Visual & Cultural Studies | Professional Development Organization Group (PDOG)

Welcome to the Professional Development Resource Database for Visual & Cultural Studies graduate students, curated by the Professional Development Organization Group (PDOG). Here you will find resources on CFPs, conferences, professional organizations, and relevant journals. We have also compiled information on fellowship opportunities; life on campus and in Rochester; teaching, training, and career development resources; and workshops and summer programs that may be of interest to VCS students.

Every semester, the PDOG organizes two in-person professional development workshops in consultation with the Program Director based on the year’s needs. Students will receive email notifications with the time and location of each session. These workshops are designed to provide practical support and guidance as you progress through the program. Topics rotate and may include:

• Fellowship and grant applications
• Portfolio and academic website development
• Job market preparation and alumni networking
• Publishing strategies (with additional resources from the library)
• Conference abstract writing
• Qualifying exam and dissertation support
• CV and cover letter workshops
• English Academic writing for the humanities
• Syllabus design and teaching statement preparation

For Fall 2025, we will host two workshops:

1. Making It (or Not) on the Academic Job Market
Friday, October 10, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Humanities Center, Room D
This workshop is designed especially for students in Visual and Cultural Studies who are interested in exploring possible academic futures across art history, media studies, visual studies, and critical theory. It will be useful both for advanced students currently on the job market and for earlier-stage students seeking to understand the current academic landscape.

2. Time and Stress Management
Friday, November 11, 2:15–3:45 p.m.
Location TBD

If you have questions or recommendations for additional resources to include in this database or workshops, please contact current PDOG organizers Renee Yu Jin (yjin42@ur.rochester.edu) / Yasaman Bagbahn (ybaghban@ur.rochester.edu)