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Northwestern Buffett Institute for Global Affairs

Graduate Student Programming

The Buffett Institute offers a range of programming designed to support graduate students at all stages of their academic careers in enhancing their research, network and skills.

We host workshops, graduate student colloquia, speaker events and co-working spaces to promote professional and research development in a variety of global fields. Notably, works-in-progress workshops provide students an opportunity to gain interdisciplinary feedback from their peers, and colloquia offer the opportunity for graduate students to present their research to fellow students and faculty. See all upcoming sessions on Planit Purple and subscribe to the our graduate student listserv for updates.

Workshops: Research & Professional Development

Our workshops focus on developing research and professional skills to prepare graduate students for careers in a variety of global fields. Topics include writing for op-eds, resume preparation and networking. Notably, students can participate in works-in-progress workshops, which provide an opportunity to gain interdisciplinary feedback from peers on work that’s currently in development.

Our first workshop, Communicating Your Research with Kiki Zissimopoulos and Byron Stewart, will be held on Wednesday, November 27 from 10:00–11:30 a.m. on the second floor of the Buffett Institute (720 University Place). RSVP >>

Please email Aaron Darrisaw, Buffett's Research Program Manager, to learn more about works-in-progress workshops and sign up.

Graduate Student Colloquia 

Our graduate student colloquia offer graduate students a chance to present their global research to their peers. The colloquia series features 2–3 graduate student presentations per quarter, aiming to foster fruitful discussion and collaboration around internationally relevant research themes. Presenters benefit from constructive feedback from the audience, helping to refine their arguments and gain new perspectives.  

Our first colloquium featuring Dinara Urazova on “Cynicism, Propaganda and Putin’s Aesthetics of Sovereignty” will be held on Wednesday, November 20 from 10:00–11:30 a.m. RSVP >> 

Please email Aaron Darrisaw, Buffett's Research Program Manager, to learn more about the colloquia series and sign up.

Speaker Events

At our speaker events, field experts share insights on global research methodologies and explore exciting career opportunities in international contexts. Ranging from talks given by leaders in international affairs to seminars led by faculty, these events provide a unique platform to learn from and network with researchers and industry professionals.

Buffett Reading Room

We are excited to welcome you to the Buffett Institute's new space at 720 University Place! Balancing the demands of graduate school can be tough, which is why we provide a dedicated reading space on the second floor. This cozy and collaborative space is open to all students who need a quiet place to write, study or recharge. It’s also a welcoming social hub, where students can connect with their peers and share ideas in a low-pressure environment.

Please note that 720 University Place is not an ADA-accessible space. Increasing physical access to buildings and facilities is a goal of the University, but not all buildings and venues have been updated.

Make sure to subscribe to the our graduate student listserv to get weekly updates for the Buffett Reading Room schedule.