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Dal GradPD

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Get career ready

Dal GradPD is your go-to hub to learn about professional development designed for your specific needs as a graduate student. Together with partners across the university and external providers, the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) assembles an ongoing schedule of free workshops and events aimed to help you prepare for a diversity of careers.

The four pillars of the Dal GradPD program are dedicated to building skills necessary for success in any career — Communication, Career Intelligence, Health and Wellbeing, and Leadership — and are offered exclusively to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.


Upcoming Dal GradPD workshops and experiential learning

Professional Career Development Group

Graduating this year and feeling anxious about life after university or unprepared for an uncertain job market?

Attend this career development support group facilitated by a career counsellor to build a peer support network and confidence as you prepare to embark on the next chapter of your life!

Registration is now available on the . Go to the next Friday on the events calendar to register, after which you will be contacted to confirm your eligibility and additional details. New registrations will be accepted weekly throughout the term, but space is limited, so students are encouraged to register early!

Date and time: Ongoing weekly; Tuesdays from 3 to 4 p.m.
Partner: Bissett Student Success Centre Academic Advising and Career Services
Type: In-Person
Pillar: Career intelligence 
Location: McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building

The Research Camp is designed to take you through the elements of research from basic to advanced. The program is offered through a combination of asynchronous modules on Brightspace and live online sessions on Teams. Modules may include short video lectures and interactive exercises to help you brush up on your literature searching, writing, information management, and research skills. Some modules include recordings of our live sessions from Research Summer Camp. Modules and sessions are prepared and delivered by research and writing specialists affiliated with HÂþ»­ Libraries and the HÂþ»­ University Writing Centre. How does it work? Register for Research Camp and you will have access to all of the asynchronous modules. Registered participants can access and work through module content at their own pace. Participants are not required to complete all modules. You can pick and choose modules based on your individual interest and skill level. Modules will be available until March 28, 2025.

Date and time: January 1 to March 28 (Asynchronous)
Partner: HÂþ»­ Libraries
Type: Online
Location: Brightspace

Our ASD Community Group will function as a space for sharing resources, information, support, and strategies. Our goal is to make this group a place where students can check in on one another, share their thoughts, ideas, strategies for success, and connect with other students. This is an in-person, open group available to all students who identify as Autistic. Facilitator: Tressa Moore, Accessibility Advisor

Date and Time: Every Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m. (Ongoing)
Pillar: Health & Wellness
Type: In-person
Location: Room information provided upon registration

The SAC's Executive Functioning Group will be hosted online via Microsoft Teams on Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. beginning October 17. We will cover topics such as memory, emotion, focus, attention, and action. Students can participate in any way that they are comfortable (camera on or off, and using voice, chat, or emoji functions). Students can also attend some or all of the sessions. Facilitators: Abby Smith and Alyson Young, Accessibility Advisors.

Date and time: Every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
°Õ²â±è±ð:ÌýOnline
Partner: Accessibility Centre
Pillar: Health and Wellness
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

Focused on the importance of preparation and effective communication, our team from NATIONAL Public Relations will help 3MT participants craft a persuasive and authentic argument. Our facilitators will lead participants through a message development exercise and coach them on how to deliver their key messages in a concise manner in front of a live audience. We look forward to sharing our insight and equipping all participants with the right tools to master their 3 Minute Thesis!

Dean Marty Leonard will be giving opening remarks. 

Light snacks will be provided

Facilitator: Facilitator: Iain Deans, Senior Counsel – Creative Strategy 

Date and time: February 4th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Partner: National Public Relations
Type: Hybrid
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

Professional Career Development Group

Graduating this year and wondering what you are going to do with your degree? Feeling anxious about life after university or unprepared for an uncertain job market? Attend this career development support group facilitated by a career counsellor to build a peer support network and confidence as you prepare to embark on the next chapter of your life! Bonus: Participants who complete the group may be eligible to add it as an activity on their Co-Curricular Record.

The group will improve your confidence and skills in:

  • Self-awareness, career planning and setting career goals
  • Building hope and dealing with uncertainty in a changing job market
  • Overcoming networking and interviewing anxiety

The group is open to students from any program who will graduate in 2025 and are available to meet in person on the Studley Campus on Tuesdays from 3 to 4 p.m. for five sessions from February 4 to March 11 (excluding Reading Week). 

