Schedule at-a Glance

1. The role of technology commercialization and IHEs and importance for HBCUs/MSIs.
2. Exposed to success stories in technology commercialization from various regions.
3. Federal and state opportunities for technology commercialization.

1. Understand the value of collaborating with Majority Institutions in developing joint research proposals for sponsored funding.
2. Managing institutional partnerships – best practices.

Learning Objective: Participants will understand agency-specific opportunities in the FY19 R&D Federal Budget

This session will feature program managers/officers from Federal agencies to share upcoming funding opportunities. A select panel of program managers/officers from both civilian and defense agencies will discuss these opportunities. This seminar will also include a discussion of the Government Fiscal Year 2019 (GFY19) Federal Research & Development (R&D) Budget and targets of opportunity for HBCUs.

Learning Objective: Participants will understand the value proposition both minority and majority professional societies brings to students, faculty, and to the institution

Professional society participation by students at HBCUs is extremely important as students start their career path. It is important for students and faculty to participate in both minority and non-minority professional society student chapters, as each provides different tools and networks for their professional journey. This seminar will include representatives from various societies to discuss the merits of participation, and personal success stories on how these societies played a key role in their career success.

Learning Objective/Take Away: Participants will get an early look into vision from panelists as to the composition, impact and role for HBCUs of the proposed United States Space Force as well as deepening their relationships with the Department of Defense.

Each day brings us a step closer to the reality of a United States Space Force becoming the 6th branch of the U.S. Military. What steps are being taken to add a new branch to the military? What is the Space Force? What is its mission? How will it function/defend? What role can HBCUs play and how can they get in on the ground floor with new research and contract opportunities? What will be the acquisition environment?

The BEYA Hall of Innovation is the backdrop for An Evening with BEYA’s Leading Voices, where the circle of dynamic opinion and editorial commentators in the new US Black Engineer and Information Technology magazine section comes to life. Experts present thought-provoking, innovative concepts to mark the opening of the BEYA Hall of Innovation. We also honor the contributions of 14 STEM Innovators and recognize the members of the CCG Hall of Fame, past Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) winners who have gone beyond the call of duty in providing inspiration, motivation, and transformation in the lives of next-generation STEM leaders.

This event is an extension of the Alumni Welcome Reception.

Military Symposium is a professional development track for military officers) O1 – O6 from all 5 services and GS – 7 – GS 15 employees. The professional development training will inform, inspire, and engage government leaders as they move from small teams to leading larger organizations.

At the end of the session attendees will have knowledge about the following: 

1. Importance of Joint Service Peer to Peer modeling
2. Importance of Professional certificates like PMP, CISSP, and others for uniform career progression
3. Importance of mentorship
4. Understanding of the schedule for BEYA
5. Receive continuing education credit for professional development and your military

Learning Objective: Support leadership effectiveness in managing remote and virtual teams

Leadership experts challenge leaders to engage employees, carve out more face time, and employ strategies that seem impossible when your team is scattered around the world. This team structure and challenge is becoming increasingly popular with evolving technology. How can leaders increase the effectiveness of remote and global teams? There are several specific tasks and approaches that every leader should consider when managing and leading remote teams. Virtual connections must rely on specific tools, techniques, and skills to effectively build relationships and accomplish tasks. This workshop will give you these tools to transform your team’s virtual experience.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

1. Examine how current leaders manage remote and global teams.
2. Explore the limitations and role of technology in leading remote teams.
3. Examine cultural and other factors that impact virtual effectiveness.

Learning Objective: Explore the BEYA nomination process

Career Communications Group is committed to selecting and reviewing the most talented and accomplished leaders in STEM. Each year, our selection committee gets the opportunity to meet these candidates through nomination packages. We want to ensure that your candidate’s value, contributions, and talents are clearly expressed. This workshop will provide government, military, and corporate communities with a step-by-step review of designing a nomination package that conveys the greatness of your organization. As many of you know, becoming a BEYA winner is a highly respected honor that reflects appreciation and commitment to honoring service, diversity, and outstanding leadership.

