The University of Southern Mississippi is dedicated to training future professionals in preparation for academic and research-oriented careers. The Graduate School provides opportunities for students to cultivate the skills required for success in academia and beyond.
Professionals in Preparation (PIP) is a year-long series of workshops developed to enhance the marketable workplace skills of our graduate students. The workshops offer practical guidance and hands-on activities beyond the regular academic curricula. The Graduate School facilitates 12 PIP workshops across the fall and spring semesters. Each session is led by either a current USM graduate faculty member or an invited guest speaker.
The PIP professional development workshop series is open to all graduate students and is designed to help them improve "transferable skills" that will set them apart in an increasingly competitive job market. Leadership, effective communication, problem-solving, project management, and professionalism are just a few examples of transferable skills that apply across various industries and fields.
Our final and most popular workshop focuses on Professional Dining Etiquette. Proper dining etiquette is vital for making a favorable impression during lunch/dinner interviews and in social business situations. The Spring 2025 workshop will be held at the Ogletree House, located at USM's Hattiesburg Campus, where students will experience a three-course meal while learning the importance of etiquette in the modern workplace in enhancing one’s professional presence.
Join us in advancing this professional development endeavor to ensure the PIP program at the Southern Miss Graduate School continues to thrive. Your contribution will assist in funding the annual dining etiquette workshop, reserve future meeting spaces, acquire professional development materials for students, and recruit guest speakers. Your support will play a vital role in ensuring the continuation of the PIP program which provides indispensable opportunities for students to enhance their professional development skills as they prepare to enter the workforce.
