Ohio State Campus Offices Offering Soft Skills Training - PFP

Ohio State Campus Offices Offering Soft Skills Training - PFP

The Ohio State University offers numerous resources to help graduate students gain soft skills during their studies. The following are some of the available options.  

Graduate School

Contact Information

  • Email address: jordan.1193@osu.edu
  • Phone number: 614-688-1003
  • Contact Person(s): Dr. Karin Jordan
  • Location: University Hall, 2nd Floor/Graduate School/Room 250F

Office Description

The Graduate School has remodeled its space in University Hall (2nd floor), which has created a welcoming and inviting place for students.

The office has more than 20 employees who work, either directly or indirectly, to serve graduate students.

Dr. Jordan provides services in career development and employability to help graduate and professional students’ competitiveness in the labor market. 

Soft Skills and Other Training by Topic

We are hosting Accelerate to Industry (A2i), a program designed to help graduate students (master’s, professional and doctoral) explore the possibility of a career in industry and through various programs and learn more about working and advancing in industry. The program offers both workshop series and individual workshops. 

We host a similar track for doctoral students interested in the professoriate called Preparing Future Faculty (PFF), which can also be applied to a non-academic higher education job. One of our popular workshops focuses on the politics of higher education, as well as immigration sponsorship. We have also had workshops focusing on working in different universities/colleges, from R1 to junior college.

Other

We also oversee the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) at the university level. We are working with others to provide more training to help students be well versed in describing their research in three minutes or less (an important interviewing skill for seeking employment in higher education and/or industry). 

We offer the Graduate Associate Leadership Award (GALA) annually to graduate and professional students in recognition of their leadership engagement.

We also offer the Graduate Faculty Mentorship Award (GFMA) to recognize faculty members who are committed to graduate and professional student mentoring to achieve academic and career success.

Student Life Buckeye Careers

Contact Information

Office Description

Buckeye Careers is committed to providing equitable access for all students to holistic, personalized career coaching and exploration as well as to career development resources, and connecting them to experiential learning, internships, employment, and graduate school opportunities, while cultivating community with university partners and employers in elevating student career success. 

Workshops

The list of workshops offered can be found at Workshops : Buckeye Careers (osu.edu) and also on Handshake, the university-wide job resource platform (handshake.osu.edu). Individual one-on-one career coaching appointments are scheduled through Handshake.

Other

  • Individual career coaching
  • Career and major exploration
  • Resume, CV, and cover letter reviews
  • Mock interviews and interviewing techniques
  • Internship and job search strategies
  • Career fair strategies

     
Michael V. Drake Institute For Teaching And Learning 

Contact Information

Office Description

The Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning offers professional learning programming to support graduate students teaching courses independently, in roles such as recitation leaders or graders, and in laboratory, field or studio instructional contexts. The robust slate of programs at the Drake Institute provides Ohio State GTAs a solid foundation of teaching and learning theory and practice, rich interdisciplinary and collaborative networks of peers and informal mentors and models, and sound preparation for future academic or professional roles that involve teaching and learning.

Soft Skills and Other Training by Topic

  • Using evidence-based practices to design learning experiences
  • Developing and articulating one’s teaching identity 
  • Setting and communicating learning goals and expectations
  • Incorporating inclusion in learning environments
  • Utilizing assessment strategies to promote students’ learning

GTA Toolkit: The GTA Toolkit comprises a series of workshops offered throughout the academic year, led by graduate students for graduate students. These topics align with the needs of teaching assistants as the semester progresses. Designed as just-in-time topics, the sessions reinforce or extend topics introduced during graduate teaching orientation and serve a community-building function. GTA Toolkit workshops have included the following topics:

  • Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment
  • Student Feedback
  • Beginning Steps of Course Design
  • Facilitating Effective Discussions
  • Why and how to Integrate Contemplative Practices in the Classroom
  • Crafting a Teaching Portfolio and Teaching Statement

Teaching Endorsements: Graduate students may participate in continued professional learning and earn teaching endorsements, which identify and recognize those who pursue excellence in teaching and learning. These endorsements are noted on graduate student transcripts, and graduate students who earn endorsements are encouraged to highlight this commitment to instructional excellence on their CVs. One particularly valuable endorsement to graduate students seeking academic careers is “Documenting Your Teaching,” which focuses on developing a teaching portfolio for job markets or annual reviews.

