P2P SYMPOSIUM: PATHWAYS TO THE PROFESSION
Tarleton State University wants to welcome you to the Inaugural P2P Symposium: Pathways to the Profession, a unique gathering designed to empower graduate students as they navigate the multifaceted transition from academia to professional careers. Sponsored by the Texas A&M University System, and bringing together graduate students from all Texas A&M System schools, this two-day event brings together experts and aspiring professionals for dynamic discussions, skill-building workshops, and insightful talks. Covering themes from career development and personal growth to innovations and the future of work, the symposium aims to provide students with practical tools, networking opportunities, and inspiration to shape meaningful and impactful careers. We look forward to a productive and transformative experience for all attendees.
Students will receive a Digital Badge for attending!
REGISTRATION
The P2P Symposium will be held at Tarleton State University in the Thompson Student Center on February 3rd and 4th.
Students must receive permission from their Institution’s Pathways Coordinator to participate. All registration will be handled by the home institution and is due by January 10th, 2025.
Tentative Schedule
| Day 1: Building Communication and Career Foundations | ||
| Time | Session | Topic |
| 10:30 – 11:30 | Check-in | |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | Lunch / Welcome and Introductions / Hackathon Kickoff | |
| 12:30 – 1:30 | Plenary Talk 1 Dr. Keisha Bahr, TAMU Corpus Christi | The Narrative Gym for Graduate Students: Using the ABT Framework |
| 1:30 – 1:45 | Break | |
| 1:45 – 2:45 | Concurrent Session 1 (Choose one of the following): A-1 David Steele, Frisco-Sportstech Plug and Play B-1 Dr. Keisha Bahr, TAMU-CC C-1 Jim Hinson, Tarleton State University | Foundations of Communication and Networking Networking: Building Bridges for Professional Growth Using the ABT Framework for Creating Narratives Speaking Effectively: Communicating with Impact |
| 2:45 – 3:15 | Afternoon Coffee Break / Networking / Booths | |
| 3:15 – 4:15 | Plenary Talk 2 Phedra Redifer, Executive Director/CEO of Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas | Navigating the Emerging Trends in the Workforce |
| 4:15 – 4:30 | Break | |
| 4:30 – 5:30 | Concurrent Session 2 (Choose one of the following): A-2 Phedra Redifer, Workforce Solutions B-2 Dr. Ed Dittfurth, Tarleton State University C-2 Dr. Julie Harlin, Texas A&M University | Career Development and Job Readiness Workshop on Job Readiness Entrepreneurship: Mindset Thinking Leveraging Mentoring Relationships for Success in Graduate Education |
| 6:00 | Dinner / Alumni Panel Discussion / Social Event | |
| Day 2: Empowering Resilience and Leadership | ||
| Time | Session | Topic |
| 8:00 – 8:30 | Continental Breakfast | |
| 8:30 – 9:30 | Concurrent Session 3 (Choose one of the following): A-3 Dr. Hector Rivera, Texas A&M University B-3 Dr. David Notgrass, Tarleton State University C-3 Dr. Rance Berg, University of North Texas Health Science Center | Leadership and Resilience Resilience as a Framework for Professional Success Leadership Development Understanding Emotional Intelligence for Workforce Success |
| 9:30 – 9:45 | Break | |
| 9:45 – 10:45 | Plenary Talk 3 Dr. Shannon Walton, Texas A&M University | Unmasking Imposter Syndrome: Embracing Your True Potential |
| 10:45 – 11:15 | Morning Coffee Break / Networking / Booths | |
| 11:15 – 12:15 | Concurrent Session 4 (Choose one of the following): A-4 Dr. Scott Cook, Tarleton State University B-4 Dr. David Cavazos, Tarleton State University C-4 Dr. James Goodpasture and Dr. Juan Gallardo, Tarleton State University | Practical Skills for Career Growth AI/ML Technologies: Transforming Graduate Education and Careers Embracing Problem-Solving and Opportunity Recognition Financial Literacy Foundations for Success |
| 12:15 | Box Lunch / Hackathon Presentations / Closing | |
Concurrent Sessions
Track A: Workforce Readiness and Practical Skills
This track equips participants with essential tools to navigate the workforce, emphasizing networking, job readiness, resilience, and financial literacy as core components of career success.
- Session A-1: “Networking: Building Bridges for Professional Growth” – David Steele
- Session A-2: “Workshop on Job Readiness” – Phedra Redifer
- Session A-3: “Resilience as a Framework for Professional Success” – Dr. Hector Rivera
- Session A-4: “Financial Literacy: Foundations for Success” – Dr. James Goodpasture & Dr. Juan Gallardo
Track B: Leadership and Problem-Solving
This track fosters personal and professional growth through leadership development, innovative thinking, and problem-solving, providing participants with the skills to lead and adapt in a dynamic environment
- Session B-1: “Using the ABT Framework for Leadership Narratives” – Dr. Keisha Bahr
- Session B-2: “Entrepreneurship: Cultivating an Innovative Mindset” – Dr. Ed Dittfurth
- Session B-3: “Leadership Development: Inspiring Through Action” – Dr. David Notgrass
- Session B-4: “Problem-Solving: Recognizing and Embracing Opportunities” – Dr. David Cavazos
Track C: Communication and Technology
This track strengthens participants’ ability to communicate effectively, build meaningful connections, and embrace emerging technologies like AI/ML to excel in the modern workforce.
- Session C-1: “Speaking Effectively: Communicating with Impact” – Jim Hinson
- Session C-2: “Leveraging Mentoring Relationships for Success” – Dr. Julie Harlin
- Session C-3: “Understanding Emotional Intelligence for Workforce Success” – Dr. Rance Berg
- Session C-4: “AI/ML Technologies: Transforming Graduate Education and Careers” – Dr. Scott Cook
Accommodations and Transportation
Tarleton State University College of Graduate Studies is excited to welcome you to Stephenville for the P2P Symposium! Please discuss with your university’s P2P Coordinator plans for lodging and transportation.
Accommodations
Blocks of rooms will be available at (Institutions will need to call to receive the block rate):
Best Western Plus (group name: Pathways2025): 254-965-8899
La Quinta (group name: Pathways 2025): 254-918-2444
Hampton Inn & Suites (group name: Tarleton State University-Pathway 2025 *rates good through January 4th, 2025): 254-918-5400
Super 8 (group name: Pathways): 254-965-0888
Transportation
Consult with your P2P Coordinator for assistance with traveling to the Stephenville Campus.
Parking will be available in any of the green lots, with Dash Pass.
Dash Pass will be distributed by your P2P Coordinator.
Lots P41 and P43 have access to a shuttle that runs all day.
Campus Map (Thompson Student Center is circled)
FAQ
Questions and answers to come