At the end of the session, participants will:

1. Be familiar with the selection and award process.
2. Be able to identify best practices for recommendations.
3. Be familiar with the requirements for preparing a nomination package.
4. Learn where and how to access resources and support.

Join top executives from Lockheed Martin who will engage in courageous conversations exploring intersections of race, gender, and culture in the workplace. This session will explore topics that act as barriers to advancing and retaining employees. We will explore authenticity as a leadership skill, and the varied ways to define what it means to be true to you. This workshop is a safe space for honest conversations and an assessment of your own authentic leadership style.

Lockheed Martin executives will share their journey to authentic leadership through examples of challenges and success. Learn how these leaders navigated setbacks while remaining true to their values and confident in their abilities in order to excel to a position of leadership. Participants will be placed into working groups to have deeper discussions with Lockheed Martin leaders. These exchange sessions are designed for participants to share what is on their minds, discuss challenges faced in the workplace and to receive feedback from leaders based on their experiences. Participants will get guidance on developing bold goals inspired by action steps that they will commit to take to get to the next level.

Core to the cybersecurity of our nation are the people on the front lines who are building, maintaining, analyzing, and defending our systems and networks. In this presentation, learn how GDIT’s Cyber Institute uses advanced training and technology to prepare employees, mission partners and customers to proactively protect and defend against nation states, insider threats, and cyber criminals.

At the end of the session, participants will:

1. Learn about the emerging trends in cybersecurity and the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to succeed as a cyber-professional
2. Discover the formal and informal education and training methods used by the Cyber Institute
3. Understand how GDIT’s Cyber Center of Excellence…innovates training…

For most of us, teamwork is a part of everyday life. Whether it’s at home, in the community, or at work, we are often expected to be a functional part of a performing team. This workshop will encourage participants to explore the different aspects of a team, as well as ways that they can become a top-notch team performer.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to answer the following questions:

1. Why are teams key to productive work environments?
2. What are the four phases of the Tuckman team development model? How can knowing these characteristics help me on a team?
3. What are types of teams and how to utilize each type to get results?
4. What are essential behaviors of leaders and followers on well functioning teams?
5. What are the uses, benefits and disadvantages of various team-building activities?
6. What teambuilding exercises create bonds and when to use them?

Learning Objective: 

1. Speakers will provide insight into their path to the Senior Executive Service by:
2. Highlighting various aspects of their leadership journey.
3. Talk to leadership competencies they deem most critical to their success.
4. Highlight their perspective on best practices in development of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
5. Highlight some of the pitfalls potential SES candidates face.

Learning Objective: Discover which professional development learning path is better for your career.

The increasing rate of technology innovation and the expansion of globalization has led to a significant increase in the level of competition in STEM fields. Whether you’re new to IT, a recent STEM graduate, or an industry veteran there will always be a need to be relevant in order to move your career forward. The ongoing debate regarding the values placed on industry certifications versus a degree remains a topic of discussion with employers and employees alike. The results of these debates often lead to the unfulfilling answer of “it depends”. This interactive discussion will review some of those dependencies, debunk hiring myths, and provide real-world examples of how each professional development path can impact your career.

At the end of this seminar, participants will:

• Understand the demand signals that drive the need for new skills
• Debunk myths that occur during the hiring process and how value is attributed to candidates
• Identify methods to differentiate your resume in a pool of competitive candidates
• Review the ideas surrounding mastery vs. knowledge and how each is viewed

Learning Outcome: Increase communication and team-building skills

Are you a team player? Do you have the skills to thrive and contribute value in groups? In order to be effective, it is helpful to understand the complexity of group dynamics and people. This seminar will support you in understanding group dynamics, dealing with difficult people, and maintaining your professionalism in a variety of group challenges. Furthermore, we will discuss the role of culture, values, and perceptions in group interactions. This high-level seminar will transform any new professional into a savvy communicator and thoughtful collaborator.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

1. Explore common group dynamics and goals.
2. Examine common challenges and struggles.
3. Discuss self-management and emotional intelligence.
4. Explore the roles of culture, values, and perceptions in group situations.

Learning Objective: Diversity leaders create a brand and image that supports and reflects competence and business value.

