As part of the program’s Professional Preparation and Practice Seminar, all MS-HCI students participated in a four-hour workshop on public speaking in October 2015. Former CNN reporter Toria Tolley provided students with basic principles and techniques of effective public speaking. Students then practiced these skills and received feedback on how to become more effective at presenting their ideas.
The Professional Practice Seminar aims to prepare our students for success in both studies and careers. It includes presentations by HCI practitioners concerning career choices, preparation, and new developments, and discussions about “how to succeed” in graduate school and as a professional. Speakers this year have included industry representatives from companies like MailChimp, AirWatch, The Home Depot, and WorldPay. The seminar also serves to create a sense of community among students in the program.
