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Professional Development Workshops

Students working together to build a spaghetti tower with a timer counting down on the projector screen behind them.

What Students Say

"I think that there were a variety of different options that were useful and interesting."

"The workshops were very interesting and educational. I had lots of fun and thought each was helpful. If there’s one thing I hope that will continue to be offered in the course, it’s the workshops."

"I feel like I gained more knowledge about how to prepare for my career now and in the future."

"I thought the workshops were surprisingly helpful for things I will need to do down the line."

"It was very helpful that some of them were in person and some were online, for people with different schedules."

Unlock Your Potential: Professional Development for Lifelong Success

Your college degree is a powerful tool, but what if you could sharpen it even more to stand out from the crowd? The truth is, a strong GPA and your major's technical knowledge are just part of the equation. Employers are actively seeking students who are curious, adaptable, and great communicators—the very skills that turn a good candidate into a great one. These are your professional competencies, the "soft skills" that open doors to internships and exciting careers.

Ready to get ahead?

Our Professional Development Workshops are designed to help you build these essential skills. Think of them as a fast track to becoming a more well-rounded professional. You'll dive into topics like:

  • Problem-solving and critical thinking

  • Communication and teamwork

  • Networking and career development

  • Time management and financial literacy

  • Information literacy and library research

These aren't just lectures; they're dynamic, one-hour sessions led by campus experts and even available through LinkedIn Learning so you can learn at your own pace.

Your journey of lifelong learning starts now. Each workshop you attend is a step toward building the skills and confidence that will make you a standout candidate. Be sure to scan the QR code at the end of each session to track your progress and reflect on what you've learned in your Personal Development Plan.

Let's start building your future today!

In-Person Workshops

Use this listing to easily identify days and times that work for you. Then use the link to read more about the workshop and sign up.

FYS Topics

These workshops cover first-year seminar topics like the common read, information literacy, financial literacy, and more.

Information Literacy - (in-person or asynchronous)

Information literacy is the ability to discover and use various types of information. It's an essential skill for navigating the information age. Take this workshop to learn about strategies for finding information—from a library, archive, database, or the Internet—and the ethics of using it. Also discussed are different types of resources and explains how to evaluate their usefulness and trustworthiness. The librarians also show how to avoid plagiarism and copyright infringement, and accurately cite sources. For students in Shocker Design Experience only.

In-Person Options:

  • Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 1:30 PM, Ablah Library Research Lab Room 230
  • Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 3:30 PM,  Ablah Library Research Lab Room 230
  • *NEW! Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 2:00 PM, Ablah Library Research Lab Room 230
  • Sign up for workshop

Online Option:

  • Use the Wichita Public Library's LinkedIn Learning to access this online course (instructions below in the online section).
  • Watch the course on Information Literacy with Librarian Elsa Loftis (1 hr 47 mins)
  • To earn credit, complete all modules and save the Certificate of Completion that you receive at the end of the course; you will upload this certificate with your Professional Development Plan Part #2 assignment (with the workshop reflections).

Study Abroad Information Session (in-person)

Studying abroad doesn't have to be just a fantasy.  If you are curious, determined to try new things, interested in meeting new people and discovering new places, then studying abroad could become your reality. This Study Abroad workshop is offered by the International Education Office to help interested students start exploring their options. Interested students will get to learn about the programs, cost, funding, application process, and more. For students in Shocker Design Experience only.

Friday, September 25, 2026, 10:00 AM, John Bardo Center room 338

Sign up for the workshop

Building Resilience with Jacob Mendez (in-person)

Your first year in college can be a very challenging time academically and personally. In this workshop, we will spend time focusing on developing skills to be resilient throughout your college experience. We will also discussing imposter syndrome in order to help you overcome any challenges or setbacks you are going through. 

