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Shelton Leadership Center

Interdisciplinary Connections to Careers

Bringing together graduate students, faculty, staff, and professionals across industries to collaborate and grow.

The Event Series

About Interdisciplinary Connections to Careers

Stop thinking in disciplines. Start thinking in skills. This event series cuts through traditional academic silos to prove that the most competitive jobs require interdisciplinary thinkers and leaders who can blend the unique skill sets of their team members to tackle complex, real-world problems.

Each semester, we will host an event focusing on a current interdisciplinary theme, inviting university and industry professionals to engage with interested graduate students. This provides a structured space for students to practice interpersonal skills, connect with educational and industry leaders, as well as gain practical strategies to enhance their leadership abilities in preparation for their next steps.

53.9%

Employers believe only 53.9% of new graduates have the communication skills necessary to succeed, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (2025).

Save the Date: Fall 2026 Event

Leading Sustainable Futures: Bridging Science, Society and Systems

October 23, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Registration and more event details will be released soon!

Upcoming Events

Leading Sustainable Futures: Bridging Science, Society, and Systems

October 23, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Washington Sankofa Room – Witherspoon Student Center

Real-world sustainability balances environmental protection, community impact, and economic reality. When researchers, policy advocates, social impact specialists, and business strategists collaborate, the biggest friction point isn’t the data, it’s the dialogue. Learn how to lead teams across these three pillars and transform complex theories into real-world execution.

Data to Team Decisions: Aligning Analytics, Ethics, and Strategy

February 26, 2027

Strategic data success relies on equal parts quantitative insight, ethical responsibility, and organizational execution. When data scientists, subject matter experts, UX specialists, and project leaders work together, the biggest hurdle isn’t the algorithms, it’s the alignment. Gain the interpersonal skills needed to navigate conflicting priorities and translate complex analytics into ethical, high-impact strategies.

Leading Innovation through Entrepreneurship: Connecting Concepts, Collaboration, and Impact

April 2, 2027

Breakthrough innovation requires seamless coordination between creative vision, team dynamics, and practical implementation. When inventors, researchers, technical experts, and business leads collaborate, the biggest friction point isn’t the idea, it’s the integration. Build the leadership capabilities required to unite multidisciplinary teams and turn bold concepts into scalable solutions.

Grow High-Demand Skills

Hear straight from industry leaders about the specific, high-demand interdisciplinary skills you should be developing right now to gain a competitive edge.

Build Your Network

Connect with influential professionals, community partners, and faculty to build meaningful relationships that lead to future collaboration and mentorship.

Translate Knowledge

Learn how to immediately translate your academic expertise across different fields—from the Arts to the Sciences—into real-world impact.

Skills You Can Expect To Build

– Problem-Solving & Initiative Taking
– Verbal and Interpersonal Communication Skills
– Professionalism and Workplace Culture
– And More!

Come prepared to openly listen, actively engage, and share your own stories.

Questions?

If you have questions about the event series, please reach out to the Shelton Leadership Center at [email protected].

Event organizer

TM
Tiffany McLean Headshot
Tiffany McLean

Senior Associate Director

919-513-0144

This event series is produced in partnership between the Shelton Leadership Center and the NC State Graduate School.

Funded by the NC State University Foundation Grant.