Student Services Fall 2012 Events

August 31
New SPP International Student Orientation

Come meet current international students who will address a variety of issues including academic expectations in the U.S., navigating the DC area, building social networks and more. This event is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow international classmates and learn more about the resources available to you as an SPP student. Light food and refreshments will be served.

Open to: New international students
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, 5th Floor, Student Services Suite, Room 560

September 6
Federal Job Search Strategies

The federal government is hiring! According to the Partnership for Public Service, the renewed interest in public service and high national unemployment rate will be bring fierce competition for these jobs. This session will help you build a strategy for a successful search and ensure you are knowledgeable about the hiring process and the multiple avenues into federal service including internships, fellowships, and career positions.

Open to: SPP Students and Alumni
5:30pm – 7:00pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, 5th Floor, Student Services Suite, Room 560
When you exit the elevator, proceed through the set of glass doors. Directly on your left is a hallway with a glass door at the end of it.
Register through SPP JobNet
Contact: Meredith Asbury

September 11
Academic Careers Panel for PhD Students

Looking for an academic position in the near future? The process does not need to be bewildering. Join us for a comprehensive workshop on the entire process from developing a time table for your search to how to negotiate your offer. Panelists will begin with an overview of academic careers and institutional structures and will then take you through the application process. They will discuss how to position yourself in the market, learn about job opportunities, prepare vitas and cover letters, discuss plans with those who will recommend you, and negotiate offers.

Open to: SPP PhD Students
3:00pm – 4:15pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Student Services Suite, Room 560
Register through SPP JobNet
Contact: Meredith Asbury

September 13
Resume Clinic

Make sure your resume stops employers in their tracks! Come by to have your resume reviewed or to pick up some helpful resume writing tips. Please bring a copy of your resume

Open to: SPP Students and Alumni
3:00pm – 4:00pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Student Services Suite, Room 560
Register through SPP JobNet
Contact: Meredith Asbury

September 19
Tips for Obtaining a Security Clearance

Are you seeking a job with the federal government or the private sector that requires access to sensitive national security information? If so, this workshop will help you prepare for the security clearance process. Come and learn about the types of security clearances, what the clearance process entails, and what you can do to best prepare.

Open to: SPP Students and Alumni
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Student Services Suite, Room 560
Register through SPP JobNet
Contact: Meredith Asbuury

September 24
Non-Proliferation Graduate Fellowship Information Session

The Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, or NA-20, is tasked with the mission of detecting, preventing, and reversing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, while mitigating the risks from nuclear operations. The office maintains seven program and administrative offices, to complete its duties of:

* securing nuclear materials, nuclear weapons and radiological materials at potentially vulnerable sites in Russia and elsewhere
* reducing quantities of nuclear and radiological materials
* bolstering border security overseas
* strengthening international nonproliferation and export control regimes
* downsizing the nuclear weapons infrastructure of the former Soviet Union (FSU)
* mitigating risks at nuclear facilities worldwide
* conducting cutting-edge nonproliferation and national security research and development (R&D)

The Nonproliferation Graduate Program (NGP) is a full-time graduate program for students interested in exploring a career in nuclear nonproliferation. NGP fellows are assigned to a specific DNN program office, where they work with select supervisors and mentors in support of DNN’s mission.

Nonproliferation Graduate Program Objectives:

* Promote awareness of careers in nonproliferation at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and U.S. national laboratories,
* Provide participants with specialized training and valuable practical experience in the field of nonproliferation,
* Aid NNSA in achieving its mission,
* Develop a talent pool that can assist NNSA with its international security and nonproliferation programs

For more information on the program, please visit NGP’s website at http://ngp.pnnl.gov/

*OPEN TO ALL GRADUATE STUDENTS
5:30pm – 7:00pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, 5th Floor, Student Services Suite, Room 560
Register through SPP JobNet
Contact: Meredith Asbury

September 25
Presidential Management Fellowship Information Session

The Presidential Management Fellowship program is the premiere program for leadership development in the Federal civil service. This two year fellowship was established to attract to federal services outstanding individuals who have a clear interest in, and commitment to excellence in, the leadership and management of public policies and programs. If you are planning to apply or simply want to learn more about the program, please mark your calendars for the upcoming information session. SPP alumni selected as Presidential Management Fellows will also be on hand to discuss their experiences with the program.

*OPEN TO ALL GRADUATE STUDENTS
5:30pm – 7:00pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall Auditorium
Register through SPP JobNet
Contact: Meredith Asbury

September 26
Foreign Service Workshop

Considering a career in the foreign services? This workshop will highlight Foreign Service careers, the steps of the Foreign Service officer hiring process, and key skills and abilities needed by applicants.

Open to: SPP Students and Alumni
5:30pm – 7:00pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Student Services Suite, Room 560
Register through SPP JobNet
Contact: Meredith Asbury

October 1
CIA Information Session

Learn about the exciting positions available right now within the National Clandestine Service of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Are you a U.S. Citizen?
Do you have good interpersonal, writing, and briefing skills?
Do you have a foreign language or are willing to learn one?
Have you traveled, lived or worked overseas?
Are you interested in a diverse work environment with opportunity for growth?
Do you want to serve your nation and be part of something great?
Are you interested in foreign events and current affairs?
If you answered “yes” to the above, then you may be qualified to join a dynamic team of government professionals who are helping to safeguard the United States.

*OPEN TO ALL GRADUATE STUDENTS
5:30-7:00pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall Auditorium
Register through SPP JobNet
Contact: Meredith Asbury

October 2
Successful Networking Tips

Learn how to expand and tap into your network at the Successful Networking Workshop.

