ASCEND Workshop Series

About ASCEND Workshops

Most ASCEND workshops are formatted similarly:

• Presentation to provide participants the foundation of knowledge and information about the topic.
• Break-out session second, with small group discussion and hands-on application facilitated by guest mentors

Career Development

These workshops focus on the skills and tools needed to advance a participant's career trajectory.

• Self Assessment and Career Planning
  Participants learn about techniques and tools to evaluate their skills and interests, explore career options and create a plan to prepare for successful careers.
• Goal Setting and Individual Development Plans
  Participants learn how to set achievable goals and how to use Individual Development Plans (IDPs) to track progress and plan for the future.
• Career Exploration and Informational Interviewing
  Participants learn about resources and techniques for exploring career options with special attention given to informational interviews.
• Networking, Personal Branding and Social Media
  Participants gain skills to make networking less intimidating, learn how to build a personal brand and develop techniques for using social media for professional networking.
• Resume Writing
  Participants learn how to write a professional resume, including the language to use, things to avoid and formatting options.
• Cover Letters, Personal Statements, and Other Application Materials
  Participants learn how to write effective cover letters and develop techniques for preparing other common application materials, such as personal statements, research statements and teaching philosophies.
• Searching and Applying for a Job
  Participants learn how to launch an effective, efficient job search and develop skills for preparing and submitting applications.
• Interview Skills
  Participants build skills for job interviews, including responding to common questions, etiquette and managing first impressions.
• Negotiating Skills
  Participants learn skills to successfully negotiate a job offer, including knowing their value, being assertive and understanding expectations.
• Professionalism
  Participants gain skills to ensure they make the best impression on colleagues, supervisors and prospective employers as they navigate through their careers.

Transferrable Skills

These workshops focus on communication, leadership and management.

• Writing in the Workplace
  Participants learn effective writing skills common to most workplaces, including formatting common documents, using the appropriate voice in various communications and email etiquette.
• Public Speaking
  Participants develop skills for effective public speaking, from small meetings to large audience presentations.
• How to be a Leader in Any Role
  Participants learn effective leadership skills and strategies they can use in any role.
• Leading Teams and Meetings
  Participants gain an understanding of the dynamics of working with teams, gain skills to bring people together and strategies for productive collaborations.
• Managing People
  Participants learn how to cultivate positive workplace culture, collaborate effectively and navigate professional relationships successfully.
• An Introduction to Budgets
  Participants are introduced to techniques necessary for budgeting and financial management, including strategies for personal finances.

Career Exploration

These workshops provide participant's direct access to real-world careers to learn about all available opportunities.

• Career Speed Dating
  Featuring guest professionals from a variety of professional backgrounds, this event allows participants to meet with each guest, individually or in small groups, for a short, informational interview. At the end of each brief interview, participants rotate to the next guest in a speed dating style format.
• Career Panel
  Career panels feature 2-4 invited guest professionals whose careers share a common theme, such as industry or role. Each panelist is invited to speak briefly about their background and careers and then participants are invited to ask questions in a discussion format.
• Guest Speakers and Presentations
  These events focus on one or a few career areas in a more in-depth look.