What does it mean to be a diversity leader? Over the past several years, diversity has been a hot topic. However, as times change and business challenges increase, the term has become a stale reference to check off a list of politically correct requirements. As leaders in diversity, we are challenged to educate, energize, and excite our organization around diversity initiatives. These initiatives build the foundation of creativity, innovation, and transformative results. Diversity and inclusion leaders are key players on the executive leadership team with the specific responsibility for ensuring that human resources are honored, embraced, and ready to contribute great value. Diversity and inclusion leaders are trusted advisors that fundamentally create strategies that result in corporate cultural transformations to effectively support the mission and vision of the organization. To continue to be successful and safeguard the great work and efforts of those before you, you must create a brand and image that reflects high integrity and strong leadership capacity. This workshop will arm you with the skills you need to change your leadership image and effectively function as a vital part of the leadership vision.

At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Explore key diversity and inclusion leadership and management skills.
2. Understand strategies for building the right brand and image.
3. Examine what it means to transform organizational culture.
4. Create a plan for excellence in diversity and inclusion leadership.
5. 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM   

The thought of taking the PMP exam can be a bit intimidating for some, with the exhaustive application process, months of studying an exhaustive amount of content, and sitting for the actual four-hour long exam, then the nail biting minutes waiting for your results to pop up on the screen.Our panel consists of 5 PMP’s who have been there!

At the end of this session, attendees can:

1. Understand what the PMP certification is and who should take it
2. Explain why the PMP certification important in civilian industry
3. Apply for and take the PMP exam
4. Recommended study Material for Taking the PMP
5. Explain how to study for the PMP, what worked and didn't work

Learning Objective: Participants will partake in an interactive discussion with decisions-makers in the government, military and business sectors to understand how to handle current issues of finding talent, privacy, mitigating incidents, homeland security and defense. Participants will be able to gain better insight into how real cyber executive leadership defend and protect our nation in an ever-changing cyberspace. 

At what point can security be seen to be completely covered? Most security executives want more, but are limited based on talent, funding, and capacity. But for our executive panel, the solution to security is even more complex. They counter various decisions that even when the smallest detail is missed it could cost more than anticipated. 

At the end of this discussion, participants will be able to:

1. Gain the understanding on how cybersecurity is evolving within the in the government and military
2. Prepare those interested in getting into information security
3. Share success stories of securing our nation assets against threats

Learning Objective: Examine and practice the skillset of delivering a great interview

Job interviews are stressful enough without having to establish a positive and professional self-representation during the interview process. Recruiters are looking for the ideal candidate, and you are trying to come across as friendly and trustworthy while explaining how you’re the perfect candidate, so practice makes perfect. The competition is tough, so it’s no wonder your confidence should be your focus. That’s why you need to be in this seminar. We will deliver practical, step-by-step, proven strategies and interview tips to help you build confidence, become persuasive, and walk into a room locked and loaded, ready to formulate impressive answers to common interview questions. Along with the answers and swagger to pull it off, we will give you the opportunity to perfect your skills before your interview. This session will begin with the knowledge of how to impress recruiters, while the second half will pull it all together in the practice mock interview sessions. Remember, practice makes perfect. You will have the opportunity to sit face to face with professional interviewers in order to prepare effectively for your real interviews.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to answer these questions:

1. What are the common interview questions, and how do I prepare my answers?
2. What information do I need to know for every interview?
3. How do I answer difficult questions?
4. What are good questions to ask my interviewer?
5. How do I answer “So tell me about yourself”?
6. What do I do after the interview?
7. What are common interview mistakes?
8. What does my body language say about me?
9. What informati
   

Learning Objective: Learn and explore the benefits and opportunities in cybersecurity

Living and work environments have been revolutionized by technology, and it seems the possibilities are endless. From social networking to homeland security, the impact of technological advancements is massive. However, as technology is used to capture every corner of our world, the terror of cyber threats and abuse remains an ongoing battle. Join us in this seminar where a panel of cybersecurity professionals discusses approaches to protect critical intelligence and design practical solutions for defending and avoiding cybercrime and attacks before they happen.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

1. List strategies for building a safe and secure cybersecurity environment.
2. Explore strategy and policies that impact cybersecurity.
3. Examine the impact and cybersecurity in diverse industries.
4. Explore advances and opportunities for STEM professionals.
5. Identify ways to get ahead of the threat.

