Link Lab Professional Development

Link Lab Professional Development

Several attendees converse during an indoor research poster and demo event. In the foreground, two people holding plates of food stand beside a tripod-mounted scanning device and a drone. In the background, additional participants gather near presentation posters on easels in a bright, modern meeting space with green accent walls and large glass doors.

Developing Skills That Matter

Our professional development seminars are designed to give students practical skills they can apply immediately in their research, coursework, and professional interactions. Throughout the year, students put these skills into practice during Link Lab events, where they present research, showcase research demos, and engage with faculty, industry, and other internal and external partners.

Fall Seminars

  • September

    • September 4 – Communicating Your Research
    • September 11 - Student Flash Talks
    • September 18 – *Tips, Tricks, Tools 
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    • Location: Link Lab Arena
    • Time: 12pm - 1pm
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    • September 25 - Research Day (all day) - see Research Day website

  • October

    • October 2 - Unpacking the "Hidden Curriculum” & Setting Your Goals
    • October 9 - Managing Projects
    • October 16 - Finding Mentors and Cultivating Professional Relationships
    • October 23 - Managing Time
    • October 30 - Building Resilience and Leveraging Strengths
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    Location: Link Lab Arena
    Time: 12pm - 1:30pm

    The October seminars will be facilitated by Ph.D. Plus.

image of students at a seminar with presenter writing on white board

In the Link Lab, professional development is an integral part of the student experience and culture. Beyond building professional skills to prepare students for success in industry and academia, these programs help students connect with peers across departments, creating opportunities for friendships and collaborations.

Our professional development seminars focus on skills that complement students' technical expertise, including communication, research and project management, and other competencies that employers identify as essential skills in the workplace.

Beyond research, Link Lab has also provided numerous opportunities to develop my professional skills through regular seminars, lunches, and open events. These interactions with senior faculty and industry partners have helped me strengthen my networking skills and receive continuous feedback on my research.

outdoor headshot of Anjali Agrawal Anjali Agrawal Ph.D. Student

Additional UVA Professional Development

RESEARCH DATA SERVICES + SCIENCES LIBRARY TECHNICAL TRAINING WORKSHOPS 

Workshops include sessions on Python, R, Tableau, AI tools, and more.

PHD PLUS 

Year-long seminars and resources for graduate students. 

CENTER FOR ENGINEERING CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Support and resources for students including career fairs and assistance with resumes, interviewing, career exploration and more.