to help graduate students communicate their research clearly and confidently to audiences without technical or scientific expertise. Participants will develop practical strategies for translating complex ideas into accessible language without oversimplifying their work. Through guided exercises, they will learn how to tailor messages for diverse audiences, use storytelling techniques, and apply plain language principles to make their research more engaging, persuasive, and impactful.

Presenter Bio: 

Tiffany J. Grant, PhD, CDE® is the Assistant Director for Academic and Research Engagement and Co-Leader of the University of Cincinnati (UC) Libraries Research & Data Services Unit. She also serves as the Director of the University of Cincinnati’s Undergraduates Pursuing Research in Science and Engineering (UPRISE) Program. In her Assistant Director role, she coordinates the strategic direction of the UC Libraries Research & Data Services Unit through the assessment, development, and implementation of sustainable services and tools to support the information and research needs of the University of Cincinnati research community.

Presented in partnership with UC Libraries.  

Register for the Simplifying Science workshop

Converting CVs into Resumes and Writing Letters of Intent 

11 a.m.–noon, Clifton Court Hall room 1130

This practical workshop guides participants through the process of transforming an academic CV into a focused, compelling resume that highlights key strengths and tells a clear professional story. Attendees will also learn how to craft a strong letter of intent that builds on their resume narrative and effectively demonstrates their fit for a position. The session will include strategies for using AI tools responsibly and effectively to support the development of job application materials, while maintaining authenticity and professionalism.

Presenter Bio: 

Dr. Katelyn Lusher has a PhD in Rhetoric & Composition from the University of Cincinnati. She taught writing classes at Kent State University, University of Cincinnati, and Case Western Reserve University before transitioning into a staff role in the Learning Commons at UC. She currently runs the Supplemental Instruction program.

Presented in partnership with Learning Commons. 

Register for the Converting CVs into Resumes and Writing Letters of Intent workshop

Careers in Public Engagement with Science Panel

2–3:30 p.m., Clifton Court Hall room 5280

Hosted by the HUM/SOSC/NSCI 7030 Public Engagement with Science Graduate Seminar, this in-person panel highlights a range of career pathways for students in STEM, the humanities, and the social sciences. Panelists will share their professional journeys, discuss how they engage with the public and address issues of public concern, and offer insights into opportunities beyond traditional academic roles. Participants will have the chance to ask questions and gain practical advice about building meaningful, public-facing careers.

Panelists:  

Kate Schroder, President and CEO, Interact for Health 

Michelle Burbage, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine 

Brenda Hunda, Curator for Invertebrate Paleontology, Cincinnati Museum Center 

Presented in partnership with Center for Public Engagement with Science.

Register for the Careers in Public Engagement with Science Panel

Graduate Prep Workshop: Professional Interviewing Essentials

11 a.m.–noon, TUC room 400A

This interactive workshop will help graduate students build confidence and skill in the interview process through guided practice and expert coaching. Participants will learn how to communicate their strengths, prepare for common interview formats, and present themselves professionally. The session includes mock interview practice and personalized feedback.

Presenter Bio:

Stephen Amundson is an Assistant Professor of Career Education within the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies (CCPS), where he specializes in graduate professional development. He supports graduate students in identifying their strengths, values, and career goals while navigating diverse professional pathways across academic and industry sectors. In his courses and workshops, Professor Amundson creates a hands‑on, interactive, and supportive learning environment that helps graduate learners strengthen their communication, leadership, and professional skills to succeed in advanced academic and professional settings.

Presented in partnership with the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies.

Register for the Graduate Prep Workshop

Five Essentials for Job Search Success + Your Customized Career Plan

1–2:30 p.m., Bearcat Career Studio, TUC room 310

Hosted through a partnership with The Graduate College and the Bearcat Promise Career Studio, in this workshop graduate students will get to: 

• Learn and rate 5 key elements of job search success
• Discuss supporting technology for improved resumes and interviewing
• Explore a favorite networking hack for UC students

Presenter Bio:

Meghan Brown brings 20+ years of corporate experience and 10 years of coaching to her role at UC. As an ICF (International Coaching Federation) certified coach, she’s trained and passionate about supporting students in the job search and with career planning having done a lot of it herself after changing jobs, industries, and pursuing her career and professional development goals. 

Presented in partnership with the Bearcat Promise Career Studio.

Register for the Five Essentials workshop

Social Sciences and Humanities Co-op and Career Fair presented by the College of Arts & Sciences

10 a.m.–1 p.m., TUC 4th Floor Great Hall (room 465)

Looking for your next co-op? Meet hiring managers, discover exciting opportunities across industries, and learn about roles tailored for Arts & Sciences majors. Come network, ask questions, and take the next step in your career journey. Open to all students.

Register for the Co-op and Career Fair

Start Smart Salary Negotiations Workshop

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Clifton Court Hall room 5280, lunch provided 

Research shows that individuals can lose out on more than $1 million over the course of a 40-year career if they don’t negotiate their salary. Still, impostor syndrome and the “hidden curriculum” often keep new professionals from negotiating. This 90-minute interactive workshop will have you negotiating your salary and benefits like a boss. The presentation explains the cost of not negotiating, how to research your market value, deflect questions about salary history and expectations from interviewers, know your walkaway point, and build greater financial security for your future. All are welcome.

Presenter Bio:

Dana Bisignani (she/her) has worked in higher education for more than 20 years and at UC for more than four. Currently, she is UC’s inaugural Director of Student Parent Support and a member of the Dean of Students team, where her current work focuses on student parents and caregivers, basic needs, and care economy. Previously, she served as Director of UC Women’s Center and co-chair of her field’s national organization, and has taught courses in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies at multiple universities, including UC and Purdue University. Beyond her role at UC, Dana serves as a member of Hamilton County’s Commission on Women and Girls and a regional organizer for Time to Care Ohio, a coalition working to establish paid leave for all employees across the state.

Presented in partnership with Student Affairs.

Register for the Salary Negotiations Workshop

The Art of Following Up: What to Do (and Avoid) After Meeting an Employer

1–2 p.m., online 

This panel workshop equips attendees with practical strategies for effectively following up after meeting an employer, starting with the initial conversation itself. Participants will learn how to ask thoughtful questions, listen strategically, and identify key details during the interaction that make follow-up messages personalized and memorable. By the end, attendees will feel confident turning brief conversations into meaningful professional connections and opportunities.

Presenter Bio:

Amanda McLaughlin is the Associate Director of Career Development for the University of Cincinnati's College of Engineering and Applied Science Graduate Studies where she supports the graduate engineering students (MEng, MS & PhD) in their career development: coaching students, engaging with employers, and building bridges between the two. Amanda was born and raised in Ohio and has lived and traveled extensively around the world.

Presented in partnership with the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Register for the Art of Following Up: What to Do (and Avoid) After Meeting an Employer panel workshop