Learning Objective: Assess successful mentoring techniques

Mentoring is a mutually beneficial practice that provides opportunities both for the mentor and mentee as well as paying dividends for employers. Corporations have discovered that the act of implementing strategic mentoring results in great short- and long-term value. Mentoring creates collaborations, bonds, and buy-in like no other relationship process. This seminar will help you engage in, find, and benefit from mentoring programs.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

1. Identify strategic mentoring solutions.
2. Examine the benefit of reverse mentoring.
3. Explore successful networking strategies that connect people.
4. Examine mentoring activities and suggestions that enrich the experience.
5. Explore ways to identify and pair successful mentoring matches.

Learning Objective: Examine the methods and reasoning for obtaining the Professional Engineer License

A professional engineer (P.E.) is a person who is licensed to practice engineering in a particular state or U.S. territory after meeting all the requirements of the law. This seminar will give you the information you need to obtain the professional licensure and an understanding of the responsibilities that must be fulfilled to keep it.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the reasoning behind being a Licensed Professional Engineer.
2. Identify the procedures for completing the Licensed Professional Engineer registration process.
3. Identify the responsibilities for maintaining the Professional Engineer License.
4. Outline the Principles of Standard Care.

Learning Objective: Discuss the upcoming trends of data analytics

Business applications are being influenced more and more by social features for improving business collaboration and making companies more informed and productive. Data socialization enables groups of data scientists, business analysts, and other users the opportunity to search, reuse, and share managed data. This helps in creating a network of certified, curated, and raw data sets, which helps in fostering a culture of data access where users or analysts can learn from each other.

At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify how far technology has come and where the trend is going.
2. Discuss what data socialization is and its effects on the corporate world.
3. Identify the multiple uses that data socialization can have in our society.
4. Analyze the steps to take to improve their organization’s data socialization.

Enterprise risk management has become a vital component to cyber security, logistics management, asset management and supply chain management. As organizations continue to rely on data to drive workforce automation, Industrial IoT and process automation, it is becoming necessary to analyze data to discover risk before it occurs and implement effective remediation practices and processes. Seminar participants will collaborate and explore the emerging new use cases for enterprise risk management that addresses the need to better understand how to leverage critical data to predict and understand how data analytics can support risk management and mitigation in an increasingly data-dependent workforce environment.

During this seminar, participants will:

1. Explore new innovations in enterprise risk management that will provide new career opportunities for STEM professionals
2. Examine the skills and experiences necessary to take advantage of risk management career opportunities
3. Discern the applicable areas for enterprise risk management
4. Determine the importance of addressing enterprise risk management in all digital transformation initiatives
5. Identify the market growth and consulting opportunities in enterprise risk management

Learning Objective: Discuss traits that help develop and expand your leadership repertoire

Are leaders born or made? How do aspiring managers succeed in an ever-changing business environment? How do they lead different groups to action? Throughout this seminar, we will explore how great leaders assess themselves, manage collaborative teams, and effectively manage negotiations and conflict.

At this seminar, participants will:

1. Discover how leaders communicate through storytelling and employ other communication strategies to influence.
2. Explore and analyze leadership styles.
3. Identify how organizations can develop team charters to optimize their groups and develop a game plan for effective negotiation.

