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Multicultural Professional Development Conference

Multicultural Professional Development Conference

Monday, January 12, 2009

Bryant Hall @ Scott Stadium

Are you wondering...What major should I declare? How do I find an internship? Should I go to grad school or get some work experience first? Should I change my career plans to account for the economy? Start 2009 with the answers to these questions and more by attending the Multicultural Professional Development Conference at U.Va.

Designed with input from a student planning committee, this event will address the unique concerns of students from diverse backgrounds considering the realities of the world after UVA. The conference will provide networking opportunities between students, faculty, alumni and employers, as well as, career panels, Q&A sessions, and workshops. However, this will not be your ordinary career program! Check out the amazing list of topics below to see what we mean.

This conference is appropriate for students from all years, majors and career interests.

Sponsors

MPDC is generously sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Graduate Student Diversity Programs in the Office of the Vice President for Research, Office for Diversity and Equity, and the Minority Rights Coalition.

Tentative Schedule

  • 9:00am —10:00am Check-in/Continental Breakfast

  • 10:00am —10:50am Opening Session: Beat the State of the Economy: How to "Sell” Your Degree and Experience in a Tough Job Market

  • 11:00am —11:50am Concurrent Sessions

    • Is Grad/Professional School Right for Me (Right Now)?
      Graduate/Professional school in itself is not a plan. It’s a step in reaching predetermined goals. Come learn about various graduate programs and where they can take you.
    • The Art of Professionalism
      From flip flops to high heels...the classroom to the boardroom. This session will provide tips on how to successfully transition to the "real world."
    • How To Make Your Net Work for You
      80% of jobs/internships are obtained through word of mouth. Learn how to build and sustain a network of professional contacts.
    • Help! I Know What I Don’t Want to Do, But Not What I WANT to Do
      Undecided about your major and/or career? Come learn ways to integrate your values, skills and interests into your decision making process.
    • Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Getting In and Moving Up
      Concerned about entering and becoming successful in a profession/organization in which you will be a minority? Learn strategies on how to break through without getting scratched.

  • 12:00noon —1:00pm Lunch

  • Dining Etiquette

  • 1:10pm —2:00pm Concurrent Sessions

    • The Nuts and Bolts of the Grad School Application Process
      This session will cover: what to look for in a graduate program, how to prepare applications, the interview, financial considerations, etc.
    • Multiple Paths to Medical School
      There are several ways to complete your pre-med coursework. Come to this session to learn what medical school representatives think about non-science majors, postbaccalaureate programs, and students who take time off before applying.
    • Law School: Applying and Getting In
      The title says it all.
    • Workplace Discrimination: What Would You Do?
      Although a lot of progress has been made, discrimination on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion and (dis)ability still exists. Discover how to handle challenging situations that you may encounter.
    • How to Turn Your Passion Into a Career
      70% of people are unhappy in their jobs. Don’t become one of them. Learn how to incorporate your zeal for life into your work.
    • The Basics of Money Management
      Given the state of the economy, make sure to have your own bailout plan. Learn to create, assess and stick to your financial goals.

  • 2:10pm —3:10pm 15 Minute Crash Courses

    • Gaining Experience Through Internships
    • Gaining Experience Through Externships
    • What Can I Do with My Liberal Arts Degree?
    • The Fab 5 Online Resources for Your Job Search
    • Still Lost... What Should I Do Next?
    • How to Choose a Major
    • Show Me the Money: Grants
    • Going Global: Resources for the International Job Search
    • Off-Grounds Job/Internship Search
    • How to Investigate a Company’s Commitment to Diversity
    • Writing Resumes
    • When and How to Use Cover Letters
    • U.S. Job/Internship Search for International Students
    • Interviewing Essentials
    • CavLink and On-Grounds Interviewing
    • Winning Personal Statements
    • How to Request a Letter of Recommendation

  • 3:15pm Closing Remarks and RAFFLE!!!

FAQs

The conference is before the start of classes. Will the residence halls be open?

Yes, residence halls will be open. First-year residence halls open for spring semester on Sunday, January 11.

What is appropriate conference attire?

Appropriate attire for the conference is business casual (ex: khaki pants, slacks or skirt with a nice button-up shirt or sweater)..

Where is Bryant Hall located?

Bryant Hall is located on the U.Va. Grounds at Scott Stadium. Show me where Bryant Hall is...

How do I get to Bryant Hall?

University Transit Service buses will be operating on full service schedules the day of the conference. The U Loop bus stops directly in front of Bryant Hall. Show me the UTS routes.

Can I park at Bryant Hall?

There is no student parking at Bryant Hall. Parking & Transportation will be ticketing cars illegally parked. Avoid the hassle. You can easily take the bus or walk to Bryant Hall!

What time should I plan to arrive for the conference?

Check-in will begin at 9:00am. Breakfast will be served from 9:00am - 9:45am. The opening session will begin promptly at 10:00am.

What are some of the perks of attending the conference?

Breakfast, lunch and admission to several sessions of your choice. Many of the topics will not be addressed at any other time of the year. In addition, all attendees will be entered into a raffle, and drawings will take place throughout the day. However, every attendee will leave with a small gift.

What should I bring with me to the conference?

Your questions, energy, and enthusiasm! Attendees will receive all other necessary materials (ie: folder, notepad, pen).

What does the conference cost?

Thanks to our generous sponsors, the Multicultural Professional Development Conference is FREE for U.Va. students.

I have needs that require special accommodations. Whom should I contact?

Please notify Saskia Campbell if you require any accommodations.

I would like to attend the conference, but I missed the registration deadline. Can I still come?

Registration is closed and there is already a substantial waitlist. For career-related information and assistance, please schedule an appointment with a UCS career counselor by calling 434-924-8900.

I registered for the conference, but my plans have changed and I will no longer be attending. What should I do?

Out of courtesy for your peers who may be on the "wait list", you should notify Saskia Campbell of your change in plans.