Date and time: February 4 to March 11 from 3 to 4 p.m.
±Ê²¹°ù³Ù²Ô±ð°ù:ÌýBissett Student Success Centre Academic Advising and Career Services
Type: In person (Register on MyCareer Events Calendar at  by Jan. 24, 2025 (go to that date to find event))
Location: Studley Campus 

This session is designed to help graduate students prepare and excel in their Three Minute Thesis (3MT) presentations. Learn how to distill complex research into a concise, engaging narrative that resonates with a general audience. Discover strategies for structuring your talk, refining your delivery, and working with the rules and rubric. Leave equipped to confidently showcase your research in just three minutes.

Facilitator: Kala Clarke, Director, Professional Development and Student Engagement FGS 

Date and time: February 4th from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Partner: FGS and PREP
Type: Online
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

Feeling overwhelmed? Join us for an uplifting workshop designed to help you find balance and prevent burnout in your academic life. In today’s fast-paced environment, it's easy to forget the importance of joy and self-care. This session will guide you in prioritizing both your responsibilities and your well-being. Connect with fellow Grad Mentors and Heather Patterson, from Student Health and Welless, to gain valuable insights to help you thrive academically while nurturing your passion for life.

Date and time: February 5th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Partner: Student Health and Wellness
Type: Online via Teams

Feeling overwhelmed? Join us for an uplifting workshop designed to help you find balance and prevent burnout in your academic life. In today’s fast-paced environment, it's easy to forget the importance of joy and self-care. This session will guide you in prioritizing both your responsibilities and your well-being. Connect with fellow Grad Mentors and Heather Patterson, from Student Health and Welless, to gain valuable insights to help you thrive academically while nurturing your passion for life.

Date and time: February 5th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Partner: Writing Centre
Type: Hybrid
Location: Life Science Centre, C203


Hi graduate folks! Do you want to meet other graduate students and enjoy board games or karaoke with friends while savoring delicious food? If so, join our Together@Dal (Grad edition) mentors' team at Studley Campus. Registration is limited to 50 participants, so sign up early. More information about the location will be provided to those who register.

Date and time: Thursday, February 6 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Location: In-person (provided upon registration)

Three Minutes. One slide.  But what to put on that slide that captures your ideas and frames your presentation?  Join this workshop and learn design tips on how one slide can capture the audience’s attention.  We will also discuss images and copyright.

Facilitators: Dr. Kala Hirtle (she/her), Director of Professional Development and Student Engagement, Scott MacPherson (he/him), Copyright Services Specialist, Lindsay McNiff, Learning & Instruction Librarian

Date and time: February 10th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Partner: FGS, HÂþ»­ Libraries and PREP
Type: Online
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

The labour market is changing at a rapid pace and it can feel daunting to even the most educated and experienced job seekers. Attend this session focused on helping grad students build hope, resilience, and confidence as you prepare to launch your career. Facilitated by a career counsellor, the session will include exploration of values and goal setting that will help move you in the direction of a successful future! 

Date and time: February 10th from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Partner: FGS, HÂþ»­ Libraries and PREP
Type: Online
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

In this session, you’ll gain valuable insights and practical tips from your fellow TA peers on grading assignments and lab reports in Science programs. The session will cover strategies for providing constructive feedback, ensuring fair grading practices—especially in large classes—and applying these approaches to different types of assignments and lab reports in Science disciplines.

Presenters:

  • Sophie Tattrie, PhD Candidate, Department of Biology
  • James Kho, PhD Candidate, Department of Biology

Date and time: February 11 from 2 to 3 p.m.
Partner: CLT
Type: Online

Facilitated by Hillary Furguson, MHE, PhD Manager, Research Ethics, Office of Research Services.  A refresher on research ethics in the historical context, as well as information on how research ethics are handled nationally and locally. It is also intended to prepare students for conducting more ethically minded research and for navigating REB systems.ÌýÌý

Date and time: February 11th from 10:30 p.m. to 12:00 Noon.
Type: Online
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

The 3MT requires you to condense the story of your research into 3 minutes for a general, non-specialist audience. The goal is to help you gain skills to expand the reach of your work, gain funding, and pursue both academic and non-academic job opportunities. This interactive workshop will help arts and social science students to prepare for the 3MT by providing tips and techniques to explain their research while avoiding jargon and oversimplifying the significance of their work. Facilitators: Dr. Adam Auch, Writing Advisor