Learning Objective: Examine methods for successfully understanding corporate etiquette

Professionals understand that etiquette in business is a critical factor in making decisions. Success in any industry relies on relationships, whether with coworkers, clients, suppliers, or investors. When you are well-mannered and considerate in dealing with others, you create engaging, productive, long-lasting relationships. In this course, we will discuss accepted business behavior and its importance in business correspondence.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to answer the following questions:

1. What is the definition of etiquette?
2. What are the guidelines to making effective introductions?
3. What are the three Cs associated with making a good impression?
4. What are the three steps in giving a handshake?
5. What is one technique you can use to remember names?
6. What are two ways to minimize nervousness while in social situations?
7. What are two differences between a formal and an informal letter?
8. What color connotes dominance and power? Vitality
   

Learning Objective: Examine and practice the skill set of delivering a great interview

Job interviews are stressful enough without having to establish a positive and professional self-representation during the interview process. Recruiters are looking for the ideal candidate, and you are trying to come across as friendly and trustworthy while explaining how you’re the perfect candidate, so practice makes perfect. The competition is tough, so it’s no wonder your confidence should be your focus. That’s why you need to be in this seminar. We will deliver practical, step-by-step, proven strategies and interview tips to help you build confidence, become persuasive, and walk into a room locked and loaded, ready to formulate impressive answers to common interview questions. Along with the answers and swagger to pull it off, we will give you the opportunity to perfect your skills before your interview. This session will begin with the knowledge of how to impress recruiters, while the second half will pull it all together in the practice mock interview sessions. Remember, practice makes perfect. You will have the opportunity to sit face to face with professional interviewers in order to prepare effectively for your real interviews.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to answer these questions:

a.       What are the common interview questions, and how do I prepare my answers?

b.      What information do I need to know for every interview?

c.       How do I answer difficult questions?

Our ability to learn new ways to think is the power of human potential. We have to make choices about the types of thinking that we apply to a variety of different challenges.

Critical Thinking is the act of examining a set of facts and analyzing and evaluating relevant information. We live in a knowledge-based society, and the more critically you think the better your knowledge will be. Critical Thinking provides you with the skills to analyze and evaluate information so that you are able to obtain the greatest amount of knowledge from it. It provides the best chance of making the correct decision and minimizes damages if a mistake does occur. Critical Thinking will lead to be a more rational and disciplined thinker. It will reduce your prejudice and bias, which will provide you a better understanding of your environment.

This workshop will provide you the skills to evaluate, identify, and distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information. It will lead you to be more productive in your career and provide a great skill in your everyday life.

Lastly, critical thinking skills will support your capacity to be innovative. Once you fully understand what it is, you can begin exploring what could be.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to answer the following questions:

1) What is critical thinking?

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM   

Learning Objective: Examine the elements to constructing superior resumes

Having an efficient and strong resume will greatly improve your chances of landing that dream job and starting your career on the right foot. Creating the perfect resume takes practice and skill. You want to make sure that your resume stands out above the rest without overdoing it. How does one make sure that his or her resume is top notch and bullet proof? This seminar will give you the scoop on creating the standout resume that will get you your next interview. We will discuss tips such as determining what your resume’s purpose is, supporting your strengths, using appropriate keywords, the benefits of proofreading and bullet points, and proper font usage.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the purpose of a solidly effective resume.
2. Discern between good and bad resumes.
3. Analyze the resume factors that recruiters identify to disregard some resumes.
4. Identify the attributes of resumes that get on the interview schedule.

“The futuristic age of the Jetsons was set in the year 2062. That is just 40 years from now. How are we making that future a reality right now?

The Boeing Company has been innovating in the new frontier of aerospace and utilizes machine learning and artificial intelligence in a world of digital technology.  At the Boeing Company, the first 100 years we helped people reach across the globe, in the next 100 years, as we better utilize our data, will we be able to reach beyond?

But today we are faced with extraordinary amounts of data, owned and distributed by various sources. From model-based engineering and smart manufacturing, to solutions for fleet operations and logistics management, data is shaping the future of aerospace and industry. How can we access, capture, secure and leverage data-driven decisions and empower ourselves in engineering and business?

Join panelists from The Boeing Company for a conversation about the digital transformation that is revolutionizing engineering and the aerospace industry. Executive leaders will discuss how employees of the Boeing Company are being prepared for this future and how to apply these principles to your education and your career.”