 Graduate Teaching Orientation (GTO): GTO is designed as a foundational experience for all graduate students in formal teaching roles at the university. Whether face-to-face or as a virtual engagement, orientation spans several days of immersion into teaching roles and evidence-based practices that support student learning. In GTO, participants explore what it means to be a GTA, how to prepare for their first days of classes, and the resources available to them through the Drake Institute and its partners. Topics covered include cultivating your teaching identity, knowing your students, understanding your teaching context and role, setting student expectations, the relationship between teaching and learning, and obtaining and using feedback on teaching.

Other

One-On-One Consultations and Teaching Observations: Drake graduate consultants (GCs) and consulting staff are available by appointment for one-on-one consultations with GTAs seeking information on evidence-based practices related to teaching and learning topics. GCs and staff are also available to observe GTA classroom instruction and conduct Small Group Instructional Diagnosis (SGIDs) to assist GTAs in refining and improving their own practice.

Support for Graduate Assistant Teaching Award Nominees: Drake Institute staff members conduct information and consultation sessions for graduate students nominated for the GATA award. These consultations focus on application materials preparation, including the development of a teaching portfolio.

Communities of Practice: Communities of Practice are opportunities for interested graduate students to connect with one another and share evidence-based instructional strategies as they seek to improve their teaching practice. Drake Institute staff members, including graduate consultants, facilitate these groups and focus on a pedagogical practice or unifying theme related to teaching and learning. 

Ongoing Partnerships and Programming: Drake Institute staff members regularly collaborate with campus partners, such as OUAB Grad/Prof Signature Professional Growth Programs & Events, including the Academic Job Search Series. 

Teaching@OhioState Online Course (GTA-specific version): Teaching@OhioState is a five-module Carmen course developed as part of the Teaching Support Program, with a critical eye toward addressing the needs of GTAs. The result was the creation of GTA-specific teaching context material in sections designed for graduate students. All graduate students are invited to enroll in the course, and it is available throughout their Ohio State careers.

Center for Humanities in Practice

Contact Information

  • Email address: Livingston.28@osu.edu
  • Phone number: 614-247-6763
  • Contact Person(s): Rick Livingston
  • Location: Hagerty Hall 198/455

Office Description

Center for Humanities in Practice (CHiP) supports graduate students, especially in the arts and humanities, considering a diverse range of careers within and beyond academics. CHiP hosts cross-departmental cohorts of graduate students at all stages, and sponsors workshops, networking events and conversations with alumni working in a variety of fields. We also maintain a website with active resources available to all graduate students. 

Soft Skills and Other Training by Topic

Workshops: 

Career Development with ImaginePh.D., Networking with LinkedIn, Informational Interviewing

University Libraries

Contact Information

Office Description

University Libraries support students, scholars, Buckeyes and beyond in advancing research, teaching and learning. We offer educational resources, services and expertise that opens minds and forwards  inclusion in the pursuit and sharing of knowledge. 

The Research Commons at The Ohio State University Libraries is a campus community where faculty, postdocs and graduate students can connect with experts for support at any stage in the research lifecycle. It is a venue for exploring collaborative, interdisciplinary and emerging research methods, with a special focus on data management and visualization, digital humanities, geospatial information services, and research impact.

