professional development of phd

Professional Development

Start your professional development today.

No matter what your career plans are, your graduate school experience must encompass more than just coursework, research, presentations, and publications. The Graduate School provides  programs , resources, and  events  to help you with every step along the way—from identifying potential career paths, to developing skills to compete for them, to managing your career. These opportunities will help prepare you for success in academia, business, entrepreneurship, government, and nonprofits. Professional development is not one workshop or one course; it is something you do throughout your time at Duke. So get started now.

See why professional development is crucial for graduate students, and what professional development opportunities are available at The Graduate School.

Professional Development at The Graduate School ...

Comes in many forms.

One-time events, workshop series, semester-long deep dives, peer-to-peer mentoring, formal coursework, or certificate programs — pick the opportunities and resources that suit your schedule and needs.

Builds Core Competencies

We help you develop in six key areas: teaching and mentoring, communication, leadership, self-awareness, professional adaptability, and professionalism and scholarly integrity.

Starts Early, Doesn't Stop

Like research, professional development should occur throughout your time at Duke, so we plan our opportunities in two-year cycles to address your needs throughout graduate school.

Professional Development Offerings

For: Ph.D. students

The Bass Instructional Fellowship program supports high-quality teaching experiences for Ph.D. students where normal means of funding are unavailable. It also helps students become more knowledgeable in digital teaching and learning. | More Info

The Certificate in College Teaching program prepares you to teach in college and formally documents this professional development to make you more competitive when applying for positions. | More Info

For: Master's and Ph.D. students, postdocs

This intensive eight-week program for Graduate School students and postdocs is designed to prepare you to be a competent, confident, and effective leader at Duke and beyond. | More Info

For: Master's students

Each semester, The Graduate School offers several workshops specifically designed for students in the school’s research master’s programs as part of the Professional Development Series. | More Info

For: All Graduate School students, faculty, and staff

Mentoring is vital to graduate students’ success, and The Graduate School is committed to cultivating a culture of mentoring in graduate education at Duke. Check out our collection of mentoring advice, resources, and toolkit. | More Info

For: Ph.D. students and postdocs

This yearlong experience for Ph.D. students and postdocs prepares you for the multiple roles you may be asked to assume as future faculty members in a variety of academic institutions. | More Info

For: Master's and Ph.D. students

Events in this series are designed to broaden Ph.D. and master's students’ career perspectives and develop competencies in communication, self-awareness, professional adaptability, leadership, and professionalism. | More Info

Responsible Conduct of Research training is a formal requirement for every master’s and Ph.D. student enrolled in The Graduate School. It ensures that every graduate student is aware of academic standards and well-qualified to address ethical challenges in teaching or scholarly research. | More Info

For: All Duke community members

This series of 30-minute virtual conversations features alumni reflecting on the role that their Duke education played in their careers, facilitated by faculty and current students. | More Info

The Graduate School collaborates closely with Duke Learning Innovation and other units across campus to offer workshops, consulting, and support for TA training across the university to complement the training that graduate student TAs receive from their departments and programs. | More Info

For: Master's and Ph.D. students, postdocs, faculty, staff

I nstructional D evelopment for E xcellence A nd S uccess is an annual workshop series for Duke graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and staff. Invited speakers will discuss topics relevant to classroom teaching, dealing with students, or faculty life and career paths. | More Info

The Graduate School offers writing support for students in partnership with the Thompson Writing Program and English for International Students. Resources include academic courses, a dedicated writing space, individual writing consultations, and additional support for international students. There are also online resources. | More Info

Professional Development Overview

A quick look at The Graduate School's professional development offerings.

Professional Development Grant

Graduate departments/programs and students may apply for up to $2,000 to develop programming and resources.

Duke OPTIONS

This online tool helps Duke Ph.D. students create a professional development roadmap for their time in graduate school.

Explore Career Paths

Career statistics.

Annually updated data on the career paths of alumni, their employers, and their locations for each of The Graduate School's degree programs.