Date and time: February 12th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Partner: Writing Centre
Type: Hybrid
Location: Kenneth C Rowe Management, Room 3089

The 3MT requires you to condense the story of your research into 3 minutes for a general, non-specialist audience. The goal is to help you gain skills to expand the reach of your work, gain funding, and pursue both academic and non-academic job opportunities. This interactive workshop will help science students to prepare for the 3MT by providing tips and techniques to explain their research while avoiding jargon without oversimplifying their work. 

Facilitator: Janice MacDonald Eddington, Writing Centre Coordinator 

Date and time: February 13th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Partner: Writing Centre
Type: Hybrid
Location: Kenneth C Rowe Management, Room 3089

This session is designed to help graduate students prepare and excel in their Three Minute Thesis (3MT) presentations. Learn how to distill complex research into a concise, engaging narrative that resonates with a general audience. Discover strategies for structuring your talk, refining your delivery, and working with the rules and rubric. Leave equipped to confidently showcase your research in just three minutes.

Facilitator: Kala Clarke, Director, Professional Development and Student Engagement FGS 

Date and time: February 14th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Partner: FGS & DAGS
Type: In-person
Location: Jenkins Riverview Room, Truro Agricultural Campus

Join together as a community of writers during the Writing Centre's Online Quarterly Writing Week, Winter Session. Build motivation and momentum, and find support, accountability, and consistency through daily check-ins with peers and experienced advisors. Check in online at 9AM, spend part (or all!) of your day writing on your own, and check back in at  4PM. Brief optional online workshops and a few extra check-ins to be announced!

Date and time: February 18th to 21st from 9:00-10:00 a.m and 4:00-4:30 daily.
Partner: Writing Centre
Type: Virtual
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

This session is designed to help graduate students prepare and excel in their Three Minute Thesis (3MT) presentations. Learn how to distill complex research into a concise, engaging narrative that resonates with a general audience. Discover strategies for structuring your talk, refining your delivery, and working with the rules and rubric. Leave equipped to confidently showcase your research in just three minutes.

Facilitator: Kala Clarke, Director, Professional Development and Student Engagement FGS 

Date and time: February 18 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Partner: FGS
Type: In person
Location: Room 1102, McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building

This session is designed to help graduate students prepare and excel in their Three Minute Thesis (3MT) presentations. Learn how to distill complex research into a concise, engaging narrative that resonates with a general audience. Discover strategies for structuring your talk, refining your delivery, and working with the rules and rubric. Leave equipped to confidently showcase your research in just three minutes.

Facilitator: Kala Clarke, Director, Professional Development and Student Engagement FGS 

Date and time: February 19th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Partner: FGS
Type: Virtual
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

Are you a researcher or student working on groundbreaking ideas with commercial potential? Wondering how to protect your intellectual property and navigate the world of patents? This interactive session, led by Dal's Technology Transfer Office, will cover essential strategies for safeguarding your inventions, understanding disclosure requirements, and preparing for commercialization opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and ask your pressing questions.

Date and time: February 20 from 2 to 3 p.m.
±Ê²¹°ù³Ù²Ô±ð°ù:ÌýFGS and Office of Commercialization & Industry Engagement
Type: Hybrid
Location:ÌýÌýRoom 1130, Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building or virtual via Teams

Are you feeling a lack of motivation while trying to complete your graduate studies? In this 1-hour workshop with Liam Caswell from the Studying for Success Program, you will learn about what motivates you, the Motivation Equation, different types of motivation and strategies for getting "un-stuck".

Date and time: February 24th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Partner: FGS
Type: Virtual
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

This session is designed to help graduate students prepare and excel in their Three Minute Thesis (3MT) presentations. Learn how to distill complex research into a concise, engaging narrative that resonates with a general audience. Discover strategies for structuring your talk, refining your delivery, and working with the rules and rubric. Leave equipped to confidently showcase your research in just three minutes.