Soft Skills and Other Training by Topic

Workshops and Trainings:

  • Communicating your research
  • Research impact
  • Visualizing your data
  • Analyzing and visualization geospatial data
  • Understanding copyright, fair use, open access and publishing agreements

Other: 

  • Research consultations with subject librarians
  • Research consultations with functional experts
  • Research showcasing and networking events
  • Reference referrals
  • Project consultation
  • Online guides:
    • Individualized subject areas
    • Digital humanities
    • Data visualization
    • Research impact
    • Maps and geospatial data
    • Research data management
Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Contact Information

  • Email address: odi@osu.edu 
  • Phone number: 614-247-1624
  • Contact Person(s): 
    • Dr. Sara M. Childers, Director, Diversity Planning, Training, and Assessment
  • Location: Hale Hall
  • Website: odi.osu.edu

Office Description

Founded in 1970, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) is one of the oldest and most comprehensive offices of its kind in the nation with a mission to help build Ohio State into a world-class model of inclusive academic excellence. With a wide array of programs and services for students, staff and faculty, graduate and professional student programs include ODI’s Dissertation Bootcamp, Preparing for the Professoriate Retreat, Leadership Initiatives for Women of Color, and Graduate and Professional Student events. 

The Strategic Diversity Planning, Training, and Assessment unit coordinates a list of diversity education resources available at Ohio State and provides trainings on inclusive topics. 

Soft Skills and Other Training by Topic

Workshops: The Office of Diversity Planning, Training, and Assessment provides workshops on inclusion-related topics for faculty and staff, including graduate students. 

  • Dissertation Boot Camp
  • Preparing Diverse Students for the Professoriate
Office of Student Life Student Activities Board

Contact Information

Office Description

The Ohio Union Activities Board (OUAB) strives to provide diverse programs and events that are educational, entertaining and thought-provoking for students on the Columbus Campus. The Graduate and Professional Student Committee (OUAB Grad/Prof) designs and executes over 200 programs that are intentionally created to enhance the graduate and professional student experience. To provide holistic opportunities, we offer programs in the five key areas:

  • Professional Growth
  • Personal Enrichment
  • Family-Friendly
  • Social Engagement
  • Special Events
Career Development - CFAES Wooster

Contact Information

Office Description

CFAES graduate students can receive help preparing materials for the job market, including learning what to include on CVs, resumes, cover letters and personal statements. Additionally, students can learn about improving their LinkedIn profile and gain sills for interviewing, networking and negotiation, and receive help with finding opportunities on Handshake and other platforms. 

Students can make an appointment with Denise Rotavera-Krain, college success counselor and career advisor, by using Handshake. 

Soft Skills and Other Training by Topic

Workshops: 

Workshops can be conducted at a graduate student’s office or organization. Examples include:

  • CVs and Resumes
  • Cover letters
  • Interviewing Skills — Mock Interview practice
  • 30-second Elevator Pitch
  • Writing Personal and Teaching Statements
  • Networking
Office of Postdoctoral Affairs

Contact Information

Office Description

The Graduate School has remodeled its space in University Hall (2nd floor), which has created a welcoming and inviting place for students.

The office has more than 20 employees who work, either directly or indirectly, to serve graduate students.

Dr. Jordan provides services in career development and employability to help graduate and professional students’ competitiveness in the labor market. 

Soft Skills and Other Training by Topic

Workshops: 

  • Career Services Support offered in conjunction with Buckeye Careers in the Office of Student Life.
  • Communication and presentation training/opportunities — various training courses occur throughout the year in this space.
  • English as a Second Language trainings for postdocs (written and spoken)
  • Grant writing and research development series — this is being developed. Once established, the workshop will include sessions on identifying, applying for and managing grant funding; how to engage with federal and private foundation funders.
  • New Postdoc Orientation and Individual Development Plan Workshop — this session occurs every other month and is geared toward postdocs who have recently started at the university. The second half of the two-hour session is focused on individual development plans (including what they are, why they are important, and how to create one).
  • Project Management Workshop — this course is led by an instructor from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs and is offered each fall semester.
  • Salary Negotiation Workshop — Start Smart Work Smart Curriculum offered in collaboration with The Women’s Place (Office of Diversity and Inclusion). The workshop focuses on how to interview, how to negotiate, etc.
  • Team Science Workshop Series — this is a four-part workshop series that occurs each spring semester. 

 

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