Alumni Profiles

Check out our 100-plus (and growing) interviews with Graduate School alumni about their jobs, their career paths, and how graduate school helped them prepare.

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See the professional development calendar .

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Career Planning and Professional Development for PhD Students

Phd professional development.

As a doctoral student, you’re not only learning, but doing . Whether you’re working in a lab, serving as a teaching fellow, writing a paper for publication, or completing an internship, you’re simultaneously preparing for your future professional life while also working side-by-side with those who are already well along in their careers. Professional development for doctoral students encompasses the activities and resources that can help you sharpen your skill set for the work that you’re doing now and in the future, while also helping you maintain a sense of well-being along the way.

Professional Development and Postdoctoral Affairs

Professional Development and Postdoctoral Affairs (PDPA) supports Boston University doctoral students in their professional development journey. Whether you’re exploring career options or looking to build transferable skills, resources and programming exist to support you. You can find up to date info on events, workshops, and other programs on our Twitter ( @BU_PhDs ) or our Instagram ( @BU_PhDs ).

PDPA provides a variety of professional development resources for current PhD students and is consistently working to expand its current offerings. Visit the pages below to learn more:

PhD Progression & PhD Core Capacities PhD Progression  is an online micro-credentialing platform designed specifically for PhD students at Boston University. The platform creates a framework for students to explore, build, and apply skills outlined in the PhD Core Capacities. Through the acquisition of digital badges connected to activities and assessments recorded on the Badgr pro platform, you will be able to plan, monitor, and share your progress through  seven learning pathways . Pathways are made up of a series of badges. Badges are issued individually after the completion of the earning criteria and the submission of a brief assessment. The Badgr pro dashboard allows you to organize, download, and share a summary of your progress in the Pathways with mentors. Badges can be shared publicly on personal websites and public profiles like LinkedIn or Twitter. 

Workshops & Professional Events Professional Development and Postdoctoral Affairs (PDPA) Office offers a variety of workshops, panels, and other events to guide doctoral students in their career planning. Workshop topics range from career planning, to building skills in communications, to developing job application materials. 

Drop-In Office Hours Drop-in virtual office hours   provide students with a space to ask Professional Development & Postdoctoral Affairs staff questions, receive professional development advice, and learn about available resources.

Vitamin PhD Podcast Vitamin PhD is a podcast produced at Boston University for anyone who is pursuing a doctorate, has a doctorate, or supporting others on their doctoral journey. Hosted by rotating teams of current doctoral students, the podcast delivers career narratives and skills know-how in multiple formats. Episodes help you explore career options by interviewing people who have earned their doctorate and now work in a variety of sectors. Additionally, there are conversations discussing issues that can present difficulties in graduate school, and providing tips to help you succeed. Whether you tune in during your daily commute or while working on your research, we hope that Vitamin PhD can help you learn, laugh, and connect to our listening community.

Professional Development Grants Although BU offers many professional development opportunities for doctoral students through departments, offices, and organizations, we recognize that external opportunities often arise that have the potential to significantly benefit students’ professional growth. The professional development grant program was established to provide financial support for such opportunities. 

Things I Wish I Knew… “Things I Wish I Knew…” is a multimedia project developed by the Office of Professional Development and Postdoctoral Affairs (PDPA)  and   BU URBAN Graduate Program in Urban Biogeoscience and Environmental Health (BU URBAN) . They have teamed up to produce a series of videos, where current Boston University PhD students speak to the things they wish they knew before encountering significant milestones in their PhD education. Learn from students from across backgrounds, disciplines, and PhD life stages, where they reveal the hidden curriculum within PhD education that goes beyond coursework and academic milestones.

Contact Professional Development & Postdoctoral Affairs at [email protected] or connect with us on Slack .

Center for Career Exploration

Professional development for ph.d. students.

• Information For...
• Information for Graduate Students

Important Tips for Professional Development

No matter if you are  planning to pursue an academic research or tenure track position within academia or considering choosing a career beyond academia, these simple steps below represent good practices that will focus and enhance your career development efforts in ways that are beneficial for academic and non-academic job search candidates alike.

