Professional Development Roundtables

2026 Professional Development Roundtables

The MPSA is currently seeking volunteers to participate on the following roundtables (interested participants can sign up here):

CAREER

Managing Academic Service: Balancing Commitments and Avoiding Burnout

Many junior- and mid-career faculty feel pressure to engage in service roles—committee work, peer reviewing, organizing conferences, etc.—that must be incorporated into one’s workload alongside research and teaching commitments. Balancing these responsibilities can lead to stress and burnout, particularly for junior faculty who are working towards tenure. This roundtable will facilitate a discussion about how best to manage one’s academic service while setting boundaries and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Panelists will share their experiences and provide practical advice on how to prioritize service tasks, avoid overcommitting, and ensure that service responsibilities enhance, rather than detract from, your academic goals.

 

Navigating the Tenure Track in a Changing Academic Environment

Given the time and effort required simply to attain a tenure-track position, it is easy to find oneself underprepared for what comes next, once the tenure clock starts ticking. This roundtable is intended to help junior faculty successfully navigate the path to tenure by demystifying the process and offering actionable advice. Panelists who have successfully navigated this path will discuss how to set priorities, build a robust research portfolio, excel in the classroom, and document service contributions. Additional topics might speak to today’s dynamic academic landscape, addressing key issues like changing DEI policies, shrinking funding opportunities, AI-driven teaching and research shifts, and adapting to hybrid work models. This session will provide valuable insights for junior scholars of all ranks, from those who are still on the job market to those preparing for tenure review.

 

Mentorship in Political Science: Becoming a Better Mentor and Mentee

Mentorship is a cornerstone of professional development in academia, yet the dynamics of being both a mentor and a mentee can be complex and multifaceted. This roundtable is devoted to the critical role that mentorship plays in advancing an academic career, offering strategies for both giving and receiving guidance. Panelists—experienced mentors and mentees alike—will discuss best practices for fostering productive mentoring relationships, setting goals, providing constructive feedback, and managing expectations. This session will also address how early-career scholars can seek out and build their own mentoring networks, and how to navigate potential challenges in doing so.

 

JOB PLACEMENT

Alt-Academic and Non-Academic Careers for Political Science PhDs

Many graduate students and recent PhDs are interested, and in some cases compelled, to pursue a career outside of the academy. However, graduate programs often focus exclusively on preparing students for the academic job search, leaving them in the dark as to how they might leverage their training and skills in a different recruiting environment. This roundtable will explore some of the career options in the private sector, government, think tanks, nonprofits, consulting, or academic-adjacent positions. Panelists who have successfully transitioned or worked in these fields will share their journeys, the skills they found most valuable, and how best to prepare for and pursue a non-academic job.

 

Preparing Your Job Market Portfolio

A strong job market portfolio is essential for standing out in the crowded and competitive academic hiring process. This roundtable will guide attendees through crafting the key components of a compelling portfolio including a polished CV, an engaging cover letter, and impactful teaching and research statements. Panelists with experience participating in searches will share their expertise on tailoring materials to specific institutions and openings, avoiding common pitfalls, and presenting the best version of yourself to search committees.

 

Strategies for the Academic Interview and Job Talk

The academic interview and job talk are pivotal moments in the hiring process, offering candidates the chance to make a lasting impression. This roundtable will provide strategies for excelling in both. Panelists will discuss how to prepare for interviews, anticipate and handle challenging questions, and navigate the unique dynamics of phone/Zoom interviews, campus visits, one-on-one meetings, and group settings. For the job talk, we’ll cover how to structure your presentation, engage your audience, speak across subfields, and anticipate follow-up questions.

 

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Communicating with the Public and Combating Misinformation: Tools for Scholars in a Deepfake Era

Effectively sharing the insights of political science research with the public is more challenging than ever given the dynamics of online information consumption. This roundtable aims to articulate strategies that scholars might use to share knowledge and combat misinformation in public discourse. Drawing upon effective public engagement techniques, panelists will discuss how to translate rigorous research into accessible narratives for broader audiences, while fostering trust and navigating polarized media and information landscapes.

 

Evidence-Based Policymaking in a Polarized World

Bringing political science research to bear on public policy and bridging the gap between academia and real-world decision-making remains a perennial challenge for scholars, especially in today’s politically divided environments. This roundtable provides practical guidance on effectively communicating expertise to legislative staff, government agencies, and advocacy organizations. Panelists with policy engagement experience will discuss strategies such as leveraging data analytics, crafting compelling narratives and concise policy briefs, building relationships and coalitions across ideological lines, presenting research findings persuasively to decision-makers, and navigating resistance through targeted outreach and bipartisan dialogue.

 

From Theory to Action: Political Scientists in Practical Politics

Engaging directly in politics can be a rewarding way for political scientists to connect theory with action, but it also presents some unique challenges. This roundtable will explore how academics can effectively navigate roles as advocates, consultants, or advisors while maintaining professional integrity and balancing academic responsibilities. Panelists will share experiences working on political campaigns, advising policymakers, and contributing to civic initiatives, as well as tips for avoiding potential conflicts of interest. Whether you are considering stepping into the political arena or seeking to enhance your political engagement, this session offers useful insights into blending scholarship with advocacy.

 

PUBLISHING

How to Get Your Book Published: Advice from Acquisitions Editors

Publishing a book is a major milestone in any academic career, but the path to publication can be arduous. These roundtables will offer valuable perspectives from current acquisitions editors in political science. Editors from leading academic presses will share what they look for in book proposals, which publishers to target, how to navigate the submission process, and tips for crafting a proposal that stands out. Meanwhile, academic authors will offer insights on their own experiences—from the initial proposal to the final product—sharing lessons learned, common challenges, and strategies for perseverance.