In-Person Options:

  • Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 4:30 PM, John Bardo Center room 338
  • Thursday, October 15, 2026 4:00 PM, John Bardo Center room 338
  • Wednesday, October 21, 2026 4:00 PM, John Bardo Center room 338

Sign up for workshop

Shocker Relationships Training (in-person)

This training will address various relationship types, effective communication, and social media apps. Two people can agree to be in a relationship of some kind, but each person’s definition and expectations associated with that relationship may differ. Also, one person may use a particular app to meet new friends, while others may use it in search of another kind of relationship. We hope students walk away from the session feeling empowered to have the conversations and make clear the types of relationships they are willing or not willing to engage in. Further, we want to keep the momentum going in ensuring that students are familiar with CTAC and how to reach us should they need our assistance.

Friday, September 25, 2026, 11:30 AM, John Bardo Center room 338

Sign up for the workshop

Digital Pathways To Voting Rights Justice(in-person)

Join two of Loud Lights WSU Fall Fellows in an exploration of a court-ruled voting suppression law, and the creative open-source approach that led to the biggest upticks in voter turnout in Kansas history. 

In-Person Options:

  • Tuesday, September 29, 2026 5:00 PM, John Bardo Center room 331
  • Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 3:30 PM, John Bardo Center room 338

Sign up for the workshop

Time Management with Stefanie Coronado (in-person)

There are 168 hours each week--how do you find time for what's important? In this workshop you'll make a plan to make the most of your time and you'll learn about the resources provided by the Office of Student Success. 

Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 5:00 PM, John Bardo Center room 338

Sign up for the workshop

Targeted Networking with SCA (in-person)

Learning how to ask industry professionals insightful questions and navigate career pathways.

Monday, November 9, 2026, 5:00 PM, John Bardo Center room 338

Sign up for the workshop

Professional Communication with SCA (in-person)

From emails to introductions, the way you communicate matters. Learn strategies for presenting yourself professionally, communicating clearly, and building positive professional relationships.

Thursday, October 8, 2026, 3:30 PM, John Bardo Center room 338

Sign up for the workshop

ADHD is Real with OSAT (in-person)

Can you succeed in college with ADHD? Yes you can! Join the Office of Student Accommodations and Testing to discuss realistic solutions for managing college life and ADHD. Each attendee will receive a free ADHD tool kit to take home.

Thursday, October 22, 2026, 3:30 PM, John Bardo Center room 338

Sign up for the workshop

Workshops Offered by Faculty and Industry

The Art of The Phish and Why it Works with Joe Jabara (in-person)

This presentation will detail the current state of cybersecurity growth, explore hacker motives, and demonstrate how easy it is to get information on individuals and use it to craft a malicious phishing email. Students will be encouraged during the seminar to use their Open Source Intelligence skills to find target data.

Monday, September 21, 2026, 3:30 PM, John Bardo Center room 338

Sign up for the workshop

Learning to “Lean” with LEGOs with Dr. Cindi Mason (in-person)

We know engineers design things-- cars, airplanes, bridges, computers...but who designs the processes, systems, and methods involved in getting those products to the end-user? Industrial engineers are concerned with the people and the processes involved in manufacturing and service, working to make large and complex systems of people, money, information, energy, equipment, and materials operate more effectively. Come learn about the systems and processes involved in the build of an airplane through a fun, hands-on LEGO activity!

In-Person Options:

  • Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 3:30 PM, John Bardo Center room 338
  • Friday, October 23, 2026 11:00 AM, John Bardo Center room 338

Sign up for the workshop

Protect the VIP: Intro to Systems Thinking with BAE Systems (in-person)

To develop a great solution, we must properly specify the problem domain. This is a critical step in the Shocker Design Experience and in Systems Engineering. Come learn about Systems Engineering and how to properly specify a problem domain with a fun hands-on activity.

Thursday, September 24, 2026, 3:30 PM, John Bardo Center room 338

Sign up for the workshop

Atomic Habits: Build a Habit That Actually Sticks with Janelle Birkner (in-person)

You've probably tried to build a new habit before and watched it fall apart within a couple of weeks. In this workshop, based on James Clear's bestselling book Atomic Habits, you'll learn the science behind why habits stick (or don't) and walk through the four laws that make behavior change actually work. Come design a real habit of your own using the same tools Clear teaches in the book, and leave with a written plan you can start using today.