Stay open to possibilities and avoid career blind spots. It is completely OK and normal for Ph.D. students to change their mind about career choices at any stage. Stay open to the realities and possibilities of potential career paths by allowing yourself to consider what you want. The career exploration resources listed below can help you maintain a perspective on your skills, interests, and priorities.

• Think of yourself as a professional and treat your time at Brown accordingly. In the eyes of a potential employer, your graduate position is a job, and your education and graduate activities are job experience . Through every course, committee, and project you are developing and demonstrating important career skills. Trying to understand what these skills are in terms that are broadly applicable can pay enormous dividends in the long run. Ask yourself where your strengths and interests lie – you may lean more toward teaching/instruction, writing, research, service and community building, or any combination of interests and skills. This sense of self-awareness can guide and enhance your career development during your graduate studies.  
• Invest some time in service, and in developing skills, interests, and professional relationships beyond your courses and, if possible, beyond your department. Committee and service work shows that you are an engaged and active member of your community, and that demonstrates experience as a leader and/or team member – desirable assets on the job market . Hosting conferences, events or symposia develops skills in communication, planning, organization, and marketing. Whatever your interests are – management, writing, mentorship, community engagement, advocacy, the list goes on and on –  you will find countless opportunities to expand your professional experience throughout your studies; be open to them and pursue them strategically.

On-Campus Resources for Professional Development

Graduate school professional development programs, center for digital scholarship's doctoral certificate program in digital humanities, center for language studies (cls), cogut institute for the humanities' 21st-century ph.d. mellon proctorship, initiative to maximize student development (imsd), brown innovation fellows, nelson technology fellows program, sheridan center, swearer center, off-campus resources for professional development, massachusetts biotechnology council.

Career & Professional Development

Evaluating professional development options that support your career planning involves assessing yourself, exploring your options, making decisions, and taking action towards concrete goals. This process will help you make well-informed decisions during your years at Northwestern and beyond. Although each person’s experience will be unique, the key points of the career decision-making cycle apply to everyone.

The Process

The career decision-making process is ongoing throughout your professional life, and as your career progresses, you may find yourself engaging in this process again. You may feel frustrated at times as if you are no closer to finding direction than when you started. If you are going through the process, you are making progress. Each area you explore takes you closer to the options that are a good fit.

Analyze your interests, values, and skills to identify career fields, work environments, lifestyles, and job functions that you want to explore.

Research and investigate a range of career options that interest you.

Evaluate your options and narrow your selections to those that are the best fit for you.

Obtain hands-on experience through internships, full-time and part-time positions, and campus or volunteer activities.

Career & Professional Development at Northwestern

Graduate school and postdoctoral training are more than just research and coursework. There is no "right" way to begin your professional development and career exploration journey. The steps you take will be shaped by your unique interests, skills, values, and objectives. No matter your professional goals, your Northwestern experience can help you gain the skills you need to succeed in a wide range of careers.

The Graduate School (TGS) and Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) strive to make professional development and career education accessible, so that graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are empowered to pursue careers that inspire them.

Core Capacities

The Graduate School Core Capacities define six areas of professional skill, knowledge, and experience required for academic and professional success:

• Communication
• Leadership and Collaboration
• Teaching and Mentoring
• Research Skills and Literacies
• Personal Development and Well-Being
• Career Preparation and Exploration

Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows can develop these capacities through their research, teaching, leadership, and community engagement activities. TGS and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) also collaborate with University partners to provide programs and resources to further your professional development in these key areas.

Visit the Programming Opportunities webpage to search for career and professional development programs supported by TGS, NCA, and the OPA.

Explore ProgramMING Opportunities

Professional Development

These three offices support graduate students as they develop the skills and experience to succeed academically and prepare for future careers.

