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Topic 7: Professional Development

The School of Public Policy offers numerous ways for doctoral students to participate in research, build relationships with SPP faculty, and learn from scholars from around the world. Brown bags, seminars, colloquia, and workshops on a wide range of topics are offered throughout the year.

The SPP Events Calendar is regularly updated and lists all SPP-sponsored activities.
Ph.D. Research Workshops offer students the opportunity to engage fellow students and faculty in a discussion of potential research topics as well as to practice presentation skills in a constructive and collegial environment. The workshops are organized by the Ph.D. Workshop Committee which is made up of doctoral students at different stages of the program. Three workshops are held each semester. New doctoral students are strongly encouraged to attend during their first semester and to present in their second semester or later.
The Ph.D. Working Paper Series complements the Ph.D. Research Workshops. This resource enables students to publish electronically and cite their work while waiting for acceptance from other journals. The Working Paper Series also provides an opportunity for students to receive feedback on ways to improve their papers and increase their likelihood of being accepted for further publication. The editorial board will be happy to assist in this process. The Working Paper Series is available on-line at the Mason Archival Repository Services (MARS), following the SPP link, under COLLECTIONS, at http://digilib.gmu.edu:8080/dspace/handle/1920/263.
Research grants are available for doctoral students for dissertation research and paper presentation at conferences.
The Office of Career Development provides a full range of services designed to foster students’ professional growth. The office provides one-on-one assistance in reviewing resumes and cover letters, exploring career goals, identifying employment opportunities, and developing the skills needed for a successful career search. Information on the services offered can be found at the Career Services website.
SPP also offers the following resources to help you move toward your professional goals:
- SPP JobNet: This system provides an up-to-date listing of current positions and career events. Student can use it to connect with employers actively recruiting SPP students and alumni. Click here to register to use the system.
- SPP JobNet training workshops are offered each semester by the Office of Career Development. The SPP Job Net Tip Sheet provides an overview of key functions of SPP JobNet.

For some more basic information, review these tips for writing your resume.

Continue to Topic 8: Student Mentors
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SPP tuition for in-state students is approximately half the cost of the tuition at private competitors in the D.C. area.

Employer information sessions are offered each semester with public, private, and nonprofit organizations such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, RAND, Third Way, and the Department of Treasury.

More than 70% of SPP students are employed while pursuing their degrees -- classes are offered in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate full- and part-time students.