Professional Development

Doctoral Student Professional Development

Doctoral study at the Graduate Theological Union is a complex, enriching and challenging experience that has produced some of the most accomplished religious studies scholars in the world. The GTU’s consortial model and its relationship to the University of California, Berkeley give GTU students unparalleled access to religious studies and interdisciplinary scholarship.

Offered through GTU Student Affairs, the Professional Development Program helps doctoral students to maximize the opportunities presented in this rich environment so that they can assume positions of academic and theological leadership.

Program Streams—Professional Development offerings fall into three program categories:

• Research Skills - Workshops and other programs which support the enhancement of doctoral-level research, writing, and presentation skills.

• Teaching Skills - Workshops and other programs which support the development of teaching experience and expertise among doctoral students.

• Career Development - Workshops and other programs which help doctoral students to successfully enter the religious studies and theology professions.

The schedule for Professional Development Program workshops is updated each semester. The Professional Development Program sends e-mails to all doctoral students announcing workshops and other related events. Workshops are open to all GTU doctoral students, students of GTU member schools and alumni. Limited space may be available for visitors. Advanced registration is sometimes required.

2012-2013 Events Schedule

Doctoral Council Orientation - Wed, Sept 5 - 5:30-7:00p- Dinner Board Room - If you are planning to propose your dissertation this 2012-2013 academic year, you are strongly encouraged to attend this orientation.

Preparing for the Profession Workshop A - ​Darleen Pryds - Wed, Sept 19 - 5:15-8:15p – Dinner Board Room - CV Preparation 5:15-6:15; Teaching Portfolio 6:30-7:30; Interviewing Tips and Strategies 7:45-8:15 - These workshops guide participants in the art of formulating materials and cultivating attitudes and behaviors for landing an academic job.  Some attention is also given to the art of reframing these materials for other positions in the academy.  The workshops are presented in a communitarian way so that all participants will share openly and learn from each others' materials. Feedback is given at all levels and is intended as suggestions. In the end each participant is invited and encouraged to take responsibility for their own job searches.

Job Interviewing Practice for the Employment Center Context - ​Darleen Pryds and others - Wed, Oct 17 - 5:30 - CDSP Common Room - Don’t let AAR/SBL be the first time you experience an Employment Center interview! Come to this event to practice your interview skills in a life-like setting, with a chance to debrief afterward.

​Preparing for the Profession Workshop B: Teaching Portfolio and CV Workshop follow-up - ​Darleen Pryds - Wed, Nov 7 - 5:30-8:00p – Dinner Board Room- - See Workshop A - Previous attendance at any or all of Workshop A will be required for participation in this Workshop follow-up. Student CVs and Portfolios will be reviewed and discussed in session.

Networking at Conferences Workshop and Cocktail Reception - Nora Silver - Thurs, Nov 8 (please note this is a date change!) - 5:00p – Dinner Board Room - Does “networking” seem more complicated than comps? Does the thought of walking into a reception at AAR/SBL and introducing yourself to Cornel West fill you with dread? Learn tips for networking and polish up your skills at our Networking Session - mini-info-lecture and actual alcohol will be served, along with a tasty assortment of hors d’oeuvres. Because you’ve got to be able to sell yourself while munching on a canape!

Dissertation Writing Workshop - Kathleen Kline - Fri, Feb 1, 2013 - 9:00-3:00 – Dinner Board Room- – Thinking about your proposal, or already in the middle of writing? This workshop (highly recommended for candidates) will address: what is a dissertation and what needs to be in it? effective academic writing, and how to survive the dissertation-writing process. 

Newhall Lunch/Sarlo Award Lecture - Wed, April 3 – Easton Hall, CDSP - - For the first time, incoming and outgoing Newhall recipients are invited to attend a special lecture and lunch with this year’s Sarlo Award winner, Boyung Lee.

Article Publishing Workshop - ​Jay Johnson, Benny Liew, Kimberley Connor - Wed, Apr 24 - 1-5p – Dinner Board Room - How do you turn that seminar paper into a published article? This workshop will offer in-depth advice on refining your paper, approaching editors, and the process of publishing.

Contact the Professional Development Program Coordinator, Kayko Driedger Hesslein, with questions about Program offerings.