Learning Objective: Explore methods for developing communication and creating successful relationships through networking

The overused cliché, “It’s not what you know but who you know,” may be one of the most powerful success strategies ever spoken. We’ve all met that dynamic, charismatic person that just has a way with others and has a way of being remembered. We are in awe of her ability to access and create opportunities with ease. This workshop will help participants work toward being that unforgettable person by providing communication skills, tips on making an impact, and advice on networking and starting conversations.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to answer the following questions:

1. How can I improve my ability to listen?
2. What are the differences between a weak and powerful communicator?
3. What role does “non-verbal” communication play in my effectiveness?
4. How can I break the ice and start conversations that lead to meaning connections?
5. What interpersonal skills are critical for leading and working with teams?
6. What are behaviors and common mistakes that impact interpersonal effectiveness and team success?
7. 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM   

Learning Objective: To examine methods for creating and boosting your career through social media

Do you know what your online presence is saying about you? Oh, you don’t have a brand? Think again. Your online presence tells more about you than just your career goals. Your brand is your reputation. It’s everything that people know about you and should be everything you want your future employer to know about you, such as your work ethic and why they should hire you. In this seminar, we will help you build your professional brand or make your current image more attractive to recruiters. To achieve this end, we will examine your values, your strengths, and the type of work that brings out your passion. Next, we will help you construct a fascinating brand story that will authentically and powerfully describe who you are. Finally, we will give you insight into which professional groups are good for new professionals to develop, such as Facebook groups and LinkedIn Groups.

At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Identify their values, their strengths, and the type of work that they are most passionate about.
2. Use observational learning techniques to develop an understanding of what a persuasive brand story is.
3. Discover what helps and hurts their social media brand.
4. Develop an action plan to perfect their brand story.

The civil rights movement helped open the doors for people of color to increase their population in technology industries. Raytheon, a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security, and other government markets throughout the world is embracing the changing work environment. With a history of innovation spanning more than 100 years, Raytheon is also leader in creating a diverse workforce. The black employee population at Raytheon is comprised mostly of generation X, Y, millennials and soon generation Z. One commonality between these generations that separates them from the baby boomers that preceded them, they have been heavily influenced by hip hop music culture. The hip hop culture is about embracing who you are and where you come from. Long gone are the days of assimilating and losing your cultural identity while pursuing your career in a technical industry. This workshop will explore the journey of men and women who are navigating their career at Raytheon and how hip hop has influenced the directions they have taken in maintaining their authenticity and successfully growing in an environment that is also changing and adapting to different cultures.

Come hear how these leaders have brought the tenants of leadership forward tightly coupled with the influence of hip hop, the desire to go against the grain, and the acceptance of being uniquely different. These Raytheon leaders are using their differences to stand out to blaze new trails and expand possibilities all while being an authentic leader and a valued mentor.

These leaders lead a little differently and this makes all the difference at Raytheon.

At present, there are thousands of service members transitioning out of the Armed Services every year. And, this talented pool of job seekers looks for military-friendly companies that will put their hard-earned skills to good use. Employer can benefit from hiring Veterans. Military personnel are often cross-trained in multiple skills and have experience in varied tasks and responsibilities. Veterans are disciplined team players, educated, professionals, self-starter, detail oriented and have a very strong work ethic that can bolster any employer’s business.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

1. Consider strategies to attract, recruit, and hire Veterans and Military Members in Transition
2. Acquire understanding and information as to why it makes hiring a Veteran a great business decision
3. Identify five benefits and incentives (both tangible and non-tangible) that are provided to businesses, i.e. Corporate, Industry, Non-Profit, and Academia, when they hire Veterans.
4. Gain awareness of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and core leadership competencies Veterans being to any organization both Federal and Non-Federal Entities.
5. 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM   

Learning Objective: Develop time-management skills for better organization and productivity
 

Students who’ve learned how to effectively manage time during high school are better prepared for the rigors of college study. Regardless of preparation, it takes time to adjust to college. Improve time management skills by setting and not deviating from goals. Even students who managed time well during high school often struggle when they begin college. Students are overwhelmed with large course loads, extracurricular activities, and other social activities. Although being in college can be overwhelming, it’s possible to complete everything that must be done in a timely and efficient manner. Developing time management and organizational skills is the key to working efficiently. The best way to better manage time is to develop daily schedules. Most organized people plan daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. This seminar will show you how to be self-motivated, leading to better organizational skills, productivity, and efficiency.
 