Workshop will cover:

• The 5 Ws of Networking
• Tools for successful networking
• What to do when making a new contact
• How to get the most from a networking event

Open to: SPP Students and Alumni
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Student Services Suite, Room 560
Register through SPP JobNet
Contact: Meredith Asbury

October 6
Writing Skills Workshop

Do you want to improve the quality of your writing? Do you expend a lot of effort writing for too little reward? Do you know that you can write better, but can’t figure out how? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, read on!

The SPP Writing Skills workshop is a one day free workshop open only to SPP students. It will help you learn proven strategies to take your academic and professional writing to the next level. The workshop is taught by Professor Brien Benson, who teaches Professional Writing for Policy. Registration is now open on Patriot Web.

SPP is pleased to offer this opportunity free of charge. Please note that if you sign up, you are expected to attend. The workshop is typically oversubscribed, so if you cannot attend, you must drop the workshop on Patriot Web by Monday, October 1st to release your seat to another student.

Workshop Format and Registration Instructions

Registration is completed on Patriot Web under the Fall 2012 schedule:

PUBP 556 (Writing Workshop) CRN: 80833
Saturday, October 6th
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Limit 30 students
ARLFH 468

Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of effective writing in a business, professional or research environment. Primary emphasis is on correct word usage, grammar, and sentence structure. The basics of organization are also covered. The workshop will also examine the elements of effective paragraphing and the importance of establishing a central, unifying idea that carries your paper forward.

Open to: SPP Students Only
9:00am – 4:00pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Student Services Suite, Room 468

October 15
Presentations & Briefings Workshop

Does the prospect of making an oral presentation before a large group make your heart palpitate? When you are called on to address colleagues do they collectively yawn? This session will talk about aspects of public speaking including, among other things, presentational matters such as intonation, power point use, speech rhythms, and gestures. Please bring a pencil and paper.

Open to: SPP Students and Alumni
5:30pm – 7:00pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Student Services Suite, Room 560
Register through SPP JobNet
Contact: Meredith Asbury

October 16
Master’s Advising Open House

Don’t know which classes to register for next semester? Are you having trouble choosing an elective? Have questions about the graduation application process? If so, stop by the SPP Student Services Office during our upcoming “Ask an Advisor” nights! An SPP advisor will be available to answer master’s students’ academic advising questions. Students will be seen on a first come, first served basis.

Open to: SPP Master’s Students Only
4:00pm – 7:00pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Student Services Suite, Room 560
Contact: Silva Pecini

October 18
Study Abroad Experience

Curious about the SPP study abroad program? Are you considering taking a study abroad course as an elective? Not sure how a study abroad course fits with your master’s program curriculum? If so, make sure you attend this workshop. You will not only hear from faculty who have lead study abroad programs and a panel of your peers who have studied abroad with SPP in the past, but also learn specifics about all the different study abroad options available to SPP students.

Open to: SPP Master’s Students
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Student Services Suite, Room 560
Contact: Silva Pecini

October 23
Conversation & Coffee with Dean Rhodes

This is a special opportunity to have an informal conversation with the Dean of the School of Public Policy, Dean Rhodes, about a range of topics related to your program and developments in SPP. Space will be limited at each event to 20 students. To reserve your place, please RSVP via email to Meredith Asbury in SPP Student Services at masbury@gmu.edu. Please specify which date you would like to attend when responding.

5:30pm – 6:30pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Student Services Suite, Room 560

October 24
Acing the Interview

“Tell me about a time…” “Give an example of…” These types of questions are commonly asked during a Behavioral style interview. This workshop will teach you how to prepare for the Behavioral Interview, how to organize your answers and which information to highlight.

Open to: SPP Students and Alumni
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Student Services Suite, Room 560
Register through SPP JobNet
Contact: Meredith Asbury

October 31 – November 1
Interview Practice Week

Make an appointment for a 45 minute session to practice your interview skills and receive constructive feedback. Email Meredith Asbury at masbury@gmu.edu with your preferred date and time as well as an alternative date and time.

Open to: SPP Students and Alumni
5:30pm – 7:15pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Student Services Suite, Room 560
Contact: Meredith Asbury

November 1
Master’s Advising Open House

Don’t know which classes to register for next semester? Are you having trouble choosing an elective? Have questions about the graduation application process? If so, stop by the SPP Student Services Office during our upcoming “Ask an Advisor” nights! An SPP advisor will be available to answer master’s students’ academic advising questions. Students will be seen on a first come, first served basis.

Open to: SPP Master’s Students Only
4:00pm – 7:00pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Student Services Suite, Room 560
Contact: Silva Pecini

November 7
Professionalism in the Workplace

Whether you are entering the workplace for the first time, or a seasoned professional, understanding the importance of business etiquette is essential to success. This presentation by distinguished visiting professor, Robert Deitz, will discuss the practical and often unwritten rules of business etiquette.

Open to: SPP Students and Alumni
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Student Services Suite, Room 560
Register through SPP JobNet
Contact: Meredith Asbury

November 8
Salary Negotiations & Expectations

What should you say when an employer asks you for salary requirements? What should you do if you don’t like the salary, but want the job? Come learn how to evaluate a job offer and gain tips for initiating and managing the negotiation process.

Open to: SPP Students and Alumni
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Student Services Suite, Room 560
Register through SPP JobNet
Contact: Meredith Asbury

November 14
Resume Clinic

Make sure your resume stops employers in their tracks! Come by to have your resume reviewed or to pick up some helpful resume writing tips. Please bring a copy of your resume

Open to: SPP Students and Alumni
5:00pm – 6:30pm
Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Student Services Suite, Room 560
Register through SPP JobNet
Contact: Meredith Asbury