National Workshop Provides Interactive Sessions and Hands-On Training

Students from Alabama A&M University’s Partnership for Radiation Studies (PaRS) Consortium recently joined peers from across the country at the 9th Annual Lessons-Learned Workshop in Atlanta. Themed “Successfully Selling You!” and hosted by Dr. Michelle Lee, founder of Soft Skills for STEM (S3TEM), the event provided an immersive experience focused on career readiness, personal branding, and professional development.

The workshop helped students strengthen vital soft skills that complement their technical expertise – an increasingly crucial factor for success in STEM careers. Attendees participated in interactive sessions designed to enhance communication, teamwork, leadership, and emotional intelligence, all of which are critical for navigating today’s job market.

“The session on emotional intelligence was an eye-opener, emphasizing the importance of communication beyond technical skills,” said Elijah Adedeji, a Ph.D. candidate in physics from Ibadan, Nigeria.

In 2022, Alabama A&M University physicists secured nearly $3 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to lead the Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (MSIPP) Partnership for Radiation Studies (PaRS). This five-year initiative aims to create sustainable pathways for minority students in STEM, particularly in radiation studies, by offering research and training opportunities with DOE-NNSA national laboratories.

Dr. Stephen Babalola, Director of the MSIPP PaRS Consortium, accompanied students to the workshop, where they engaged in hands-on activities simulating real-world professional scenarios. Representatives from DOE National Laboratories – including Savannah River, Brookhaven, and Los Alamos – were on-site to provide career insights and networking opportunities, further connecting students to potential career pathways.

“The hiring process session was packed with valuable insights – resume writing, interviewing tips, and more,” said Aaron Johnson, a master’s student in physics from Huntsville, Alabama.

The workshop featured breakout sessions covering essential career-building topics, from resume writing and interview techniques to the importance of active listening in the workplace. Among the highlights was “The High Price of Not Listening,” which emphasized the career impact of effective communication. Another session, “Interviewing Skills: Delivering a Great Personal Sales Pitch,” helped students refine their ability to present themselves confidently in professional settings.

“Being able to learn face-to-face about soft skills was amazing,” said Angela Davis, a Ph.D. candidate in physics from Childersburg, Alabama. Discussing real-world scenarios helped me apply this knowledge effectively.”  

Students from multiple Minority Serving Institutions participated, including Spelman College, Alcorn State University, Fort Valley State University, Savannah State University, Turtle Mountain College, the University of Texas at San Antonio, the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and Clark Atlanta University. This diverse cohort fostered an environment of collaboration, allowing students to exchange experiences and learn from one another.

Babalola underscored the long-term benefits of such training.

“I am incredibly proud of the achievements of the PaRS Consortium members and most importantly, our students, whose passion and commitment drive this initiative forward,” said Babalola. “Their interactions with national labs and industry partners go beyond traditional learning; they are gaining real-world expertise, refining their problem-solving skills, and building professional relationships that will shape their careers. They are not only academically prepared, but also poised to lead in STEM fields that are critical to innovation, security, and the nation's future.”

For students interested in learning more about the PaRS Consortium or future workshops, contact Dr. Babalola at stephen.babalola@aamu.edu.