GradPro is the campus Graduate Student Professional Development Resource Hub. Grad Pro supports students through all stages of exploring and preparing for a wide range of careers. GradPro’s services, programs, and resources help students to develop vital professional competencies and skills in order to succeed in their academic programs and launch careers within and beyond academia. GradPro also supports departments and faculty in creating professional development programming for graduate students. [email protected]

Graduate Writing Center

The Graduate Writing Center (GWC) helps students develop the writing skills needed to complete their graduate programs and prepare for the writing they will do in future careers. The GWCoffers workshops on academic writing, grant writing, dissertation writing, editing, and preparing articles for publication. The center also offers one-on-one consultations, the Graduate Writing Community, writing groups, boot camps, and a graduate-level course on academic writing, GSPDP 320. [email protected]

Graduate Student Instructor Teaching & Resource Center

The Graduate Student Instructor Teaching & Resource Center (GSI-TRC) prepares graduate students for teaching at UC Berkeley and for the teaching they will do in future careers, within and beyond academia. The GSI-TRC offers teaching conferences, workshops, seminars, consultations, classroom observations, grants, awards, an online teaching guide, and a web-based course on professional standards and ethics in teaching. The center also provides language testing, specialized courses, and consultations for current and prospective multilingual international students at UC Berkeley. [email protected]

Upcoming Professional Development Events

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Summaries of Funded Programs

• PhD Program Career Events - Short Term
• PhD Non-Academic Careers Innovation Program - Longer Term
• Diversity Networking, Mentoring, and Professional Development
• Go Back to Graduate and Professional Education (Home Page)

PhD Professional Development Innovation Initiative

I.   background.

The Johns Hopkins University was founded for the express purpose of expanding knowledge and harnessing that knowledge for the benefit of humanity. From our founding as America’s first research university, doctoral education has been fundamental to the Johns Hopkins mission. Over recent decades, however, the landscape of PhD education, and where it leads, have changed. PhD education nationally has come under growing scrutiny, as time to degree has lengthened for many fields, and fewer students move into academic jobs. At the same time, many of society’s most pressing problems, from multiple sectors, demand the ability to think deeply about and apply innovative techniques to complex challenges and to synthesize and analyze considerable information from varied sources—features central to the training of a PhD student.

An area where the PhD landscape has changed considerably over recent decades is in career trajectory. Fewer and fewer PhD graduates nationally, and across disciplines, have careers in the professoriate. For some fields, academic careers are simply less available. For others, students are interested in the array of opportunities available to them after doctoral training and the ways they can use their training to make an impact on the world. It is our responsibility to ensure that Johns Hopkins PhD students, while immersed in their training, can learn about, have exposure to, and begin to explore a range of career options relevant for their field, and for their lives.

II.   Types of Awards

To further the above goals, Johns Hopkins University has made funds available, on a competitive basis, to expose students to a range of career options, and to develop new and innovative professional development programming. Three funding mechanisms were available, designed together to provide exposure, skill-building, experiential learning, and/or networking and community-building relevant to learning about career paths for given fields. Each of the three initiatives is described below.

A.  PhD Program Career Events — short term ($750-$5,000): This mechanism provides an opportunity for a single, or group of, JHU PhD program(s) to organize and host one event, or a series of events, that provide exposure to professionals in their field working in non-academic careers. Examples of event(s) for this type of award might include bringing alumni or other professionals from the program(s)’ or related disciplines to campus to participate in panels or as speakers. The expectation is that all or most of the guests would be in non-academic career positions. The goal is to allow current PhD students to hear the experiences of professionals with a PhD in their (or a related) field, to learn more about the types of careers people with their degree successfully pursue, and to allow students to network with these guests, develop contacts, and ask questions.