Facilitator: Kala Clarke, Director, Professional Development and Student Engagement FGS 

Date and time: February 24th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Partner: FGS
Type: Virtual
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

This session is designed to help graduate students prepare and excel in their Three Minute Thesis (3MT) presentations. Learn how to distill complex research into a concise, engaging narrative that resonates with a general audience. Discover strategies for structuring your talk, refining your delivery, and working with the rules and rubric. Leave equipped to confidently showcase your research in just three minutes.

Facilitator: Kala Clarke, Director, Professional Development and Student Engagement FGS 

Date and time: February 25 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Partner: FGS
Type: In person
Location: Room B227, B Building Addition, Sexton Campus

The 3MT requires you to condense the story of your research into 3 minutes for a general, non-specialist audience. The goal is to help you gain skills to expand the reach of your work, gain funding, and pursue both academic and non-academic job opportunities. This interactive workshop will help international students prepare for the 3MT by providing techniques to clearly and concisely explain their research in a way that is both informative and engaging. The 3MT is an ideal way for international students to practice their academic presentation skills within a supportive, encouraging environment.

Facilitators: Dr. Vanessa Lent, International Student Writing Advisor, Dr. Kala Clarke, Director, Professional Development and Student Engagement, Faculty of Graduate Studies 

Date and time: February 27th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Partner: Writing Centre, FGS
Type: In-person
Location: Room 2018, Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building

This workshop offered to students who may be experiencing barriers to executive functioning skills and want to gain an understanding of the reasons why, as well as strategies to reduce barriers related to these executive functions. This workshop is not limited to students who have accommodations or have been diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, or self identify as neurodiverse. All students with executive functioning challenges are welcome to learn more and contribute their experiences. Facilitators: Abby Smith and Alyson Young, Accessibility Advisors

Date and time: February 28th from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Partner: Student Accessibility Centre
Type: In-person
Location: Goldberg Computer Science Building, Room 228

Do you have a CV, but are looking for ways to make it even better?

In this 45-minute virtual workshop, you'll join the Bissett Student Success Centre's Career Advisor as they guide you through a self-evaluation of your CV. You will leave with an improved version of your CV, as well as the knowledge and skills to continue improving your CV. 

This workshop is intended for grad students at HÂþ»­ University and University of King's College.

Date and time: March 4th from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Partner: Career Services
Type: Online
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

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Join your Grad Mentors and Susan Lavoie, PhD, Registered Psychologist to discuss imposter phenomenon as a graduate student and strategies on how to navigate this experience.

Date and time: March 6th from 1-2:30 p.m.
Partner: Student Health Services and Grad Mentors
Type: In-Person
Location: Kenneth C Rowe Management, Room 3089

Writing is a multi-stage process, from brainstorming, researching, outlining, drafting, writing, and revising. Often, students find themselves with multiple writing assignments across courses during a semester. This workshop will cover strategies for organizing and prioritizing writing stages and tasks for students who are balancing a number of writing projects. Organizing these tasks ensures the writing process is as organized and stress-free as possible so students can feel confident in their writing.ÌýÌý

Date and time: March 6th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Partner: HÂþ»­ Writing Centre
Type: Online
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

HÂþ»­ Mental Health Forum

This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Mental Health Forum, open to all students, faculty, and staff to inspire and unite those interested in mental health and well-being for the HÂþ»­ community. The Forum provides a platform for sharing ideas and collaborating on mental health-related themes, to contribute perspective on all things related to mental health and well-being, and to support each other. Facilitation of the Forum will be by the HÂþ»­ Student Union and HÂþ»­ Student Health & Wellness staff.ÌýÌý

By collaborating together, we can all contribute to a supportive and safe campus community. Just drop in, no registration required! If you would like to count this event towards your workshop hours, please register. Facilitator: Jonnie-Lyn Baron, David Pilon, etc

Date and time: March 12th from 4:00. to 5:30 p.m.
Partner: Health and Wellness and FGS
Type: In-person
Location: HÂþ»­ Student Union Building, Council Chambers, Room 270, 2nd floor

Do CVs and resumes have similarities? Yes! Are they the same? No!

In this 30-minute virtual workshop, you'll join the Bissett Student Success Centre's Career Advisor in examining the differences and similarities between CVs and resumes. You will leave with increased awareness of what document to submit when prompted with a "Resume/CV" application field as well as concrete steps on how you can use your CV to build a strong resume. 

This workshop is intended for grad students at HÂþ»­ University and University of King's College.

