The University of Georgia Department of Psychology recently hosted its inaugural Building Connections in Psychology event, a half-day networking and research showcase designed to help current graduate students connect with alumni and professionals working in the field.

 

​With funding from the Graduate School's Student Success & Well-Being Grant, the event brought 12 Psychology alumni and friends to campus. Throughout the afternoon, students had the chance to ask questions, talk about career paths, and make connections with alumni working in a variety of industries and roles.

 

The event included a student poster session where students shared their research with alumni, faculty, and guests. Conversations continued throughout the afternoon during the speed-mentoring session, where students and alumni became so engrossed in discussion that more than a few groups had to be nudged to rotate when the time was called!

 

Conversations covered everything from graduate school experiences to career transitions, workplace advice, and professional growth after UGA. Department leadership also shared closing remarks celebrating the importance of mentorship and staying connected as a Psychology community.

 

The event highlighted the strength of the department as a whole. The UGA Department of Psychology includes more than 45 faculty members, over 2,000 undergraduate majors, more than 80 graduate students, and a global alumni network of more than 16,000 graduates.

 

Building on the success of this year’s event, and with support from the Parent's Leadership Council, the Department plans to launch a similar undergraduate networking event next year.

 

We are deeply grateful to the alumni and mentors who returned to campus to share their time, experiences, and advice with students, as well as the graduate students whose research and enthusiasm made the afternoon so memorable. We look forward to growing these connections for years to come.