 

How to Get Your Article Published: Advice from Political Science Journal Editors

Publishing in academic journals is a critical milestone in any political scientist’s career, yet for the uninitiated the process can seem daunting. This roundtable, featuring current journal editors, will demystify the submission and peer review process. Journal editors will share insights into what they look for in a strong manuscript, how to select the right journal for your work, and strategies for responding to reviewer feedback. Attendees will also learn about common pitfalls in the submission process and how to avoid them, as well as tips for increasing likelihood of acceptance and publication. This session will be of value especially to graduate students and early-career academics who are preparing their first manuscript for submission, as well as those who would simply like to meet and speak with current editors about the landscape of academic publishing in political science.

 

RESEARCH

AI and Machine Learning in Political Research: Ethics and Applications

The rapid development of AI tools carries implications for political science research that are only beginning to be understood, and this roundtable aims to clarify some of them. Panelists will delve into the integration of AI and machine learning tools in political science research, highlighting practical applications such as predictive modeling for elections, sentiment analysis of social media, and automated data processing for policy studies. They will also address ethical considerations, including algorithmic bias, data privacy in sensitive political contexts, and transparency in AI-driven methodologies, while offering guidance on responsible implementation to enhance research rigor and societal impact.

 

Building a Productive Research Agenda

Establishing a focused and sustainable research agenda is a crucial first step for early-career scholars. This roundtable is intended to provide practical guidance for graduate students, postdocs, and junior faculty on identifying research priorities, balancing short- and long-term projects, and strategically planning outputs such journal articles and book projects. Accomplished panelists will share insights on aligning your research agenda with career goals, managing collaborations, and adapting to evolving interests or disciplinary trends. Whether you are still attempting to shape your research trajectory or seeking to refine it, this session can help you lay an important foundation for a successful scholarly career.

 

Interdisciplinary Research in Political Science

Interdisciplinary research opens new avenues for innovation and can expand the impact of political science across scholarly fields. This roundtable will explore how political scientists can successfully engage in research that crosses disciplinary boundaries to engage with such fields as economics, anthropology, sociology, psychology, history, or the life sciences. Panelists who have pursued their research interests beyond the customary limits of political science will discuss strategies for identifying interdisciplinary research questions, navigating collaborative partnerships, and overcoming potential challenges like differing methodological approaches or theoretical frameworks.

 

STUDENTS

Applying to Graduate School

This roundtable is intended to provide essential guidance for undergraduate students considering a PhD in political science or related fields, covering the entire graduate school application process from selecting programs and crafting personal statements to securing strong letters of recommendation and preparing for interviews. Experienced faculty and graduate study directors will share insights on building a competitive application, navigating funding opportunities, and aligning research interests with departmental strengths to help attendees make informed decisions about pursuing advanced studies.

 

Strategies for Success in Graduate School

Graduate school can be an overwhelming experience for many students, as they transition from college or the workforce into professional academic life. This roundtable aims to provide graduate students, as well as faculty advisers of graduate students, with valuable insights and strategies for navigating the challenges of graduate study, from managing coursework and research to maintaining personal health and wellbeing. Panelists will share tips for staying organized, building supportive relationships with advisors and peers, handling imposter syndrome, and balancing academic demands with personal life. This session will be of value for both those who are considering applying to graduate school, and those who are currently in thick of it.

 

What to Do with My Political Science Degree: Career Paths for Undergrads

As the MPSA Conference includes robust undergraduate programming, this roundtable is intended to provide guidance to the political science majors who are unsure about what comes next after graduation. Panelists will articulate the diverse paths available to undergraduates including graduate study but also positions in government, nonprofit organizations, public policy, international relations, and the private sector. Panelists will share their career journeys, offer advice on how to leverage a political science degree in the job market, and discuss strategies for building a strong professional network while in college.

 

TEACHING

Addressing Political Division in the Classroom: Tools for Civil Discourse

This roundtable aims to articulate strategies and tools for navigating political polarization in the classroom, including facilitating respectful debates, incorporating diverse perspectives, and using role-playing exercises to promote civil discourse. Panelists will share best practices for creating inclusive learning environments that encourage critical thinking and empathy amid contentious topics, helping instructors foster productive discussions while maintaining academic rigor.

 

Best Practices for Designing New Courses

While many instructors are excited at the prospect of developing a new course, achieving pedagogical goals can become more difficult when coupled with teaching wholly new material. This roundtable will engage in a conversation about the key elements of course design, such as establishing clear learning objectives, selecting appropriate materials, integrating innovative teaching methods, and avoiding common pitfalls when it comes to planning and implementing a new course.

 

Fostering Student Engagement

Keeping students engaged in the classroom is essential for fostering a dynamic and productive learning environment. Accomplishing this, however, can be incredibly challenging in today’s classroom. This roundtable will articulate strategies for increasing student participation, motivation, and active learning across a variety of classroom settings. Panelists will discuss techniques that they have learned or discovered, such as using technology, incorporating collaborative activities, integrating real-world events and examples, and promoting critical thinking through innovative approaches to discussion.

 

Teaching in the Age of AI

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the landscape of higher education, especially in the proliferation of large language models like ChatGPT and Gemini. This roundtable will explore how AI tools can enhance teaching and learning in political science, from automating administrative tasks to providing personalized learning experiences for students. Panelists will discuss the potential of AI to support course prep, grading, and student engagement, as well as the serious ethical concerns (especially around academic integrity) and the challenges of adapting political science curricula to rapid technological changes. Whether you already incorporate AI in your teaching, are curious about how you might do so, or are gravely concerned about its impact, this session will offer insights to help make sense of this rapidly changing environment.

---