B.  PhD Non-Academic Careers Innovation Program — longer term ($25,000-$200,000): This mechanism provides an opportunity for a JHU PhD program, a group of JHU PhD programs, a JHU school, a set of schools, or a University-wide initiative, to provide non-academic career professional development opportunities and experiences for JHU PhD students. Funds are available to design, create, organize, and implement activities such as training, exposure, internships, skill-building, networking, immersive experiences, or other initiatives relevant to non-academic career professional development for current PhD students. Programs should be developed with an eye toward sustainability. Programs may be targeted (e.g., underrepresented PhD students in STEM; humanities students pursuing non-profit careers; PhD students seeking policy internships), or programs may be broader and for students across JHU and from multiple fields. Programs may provide greater depth and be of longer length for what may be a smaller number of students, or may provide more time-limited experiences, workshops, or training for larger numbers of PhD students. Through either approach, the goal is for JHU PhD students to have the opportunity for deeper exposure, skill building, hands-on experiences, and preparation for a range of non-academic professional career options relevant to their scholarly area of PhD education.

C.  Diversity Networking, Mentoring, and Professional Development Programs ($25,000-$75,000): This mechanism is for individuals, programs, schools, or JHU offices to create additional networking, social, and/or mentoring opportunities for underrepresented PhD students to interact with other underrepresented and/or diversity-affirming PhD students, postdocs, faculty, alumni and/or other career professionals. Evidence suggests that minority graduate students often experience more isolation and have less access to mentors, role models, and professional connections than their non-minority peers, [1]  particularly when from backgrounds with fewer informal professional networks. [2]  Programs should be developed with sustainability in mind. The goal is to create an ongoing networking or mentoring program and set of activities from which JHU PhD students can benefit, particularly in terms of career development.

[1] Girves, JE, Zepeda, Y, Gwathmey, JK. “Mentoring in a Post-Affirmative Action World”. 2005. Journal of Social Issues. 61:3;449-479.

[2] Thomas, KM, Willis, LA, Davis, J. “Mentoring minority graduate students: issues and strategies for institutions, faculty, and students.” 2007. Equal Opportunities International. 26:3;178-192.

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Professional Development

When you participate in professional development, you build skills needed to succeed academically and thrive in your career.

The Graduate School Office of Professional Development supports graduate students to learn skills that benefit them academically and support them to pursue a wide variety of career paths, from academic to non-academic careers.

Start here: DiscoverPD

DiscoverPD helps master’s and doctoral students at UW–Madison advance their academic and professional goals.

• You’ll read more about the facets of professional development.
• Our 5-minute self-assessment provides you a report of your strengths and weaknesses.
• You’ll explore customized recommendations within each facet, and add these to your Individual Development Plan.

Behind DiscoverPD is a curated database of professional development activities on campus and beyond.  Your recommendations will draw from this database, or you’ll have the option to search the database if you know what you’re looking for.

Watch the 3-minute video.

Log in to DiscoverPD with NetID >>

Individual Development Plan

The Individual Development Plan (IDP) helps you reflect, plan, and discuss in order to achieve your academic and professional goals.

What is the IDP?

It’s a process in which you will:

• assess your skills, interests, and strengths;
• define a written plan for developing skills; and
• communicate with your mentor(s).

The product of this process will be a written, ever-evolving IDP document.

You’ll revisit your IDP at least once per year, to update and refine as goals change or come into focus, and to record progress and accomplishments.

How it works:

To create your IDP, you can start with one of the IDP resources listed below, or attend an IDP workshop hosted by the Graduate School .  Your graduate program coordinator or faculty mentor may also be able to help you get started.

UW–Madison IDP policy:

IDPs are required for graduate students and postdocs with NIH funding, and recommended for all graduate students and postdocs regardless of funding source.

Related resources >>

IDP for Humanities and Social Sciences

ImaginePhD is a free online career exploration and planning tool for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in the humanities and social sciences.

IDP for Biological and Physical Sciences

myIDP is a web-based career planning tool, hosted by the AAAS, tailored to meet the needs of graduate students and postdocs in the sciences.

Resources for Future Faculty

UW–Madison values preparing future faculty to be effective teachers, mentors, and researchers at worldwide institutions.

The Delta Program

The Delta Program in Research, Teaching and Learning in the Graduate School promotes the development of a future national faculty that is committed to implementing and advancing effective teaching and research mentoring practices for diverse student audiences. The Delta Program offers workshops, courses, an Internship Program, and a Certificate Program.

