Past Events

Professional Development Series

• Session 12: Job Search Strategies: Finding Your Perfect Fit
• Session 11: Crafting a Standout Resume: Your Path to Success
• Session 10: Mastering the Art of Building Good Habits
• Session 9: The Impact of Mentorship: Building Future Leaders
• Session 8: Creating a Personal Mission

• Speaker:

  • Brandon Bell, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, Syngenta North America

  An interactive workshop to develop a personal vision to guide your career path. Create a mission statement to help brand yourself and replace your “elevator pitch” with something more intentional and descriptive.

  WATCH THE RECORDING

  Recorded February 21, 2024

• Session 7: Combatting Imposter Syndrome

• Speakers

  • Makayla Brister, Federal Relations Manager, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and 2024 SWCS Emerging Leader
  • Dr. Thomas Easley, Assistant Dean of Community and Inclusion, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale University
  • Dr. Katherine Dentzman, Assistant Professor in Rural Sociology and Rural Public Policy, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Iowa State University
  • Dr. Carlos Ortiz, National Program Leader, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture

  This panel discusses their experiences with imposter syndrome and strategies for combatting it. Learn practical tips for building confidence at work, taking up the appropriate space, and developing your assertiveness.

  WATCH THE RECORDING

  Recorded January 24, 2024

• Session 6: Effective Public Speaking

• Speaker:

  • Dr. Benjamin N. Tuggle – President, Impulse ABT, LLC

  Tips for developing your public speaking and professional persona.

  WATCH THE RECORDING

  Recorded November 29, 2023

• Session 5: Time Management

• Speakers:

  • Elizabeth Galbreath, Senior Specialist of Future Talent Programs, Merck Animal Health
  • Ashley Collins, Chief Executive Officer, North Carolina Peanut Growers Association

  Explore approaches to prioritize your workload. Learn to focus on your desired impact, identify necessary skills and experiences, and use a personal compass to frame decisions. Gain practical tips on planning breaks, delegating tasks, and investing in impactful areas to make a real difference.

  WATCH THE RECORDING

  Recorded September 20, 2023

• Session 4: Branding U
• Speaker:

  • Ms. Yai Vargas - Career and Diversity Consultant and Founder, Yai Diversity Consulting and The Latinista

  Be memorable and find your personal brand. In this webinar, the speaker shares what it means to have a personal brand and how to successfully create one. She does a deep dive on Linked In and provides tips and tricks to create an effective profile that will get you noticed by potential employers.

  WATCH THE RECORDING

  Recorded February 23, 2023

• Session 3: Thriving at Work and School

• Speaker:

  • Dr. Fátima Sancheznieto - Assistant Researcher, UW - Madison Institute for Clinical and Translational Research

  Learn how to maximize your mentoring relationships. In this webinar, the speaker talks about her personal journey seeking out mentorship. She describes the roles and responsibilities of a mentor and mentee and provides tips and tricks on optimizing your mentorship relationship. 

  Supplementary materials:

  • "Identifying and Communicating Needs"

  WATCH THE RECORDING

  Recorded January 26, 2023

• Session 2: Financial Literacy

• Speaker: 

  • Ms. Penny Gomez - Financial Planner, Business Owner, Recruiter and Presenter, Primerica

  Be smart with your money – learn about personal financial management, debt, budgeting, and more! In this webinar, the speaker walks us through the necessary steps to ensure long-term financial stability. She also provides some tips and tricks to start investing. 

  WATCH THE RECORDING

  Recorded October 20, 2022

• Session 1: Find the Career for You

• Speakers:

  • Ms. Beatrice Faulkner - Professional Life and Career Coach, Creative Solutions Hub LLC
  • Dr. LaKisha Odom - Scientific Program Director, Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research

  The search can be tough – discover how to find a career that's the best fit for you! In this webinar, the speakers discuss how to start your job search. They emphasize the importance of finding the "secret sauce" that makes you a unique asset to an employer and confidently presenting in interviews. They also share some wisdom on what to do when it comes time to make a pivot in your career.

  WATCH THE RECORDING

  Recorded September 22, 2022

SWCS Virtual Events

• Top Ten Tricks to Ace Your Interview

• Speakers:

  • Renee Bouldin – Chapter and Community Builder, SWCS
  • Dr. Loutrina Staley – Equity and Outreach Program Analyst, NACD

  SWCS staff highlighted resources and opportunities for students. We then shared our "Top 10 Tricks to Ace Your Interview." SWCS member Dr. Loutrina Staley then from the Soil Health Institute joined our Q&A segment and shared some great advice for interviews! The event slides are available here.

  WATCH THE RECORDING 

  Recorded April 23, 2022

• SWCS Student Leadership Training

• Speaker: Renee Bouldin – Chapter and Community Builder, SWCS

  Staff reviewed how you can benefit from being a part of SWCS through a student organization. We welcome any interested students and potential academic advisors to learn more about this opportunity and review resources for the 2023-2024 academic year. 

  Resources:

  • Starting an SWCS Student Chapter Presentation Slides
  • Event Flyer
  • 2023-2024 Student Chapter and Affiliate Organization Guide

  Watch the Recording

  Recorded September 6, 2023