GradNews

Congratulations, Graduates!

You've made it, May 2021 grads!  In just a few days you can take a deep breath and enjoy your well deserved graduate degree.  We are honored that you chose to learn with us and appreciate all the contributions you have made to our community.  We hope that you have enjoyed your experiences at SIUE and look forward to hearing about your future endeavors.  

For the latest information on the commencement celebrations taking place, please visit the SIUE Commencement website.

You are now officially a part of the SIUE Alumni Association!  To learn more about your alumni benefits, visit their website.

Career Development Center

Ever wish you could have an expert review your resume or LinkedIn profile to be sure it's the best it can be?  Hoping to connect with employers looking to hire upcoming SIUE graduates?  Overwhelmed by the thought of searching for a job as graduation approaches and wishing someone could help demystify the job search process for you? 

The SIUE Career Development Center offers all of the above services.  They are here to assist all students, including current graduate students, in their career development.  Contact them today to arrange an appointment at 618-650-3708 or at careerdevelopment@siue.edu. 

Research Grants for Graduate Students (RGRDS) Application NOW OPEN!

The purpose of RGRDS is to support research initiated and conducted by SIUE doctoral students to enhance their academic progress.  The grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and applicants may request up to $1000!

SIUE doctoral students enrolled in the EdD, DNP, or any of the co-op PhD programs may submit a proposal if they meet the below eligibility requirements:

• Good academic standing of 3.0 or higher
• At least 6 hours completed in doctoral program prior to application period
• Enrollment as a degree-seeking doctoral student during the academic term for which funding is sought 

Application deadline is Thursday, July 1^st

For full details about eligibility requirements, award stipulations, and how to apply, please visit the RGRDS website.

Now Hiring: Leadership & Management Skills

It is well documented that leadership is one of the key skills that employers seek in college graduates at every level.  During your SIUE graduate career, seize opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom to further develop your leadership and management skills.  Make it a priority to engage with opportunties that allow you to:

• Gain self-awareness about your own strengths, personality, and working style
• Make critical decisions that impact others
• Promote diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism
• Leverage the strengths of group members and delegate appropriately to complete a project
• Learn about leadership theories and develop your own leadership philosophy
• Negotiate and resolve conflicts
• Coach and motivate others to support their success

These experiences will not only enhance your continuous career development, but they will also be key experiences to articulate on your resume and in job interviews.  Ready to dive deeper on developing your management skills?  Check out Harvard Business School's 7 Ways to Become a Better Manager.

Academic & Professional Organizations at SIUE

Opportunities abound for you to engage in your discipline beyond your coursework at SIUE.  From Anthropology to Engineering, organizations centered around academic programs and career interests span across just about every discipline you can imagine. 

Speak with your faculty about which organizations exist in your particular area of interest and check out the Get Involved at SIUE website!  Join an organization that aligns with your field, take on a leadership role, gain experience, learn from others, and build your resume!

Meet Catherine Awitta, MSW Student

Catherine Awitta obtained her undergraduate degree in Multimedia Technology from Duquesne University. As she faced the realities of marginalized women and children in Kenya and Ghana during her volunteer experiences as a photojournalist in social and public health issues, her career plans shifted.  These experiences influenced her to pursue her master’s degree in Social Work at SIUE as she sought to make tangible differences in people’s lives.

As a recipient of the Competitive Graduate Award (CGA), Catherine engaged in extensive mental health research, specifically on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This research allowed her to conduct an international investigation between the U.S. and African countries documenting families’ interactions with their physical environment.

Catherine is currently researching sexual abuse and violence in university settings under the direction of a Social Work professor. She serves as the Treasurer for the Graduate Student Social Work Association (GSSWA) and also works as an Intern with SIUE Counseling Services. In the future, Catherine would like to work with a humanitarian organization to address disparities in rural and women’s health. She also plans to participate in advocacy and research that aim to achieve gender equality.

Know a deserving student or alum that we should highlight in Cougar Pride? 
Complete the Excellent Graduate Student Nomination Form to let us know!