Professional Development Workshops

Our workshops are designed to help undergraduate researchers build the skills and confidence you need to thrive in academic and professional settings. From strengthening communication and presentation abilities to exploring career pathways and preparing for graduate school, these sessions provide practical tools for success. By participating, you will gain valuable experiences that complement your research and support long-term growth.  Just another way we help you build Skills For Every Future.

Workshop Offerings

November 12, 2025: Mastering LinkedIn: From Profile Setup to Professional Networking

(click title to complete required registration via EAB Navigate) This comprehensive session covers all aspects of LinkedIn, from basic set-up to sophisticated networking techniques. a step-by-step guide to setting up a complete and appealing LinkedIn profile. how to effectively showcase your skills, academic achievements, and project work. strategies for growing your network with thoughtful engagement and professional etiquette. maintain your LinkedIn presence with regular updates and contributions to discussions in your field. This presentation is designed to empower students with the tools to use LinkedIn not just as a job search platform, but as a continuous career development tool.   Jessica Gibson has worked in student services at USC for 12 years providing academic support to student-athletes, supporting students in their career development, and supervising student and full time staff.  A native South Carolinian, she completed a B.S. in Psychology from Wofford College and a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.  She is a licensed Social Worker with experience in school social work, disaster relief, and higher education student affairs. 

October 14, 2025:  Research Ethics and the Bigger Picture        

The Office of Undergraduate Research is honored to welcome Dr. Jordan Lewis, Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at USC, for a professional development workshop on Research Ethics and the Bigger Picture. This workshop will provide a crash course in research ethics and give students a working understanding of how to think critically about ethical dilemmas in research. The interactive workshop will include case studies based on real-world scenarios. The workshop is designed for undergraduate students who are engaged in or interested in research.    Dr. Lewis is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at USC Columbia. He completed his Postdoctoral training at Yale University in the Ecology and Evolutional Biology Department.  He completed his Ph.D. in the Population Biology, Ecology and Evolution Program at Emory University where he also earned a doctoral certificate in bioethics. He received a B.S degree in Biology and Environmental Science from Winthrop University. Dr. Lewis is a native of Orangeburg, SC.  

September 8, 2025:   Funding for Undergraduate Research

The University of South Carolina champions students’ involvement in faculty-mentored creative, research, and scholarly pursuits through competitive grant funding.  Learn more about funding opportunities for students at any stage of the research experience from the Office of Undergraduate Research and other organizations on campus.  The meeting will be held in Russell House 205

Ongoing: Getting Started in Research

There are so many great opportunities for you at the University of South Carolina, it can be overwhelming.  This interactive workshop is designed to help you explore research opportunities across disciplines.  You will identify your research interests, learn how to find and reach out to potential factuly mentors, and begin developing a roadmap for your research journey.

University Libraries

University Libraries offers a variety of free workshops to support research and teaching at the university.