Thursday, October 1, 2026, 3:30 PM, John Bardo Center room 338

Sign up for the workshop

Lead Like You Mean It with 3P Processing (in-person)

Great leaders aren't the loudest person in the room; they're the ones who make everyone around them better. In this workshop, Ben Murrell shares what he's learned about coaching, trust-building, and stepping up when it's your turn to lead a team. Students will walk away with practical tools for leading group projects: how to give feedback that actually lands, how to build trust fast, and how to shift from "doing the work" to helping others do their best work.

Thursday, November 5, 2026 3:30 PM, John Bardo Center room 338

Sign up for the workshop

AI: What Is It, How Does It Work, and Pro Tips for Success with Dr. Chrisy Manning (in-person)

This workshop will examine AI technology in three parts. First, we will review a brief history of AI and talk about how the most powerful models today work. Then, we will have a prompting workshop where we will use ChatGPT or another language model of your choice - so bring your laptop if possible! Finally, we will touch on a range of ethics issues in AI such as bias, intellectual property, and international relations. 

Monday, October 19, 2026, 5:00 PM, John Bardo Center room 338

Sign up for the workshop

AI and the Environment with Dr. Christy Manning (in-person)

This workshop will cover a range of environmental issues such as water use, energy use, climate impact, waste, mining, fabrication, and more. We will also trace how we got here, aka why environmental concerns are a relatively recent development in the history of AI risk, and we will talk about possible futures in the space. 

Friday, October 23, 2026, 12:00 PM, Engineering Building room 211

Sign up for the workshop

Effective Networking with Pierre Harter, Associate Vice President for Research and Industry Engagement

Creating and nurturing a professional network can be extremely helpful when trying to find a job AND as you progress through your career. In this workshop you’ll gain an understanding of why networking is important and tips and tricks on how to build and nurture your own network.

Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 3:30 PM

Sign up for the workshop

Online Workshop Options

There are multiple online options to choose from, including from LinkedIn Learning. You can access LinkedIn Learning at no cost with a Wichita Public Library card. How to obtain a Wichita Public Library card:

  • Online pre-registration: Begin the process on the Wichita Public Library Get a Card page. You will still need to visit a library branch in person to complete your registration and receive your card.
  • Visit any Wichita Public Library location with a valid photo ID and proof of your current address. A library card allows you to borrow materials and access library resources. Nearest branches: Maya Angelou Northeast Branch: 3051 E. 21st St. N. or the Rockwell Branch: 5939 E. 9th St. N.
  • Sign in to LinkedIn Learning: Use your library card number and PIN to access LinkedIn Learning through the Wichita Public Library.

Using AI Tools for Library Research (WSU Libraries)

Strengthen your library skills with AI tools that help you search smarter, evaluate sources, and work more efficiently.

Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Sign up online

Intro to Data Visualization (WSU Libraries)

Learn how to communicate information effectively using charts, graphs, or maps. We will overview types of graphical representations and how to select the right visuals to convey your ideas appropriately.

Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Sign up online

Make Your Mark as an Undergrad through Research (WSU Libraries)

Discover what research could mean for you, from understanding the research process to finding opportunities, working with faculty, and sharing your work to enhance your experience as a student.

Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Sign up online

How to Write a Literature Review (WSU Libraries)

Learn all the steps to create a literature review, from conducting comprehensive research to synthesizing perspectives to presenting your findings.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Sign up online

Mastering EndNote: Citation Management Made Simple (WSU Libraries)

Tired of losing track of sources? This hands-on workshop will show students how to use EndNote to import, organize, and cite references across projects. Whether you're writing your first paper or formatting a thesis, EndNote can help you stay organized and reduce last-minute stress.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Sign up online

Evidence Beyond the Database: Discovering and Incorporating Grey Literature into your Research (WSU Libraries)

Go beyond traditional library databases to find grey literature, learn where to look, and discover best practices for evaluating and incorporating into your research.

Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Sign up online

Information Literacy (through Wichita Public Library's LinkedIn Learning)

Information literacy is the ability to discover and use various types of information. It's an essential skill for navigating the information age. Watch this course to learn about strategies for finding information—from a library, archive, database, or the Internet—and the ethics of using it. Librarian Elsa Loftis discusses different types of resources and explains how to evaluate their usefulness and trustworthiness. She also shows how to avoid plagiarism and copyright infringement, and accurately cite sources.

Use the Wichita Public Library's LinkedIn Learning to access this online course (instructions above).

Watch the course on Information Literacy with Librarian Elsa Loftis (1 hr 47 mins)

To earn credit, complete all modules and save the Certificate of Completion that you receive at the end of the course; you will upload this certificate with your Professional Development Plan Part #2 assignment (with the workshop reflections).

Understanding Intellectual Property (through Wichita Public Library's LinkedIn Learning)

How are you protecting your work? Author and attorney Dana Robinson gives you a high-level overview of intellectual property (IP), including topics such as patents, trademarks, and other protections. Learn the answer to common IP questions and discover an attorney's perspective on how you can best safeguard your ideas, and avoid infringing others' rights.

The information in this course applies only to the United States.

Use the Wichita Public Library's LinkedIn Learning to access this online course (instructions above).

Watch the course on Understanding Intellectual Property (1 hr 44 mins)

To earn credit, complete all modules and save the Certificate of Completion that you receive at the end of the course; you will upload this certificate with your Professional Development Plan Part #2 assignment (with the workshop reflections).

Understanding US Patents: A Deeper Dive (through Wichita Public Library's LinkedIn Learning)

Whether you are an inventor yourself, work at a company that innovates, or are part of a company where intellectual property is important, understanding patent law is a big advantage. In this course, lawyer and law professor Dana Robinson shows you how to distinguish between good ideas that can be patented and good ideas that don't meet the strict requirements of patent law. He also outlines the patent application process and explains how businesses can avoid infringing existing patents with a simple search of the patent database. Dana also dives deeper into patents, applying US law, but also discussing international options. Even if you aren’t ready to file your own patent, this course should enable you to talk intelligently to a patent attorney about filing patents and about diminishing patent infringement risks.

Use the Wichita Public Library's LinkedIn Learning to access this online course (instructions above).

Watch the course on Understanding US Patents (47 mins)

To earn credit, complete all modules and save the Certificate of Completion that you receive at the end of the course; you will upload this certificate with your Professional Development Plan Part #2 assignment (with the workshop reflections).

20 Rules for Visual Communication (through Wichita Public Library's LinkedIn Learning)

How can you communicate information more visually? Instructor Amy Balliett has you covered. In this course, she introduces you to 20 rules that go into the “why,” the “who,” and the “how” of effective visual communication.

Watch the course on 20 Rules for Visual Communication (2 hrs 2 mins)

To earn credit, complete all modules and save the Certificate of Completion that you receive at the end of the course; you will upload this certificate with your Professional Development Plan Part #2 assignment (with the workshop reflections).

Microsoft Tools Training (through Wichita Public Library's LinkedIn Learning)

These courses share concise tips that help users sharpen their skills and leverage all that these communication tools have to offer.

Watch all four to earn credit:

To earn credit, complete all four courses and save the Certificates of Completion that you receive at the end of the courses; you will upload these three certificate with your Professional Development Plan Part #2 assignment (with the workshop reflections).

Maching Learning with Python (through Wichita Public Library's LinkedIn Learning)

You’ve probably heard about machine learning before, but have you ever wondered what that term really means? How does a machine learn? Have you thought about building a machine learning model, but didn’t know where to start?

