Graduate Student Workshop

Graduate Student Workshop

Program Overview

Designed to help students prepare for the highly competitive job market, this program offers selected Ph.D. candidates hands-on experience in job market paper presentation skills, career mentoring and interview techniques. Since 2009 the workshop has been held in conjunction with WEAI’s Annual Conference, which in 2024 will be June 28 - July 1, in Seattle, Washington.

Your department is invited to nominate one Ph.D. student who plans to enter the job market by January 2025 to participate in this innovative program. If your institution is an Academic or Sustaining WEAI Institutional Member you can nominate two students; three students if a Supporting Member; or five if a Sponsoring Member -- learn more about Institutional Membership

Benefits for Selected Students 

  • Mentoring from recognized scholars
  • Complimentary conference registration and one-year WEAI online membership   
  • Economy-class airfare and airport transportation to attend the workshop, up to $700 based on receipts, plus four-night stay at the conference hotel, June 28-July 1.
  • Recognition in Association publications and at the Presidential Luncheon and Annual Business Meeting 

Schedule of Activities 

By accepting the invitation to participate in the WEAI Graduate Student Workshop, students are expected to attend the following events: 

*Optional Replication Game | June 28, Time TBD, Location: Seattle University
Social science papers to be reproduced/replicated. Lunch will be provided to participants.

Evening Meet and Greet | June 28, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
GSW participants get together to meet up with their advisors for a casual meet and greet.  Enjoy a glass of something cold along with some heavy hors d'oeuvres.     

Seminar Presentation Workshops | June 29, 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
The selection committee divides students into groups each consisting of four students and one faculty advisor. To simulate the seminar portion of a typical interview experience, students make a 50-minute to one-hour presentation of their job-market paper, followed by 20 to 30 minutes of questions, comments, and discussion (individual advisors may alter this time ratio). Advisors offer candid critiques of presentation style and technique. Time permitting, advisors will give general job market advice, critique CVs, and give specific advice to each student. 

WEAI Welcome Reception | June 29, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join the rest of the conference attendees at the Welcome Reception to enjoy some time with your colleagues relaxing and catching up. Meet new friends and old! 

Mock Interview Panels  | June 30, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 
Students are scheduled for individual mock interviews that resemble a 25 minute ASSA job interview (25 minutes of interview plus 20 minutes of feedback). Interview panels include graduate student advisors and other volunteers. Interviews are done individually to most closely simulate what occurs during an ASSA interview. 

GSW Participants' Luncheon | June 30, 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. location TBD
Relax with fellow participants over a tasty lunch to debrief and share your workshop experiences.

WEAI Presidential Luncheon | July 1, 12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. location TBD
Plan to attend the Presidential Luncheon and Annual Business Meeting where you will be recognized as a participant in the 2024 GSW. WEAI President Janet Currie, Princeton University, will deliver her Presidential Address. 

Nomination Materials due by December 15

Please submit the following information online: 

  1. A two-page synopsis of the student’s job market paper, including references. A fully developed, but not necessarily final, version of the job market paper will be required from the selected students by April 15.  
  2. Student’s curriculum vita.  
  3. Recommendation letter from student’s thesis advisor.  

Criteria for Selection

A committee of the WEAI selects students based on topic importance, and originality of ideas and techniques.

Workshop Program Timeline 

  • December 15: Nomination deadline.
  • February: WEAI and Advisors Contact Students 
    WEAI announces the selection of students. Advisors contact students to let them know plans for the workshop, what their responsibilities are, and answer any questions. 
  • April: Rough Draft of Papers 
    By April 15, students will be invited to upload a rough draft of papers to the GSW website. 
  • May and June: Stay in Touch and Upload Final Papers 
    Students will receive information for the Mock Interview Panels with participant information and scheduling. Advisors are encouraged to stay in regular contact with students. By June 1, students should upload their final revisions of papers.  

Questions?

E-mail [email protected]

Submit a Nomination


History of Selected Graduate Student Workshop Participants