Preparing Future Leaders
Description of Program:
The Graduate Schools of UNCG and N.C. A&T, in partnership, have established the Preparing Future Leaders (PFL) program as a strong foundation for graduate student professional development and career preparation. The program is designed to provide valuable, transferable skills and knowledge that will prepare currently enrolled, degree seeking graduate students to be successful and dynamic leaders in their chosen disciplines and careers as they complete their degree.
Early professionalization during graduate school is an important part of preparation for achieving your career goals, whether you are pursuing an academic faculty position or a job in business, industry, government, or the non-profit sector. The free, non-credit workshops, presentations, and symposia conducted by The Graduate Schools of UNCG and N.C. A&T and other university departments focus on building career skills and providing professionalization opportunities that complement your specialization. You may also incorporate professional development activities designed by your home department as appropriate.
We believe that a strong relationship with a faculty member is indispensable to your success as a graduate student, so we have incorporated mentorship as an integral part of the program. With your mentor’s guidance you will compile an electronic portfolio that collects your personal reflections, best practices, and essential job documents as you progress through the program, giving you a competitive edge with polished job materials and clear insights when you are ready to enter the job market.
The PFL program consists of two tracks to better facilitate the kinds of career planning and professional development of core competencies you will need upon entering the professional workforce in your field. Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) is offered for those students who are pursuing a career as a faculty member in academia, emphasizing pedagogical and professional development in areas of teaching, scholarship and service. Preparing Future Professionals (PFP) is tailored to those students who are seeking professional careers in business, industry, government, or non-profit positions, focusing on professionalization, research, community engagement, and leadership and management skills. Students whose main interest lies in one track are welcome and encouraged to explore offerings in the other track.
PFL Goals:
- Deliver focused programs, workshops, and resources for professional development that enhance student marketability, career opportunities, and competitiveness in the job market
- Promote interdisciplinary and collaborative opportunities for student engagement with peers and faculty mentors
- Support student excellence in learning, responsible research, teaching, community engagement and leadership experiences
- Strengthen student understanding of the job search and the full range of roles, responsibilities and requirements for success in a future career