Date and time: March 18th from 10:00. to 10:30 a.m.
Partner: Career Services
Type: Online
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

Facilitated by Lisa Goos, Cantrain COO and Jodi Langley, Cantrain Post-Doc award recipient - Introducing Cantrain!  This session will provide an overview of Cantrain and explain how it is supporting clinical trial education and training in Canada, including student funding opportunities.  The session will also provide an overview of what it is like to be funded through Cantrain as a student (presentations, webinars, educational materials, mentor support and the annual conference).

Date and time: March 18th from 10:30. to 12:00 Noon
Partner: Cantrain and PREP
Type: Online
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

Although some writing strategies cross academic fields, discipline-specific particularities exist. Some are peculiar to the exact field, but this workshop will discuss writing questions that commonly arise in science and other STEM writing, including discussions on jargon, active/passive constructions, tense, tone, using source material without 'patchwriting', and others. Participant discussion is welcome and encouraged! Time will be provided! Facilitated by Janice Eddington, Writing Centre Coordinator and Writing Advisor, sciences 

Date and time: March 18th from 2:00. to 3:30 
Partner: Writing Centre
Type: Online
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

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This workshop guides you through the process of writing an effective personal statement and will provide strategies for helping you begin your draft as well as revision and refinement. Statements of intent or personal statements can be part of applications to graduate programs, co-op placements, and funding applications. 

Date and time: April 3rd from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Partner: Writing Centre
Type: Online
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

Facilitated by Kirill Rosen, Assistant Dean Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies, Faculty of Medicine Professor of Pediatrics & Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - This 1.5-hour session equips participants with the tools and techniques to create compelling oral and poster presentations. Learn how to structure your content for clarity, design visually appealing posters, and communicate with confidence.

Date and time: April 9th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Partner: PREP
Type: Online
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

Facilitated by Dayna Park, Manager, Advancement Communications and Laura Eggertson, HÂþ»­ Advancement - Unlock the art of impactful communication with Plain Talk, Big Impact: Sharing Your Research Beyond Academia. Led by journalism and public relations experts, Laura Eggertson and Dayna Park, this session is designed to help students learn how to translate complex ideas into compelling stories for non-academic audiences, including donors and the media. Gain practical skills in crafting plain-language elevator pitches, mastering media interviews, and aligning your research with donor priorities to build connections and secure support.

Date and time: April 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
Partner: Advancement and PREP
Type: Online
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ

Most people have heard of open access publishing, but many misunderstandings and misconceptions persist. Many funders require open access publication which improves accessibility and potential impact. However, publishing in an open access journal can be extremely expensive and some free options do not fulfill funder policies. This session will dispel myths, clarify options, and prepare researchers to make informed decisions about where and how to publish and share their work.

Facilitator: Melissa Rothfus, Scholarly Communications Librarian, HÂþ»­ Libraries

Date and time: May 7th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
Partner: HÂþ»­ Libraries
Type: Online
Location:Ìý°Õ±ð²¹³¾²õ


Participate in the Dal GradPD certificate program

To help you navigate your PD journey, we have created a free certificate program to recognize your efforts and help you identify the opportunities you need to take you where you want to go.

What you’ll do during the certificate program:

  • Individual development plan (IDP) workshop: In this session, you’ll explore the skills and experiences you need to achieve your professional goals and map your plan to get there. IDP workshops will be held every month, so don't worry if you missed an earlier session. An asynchronous video of the IDP workshop is also available in the Dal GradPD Brightspace.

  • Pillars workshops: Participate in two hours of workshops from each of the Dal GradPD pillars: Communication, Career Intelligence, Health and Wellbeing, and Leadership. You can select from options provided by Dal GradPD partners or find other opportunities you think will best suit your goals. 

  • Experiential learning: Take on four hours of hands-on experience from each pillar. Write a blog, go to a networking event, practice a time management strategy, organize an event – the possibilities are vast and the experiences priceless. 

  • Professional identity workshop: Wrap up the certificate with this session that will empower you to articulate the value of the skills you've gained at graduate school to prospective employers. 

When done, you’ll receive a certificate signed by the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and recognition on your transcripts. More importantly, you’ll have developed a plan for where you want to go with your career and assembled the professional and personal skills you need to get there.Â