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

1. Outline long-term goals and a plan to obtain them.
2. Obtain detailed plans for each day and know how to deal with delays.
3. Break large projects down into several simpler projects.
4. Cultivate a flexible schedule.

Learning Objective: Examine the process of achieving a U.S. security clearance

As you create your master plan for success, consider the variety of tools needed to gain a competitive edge in your industry. By familiarizing yourself with the extensive U.S. security clearance process, you can begin to prepare to access opportunities that help you excel. This seminar will guide you through the process of getting and keeping a U.S. security clearance. We will also explore the future and emerging career opportunities that require various clearance levels.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

1. Identify a series of career paths and associated tools to improve job marketability.
2. List a series of certification and association options.
3. Understand the security clearance process and associated misconceptions and mistakes.

Learning Objective: Assess methods for improving study skills

Learning to study effectively is a skill that benefits everyone, even the smartest in the class. When polled, most college students would agree that when they started college, they did not know how to properly study. In this seminar, we will address preparatory study principles, such as setting goals, knowing your learning style, being an active reader, participating in study groups, organizing your notes and study materials, and writing drafts of papers, that can help all students improve their study skills and perform better.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the traits of successful studying candidates.
2. Generate methods for achieving successful studying habits.
3. Outline methods for implementing successful studying techniques.

This session will introduce participants to:

 * The five dimensions of Flexibility and their role in building resiliency and capability
- Proactivity
- Composure
- Connectivity
- Variety Seeking
- Rejuvenation

Learning Outcomes:

• Perspectives on doing business with the government from the small business and federal contracting officer perspective.
• Keys to doing business with the government to include:
  • Building Relationships
  • Marketing your business
  • Working with Contracting Officers
  • Teaming up with Prime Contractors
    • Becoming a Subcontractor (Pros and Cons)
  • Funding your government contract
  • Highs and lows of dealing with the government

Learning Objective: Examine resources for successfully navigating graduate school admission and courses

Acclimating to a new environment or even a new process can be difficult. While pursuing an undergraduate degree presents its challenges, taking the next step to the advanced degree presents even more challenges. How can one navigate through the graduate school process as an early career graduate student? What are the tools needed for this transition? This seminar highlights the tools needed for the graduate school experience while addressing the factors that impact those experiences. This session also highlights the difficulties in STEM fields while discussing some solutions that can help to overcome the common challenges and hurdles that are usually encountered.
 

At the end of the seminar, participants will be able to:

1. Strategically plan each academic year for both short-term and long-term goals based on the identified impact factors.
2. Tap into resources that help foster graduate academic and personal growth.
3. Recognize the difference between a sponsor and a mentor and expand their academic network by fostering these relationships.
4. Identify both personal and research goals to make the best of the graduate school experience while recognizing how to incorporate each goal set to find the right balance.

Learning Objective: Investigate test-taking skills to achieve higher assessment scores

Being prepared for tests is not an easy process. Even if you are prepared, tests can still make you feel anxious. Why is being a good test taker so important in college? In colleges and universities, much of a student’s grades are based on quiz and test performance. Doing well on these tests is typically a major indicator on your subject matter knowledge and a good indicator of how you would perform in the workplace. Having good test scores will jumpstart your career. In this seminar, we will address test-taking and test preparation tips and strategies for college-level tests. Applying helpful test-taking and test preparation skills addressed in this seminar, such as writing down everything you remember, reading the directions, browsing the test questions, putting together a plan, and making an educated guess, will teach you how to prepare for and perform well on any test so that you feel confident that you’re bringing your testing A-game.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:

1. Review the factors that limit achieving higher college assessment scores.
2. Identify practices for dealing with test anxiety.
3. Measure current test-taking methods’ validity.
4. Generate more efficient techniques for improving assessment scores.

Applying for a position in the federal government might seem like a daunting task. Have no fear, NASA is here to show applicants how to; create a government formatted resume, enhance an existing resume, and navigate the application site, USA Jobs.gov. Individuals are encouraged to bring a copy of their resume to the workshop for one-on-one critiquing.