Watch the course Machine Learning with Python: Foundations (1 hr 54 min)

To earn credit, complete all modules and save the Certificate of Completion that you receive at the end of the course; you will upload this certificate with your Professional Development Plan Part #2 assignment (with the workshop reflections).

Using Curiosity for Deeper Insights and Wiser Decisions (through Wichita Public Library's LinkedIn Learning)

In a world overloaded with information and uncertainty, the value of curiosity can’t be overstated. Curiosity can help you notice what others miss, avoid being led astray by false assumptions, and prioritize truth over convenience. In this course, Becki Saltzman, the founder and chief curiosity seeker at Applied Curiosity Lab, shows how to put your innate curiosity to work. Discover how to strengthen your curiosity muscle and use applied curiosity to ask smarter questions, solve problems, sell to others, and even avoid common data blind spots that can lead to faulty conclusions. Along the way, learn how to leverage the power of curiosity to gain deeper insights and make wiser decisions.

Watch the course Using Curiosity for Deeper Insights and Wiser Decisions (1 hr 5 min)

To earn credit, complete all modules and save the Certificate of Completion that you receive at the end of the course; you will upload this certificate with your Professional Development Plan Part #2 assignment (with the workshop reflections).

Professional Communication (through Wichita Public Library's LinkedIn Learning)

Learn innovative strategies for communicating with confidence, whether you're presenting at a conference, speaking up at a meeting, seeking funding, or making a request of a boss, board, client, or colleague. Learn immediately useful tips that can help you personalize content, craft business stories that are interesting and actionable, connect with audiences of five or five hundred, and exude a powerful executive presence that commands attention and respect whenever you speak.

Watch all three courses:

To earn credit, complete all courses and save the Certificates of Completion that you receive at the end of the courses; you will upload this certificate with your Professional Development Plan Part #2 assignment (with the workshop reflections).

Confident Communication for Introverts (through Wichita Public Library's LinkedIn Learning)

Introverts face some unique challenges when it comes to communication and socializing. These courses offer insights and practical strategies designed to help introverts develop the ability to communicate with confidence in any situation of their personal or professional lives.

Watch both courses:

To earn credit, complete all courses and save the Certificates of Completion that you receive at the end of the courses; you will upload this certificate with your Professional Development Plan Part #2 assignment (with the workshop reflections).

Professional Presence (through Wichita Public Library's LinkedIn Learning)

How you carry yourself matters, and with these courses you'll be better able to communicate with confidence and achieve goals such as building a network or leaving a lasting impression.

Watch all three courses:

To earn credit, complete all courses and save the Certificates of Completion that you receive at the end of the courses; you will upload this certificate with your Professional Development Plan Part #2 assignment (with the workshop reflections).

Crushing Imposter Syndrome with Confidence (through Wichita Public Library's LinkedIn Learning)

If you’ve ever found yourself feeling unworthy of promotions, opportunities, or accolades; constantly worried about being discovered as a fraud who doesn’t belong; or chronically needing to prove yourself time and again in your role, despite a track record of positive past performance, then these courses are for you.

Watch all three courses:

To earn credit, complete all courses and save the Certificates of Completion that you receive at the end of the courses; you will upload this certificate with your Professional Development Plan Part #2 assignment (with the workshop reflections).

Beating Procrastination (through Wichita Public Library's LinkedIn Learning)

Why do we procrastinate? Why not just finish what we need to do and move on? These courses introduce practical, research-based techniques you can use to beat procrastination. 

Watch all three courses:

To earn credit, complete all courses and save the Certificates of Completion that you receive at the end of the courses; you will upload this certificate with your Professional Development Plan Part #2 assignment (with the workshop reflections).

Productivity and Organization (through Wichita Public Library's LinkedIn Learning)

These courses will guide you to manage your time for greater productivity and build a system tailored to your needs. 

Watch all three courses:

To earn credit, complete all courses and save the Certificates of Completion that you receive at the end of the courses; you will upload this certificate with your Professional Development Plan Part #2 assignment (with the workshop reflections).

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