Professional Development


A male student in commencement regalia smiles and holds his fist in a victory gesture

Many Laney Graduate School alumni go on to teach and conduct research at top-ranked universities across the nation. Others assume corporate leadership roles or work with nonprofits at home and abroad. Still others become government leaders, shaping the global economy and political climate. The single trait that defines the graduate school—alumni, current students, and faculty alike—is its commitment to preparing scholars for lives of leadership and service.

Your gift to professional development helps the graduate school support students as they begin to enter their professional fields. Graduate students must become active in broad professional contexts by presenting research at professional meetings, attending special workshops, and more. Professional development support helps them make a mark in their professions at an early stage and places Emory’s excellence in graduate education before peers from around the nation and the world.

Giving Opportunities

You can support any or all of the following programs with your gifts to the Laney Graduate School. Some gifts include naming opportunities.  

Giving Opportunities
OpportunityDescription
Professional Development Support FundsThese funds give students opportunities to enhance their professional development by participating in conferences, seeking out specialized training unavailable at Emory, and conducting research that incurs extraordinary costs. Together with support available through the Grant Writing Program, this preparation can greatly enhance students’ prospects for securing external funding for their research.
Grant Writing Program The Grant Writing Program helps students develop the skills to secure funding for research and post-doctoral projects. Students at all stages of their careers may attend informational sessions, and students who are developing actual proposals benefit from working sessions.
Jones Program in EthicsResearch integrity in graduate education is a national concern, and recent National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health mandates have highlighted the importance of going beyond simply informing students of rules and regulations. The Jones Program in Ethics strengthens ethics education across the graduate curriculum. As part of their professional development, graduate students benefit from robust training in the deliberative skills that will help them sort through the complicated ethical questions of professional life.
Laney Alumni Career PanelIn this competitive job market, students need an understanding of the multiple career opportunities available to them. The Laney Alumni Career Panel connects students with alumni who have chosen career paths outside of the academy. These alumni visit Emory’s campus to discuss their professional experiences, network with students, and create excitement about nonacademic careers and unique ways to use graduate degrees.
Teaching Assistant Training and Teaching Opportunity (TATTO)TATTO ensures that each student’s education is balanced with thoughtful and thorough preparation in the art of teaching. A degree requirement for all doctoral candidates, TATTO prepares Emory graduates to enter professional life with the skills of competent and confident educators.
Laney Graduate School Fund for Excellence (annual fund)Ongoing annual gifts provide critical, flexible support that allows the dean to invest in strategic priorities throughout the year. Pooled with support from dedicated alumni and friends, annual gifts have great impact in addressing immediate needs. 

Support Graduate Education

Want to learn more about how your gift helps students in the Laney Graduate School? Contact us today or donate online.