Join the Delta community to: • Explore inclusive and engaging teaching practices • Gain skills and experience toward strong job application materials • Belong to a community committed to advancing effective teaching

For Future Faculty Series

The For Future Faculty Series provides in-person and online events and resources designed for graduate students and postdocs interested in careers as research and teaching faculty.

Participate in this series for guidance on topics such as: • Understanding institutional fit • Preparing your job application materials • Conducting your job search • Developing your research program • Advancing your teaching skills

Professional Development Programming

Each semester the Graduate School, together with campus partners, hosts nearly 400 professional development events, which can be found through DiscoverPD and our events calendar.

Communicating research

Three Minute Thesis® is a competition in which students explain their research to a lay audience.

Grants and funding

An introduction to the grant proposal process: planning, researching, writing, and follow-up.

Tips and resources for graduate students to improve networking experience and effectiveness.

Project management

A one-day workshop, as well as materials from past workshops, about project management.

Online learning

Explore strategies to prepare to learn remotely, engage in your courses, and maximize your time.

More programming >>

Graduate research

A micro-course on conducting research, scholarly conversations, and sharing contributions.

Find out how to get the mentorship you need to be successful, and become the mentor you want to be to others.

Skill-building and career planning

Browse the free memberships and tools available to graduate student to build skills, explore career options, and more.

Introduction to patents

Learn the types of patents and patent concepts, the anatomy of a patent, and the patent process.

Intellectual property

An online micro-course about cultural, legal, and policy perspectives on intellectual property.

• July 5 Register: 14 Day Writing Challenge – Graduate School Office of Professional Development 12:00AM , Online
• July 8 Intermediate Research Software Development (in Python) – Learn Skills for Research Software Development 9:00AM , Discovery Building
• July 9 Intermediate Research Software Development (in Python) – Learn Skills for Research Software Development 9:00AM , Discovery Building
• July 10 Intermediate Research Software Development (in Python) – Learn Skills for Research Software Development 9:00AM , Discovery Building
• July 10 Discovery to Product (D2P) Open House 4:30PM , Online
• July 11 Intermediate Research Software Development (in Python) – Learn Skills for Research Software Development 9:00AM , Discovery Building
• July 11 The Art of Saying No – Graduate School Office of Professional Development 1:00PM , Online
• July 12 Intermediate Research Software Development (in Python) – Learn Skills for Research Software Development 9:00AM , Discovery Building
• July 12 Discovery to Product (D2P) Open House 12:30PM , Online
• July 17 What Nonacademic Employers Really Value About Your PhD – Graduate School Office of Professional Development 11:00AM , Online

Humanities Grant Writing Camp

The UW–Madison Graduate School is offering the Humanities Grant Writing Camp (HGWC) this May. Hosted by the Institute for Research in the Humanities (IRH) and facilitated by the UW–Madison Writing Center, the four-day camp (May 20-23, 2024, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) provides participants with a structured introduction to the nuts and bolts of writing funding proposals to support a wide range of humanities work, from research travel and dissertation writing to public humanities projects.

Call for Applications

Applications will be accepted through Monday, April 1, 2024 and require an advisor endorsement. Notifications will be made by April 15, 2024.

Read more and apply for the Humanities Grant Writing Camp >>

Professional Development for Doctoral Students: What To Do by Career Stage

It’s always a good time to work on professional development, but some skills can be especially impactful if you focus on them during specific stages of graduate school.

Below are some recommendations of what to do whether you are just starting graduate school, well into your program, or in the latter stages of a PhD. While you’ll develop many of these skills through the coursework, research, and scholarship that is part of your graduate program, you can also seek out opportunities to further develop these skills by searching the DiscoverPD database .

These recommendations are based on research from the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) on PhD Professional Development: Value, Timing, and Participation , which surveyed PhD alumni including those at UW–Madison to determine which activities they found the most useful at each career stage of graduate school.

Here are a few things to think about as you get started:

• You might find that some of these ideas are more relevant to you than others. Alumni in the CGS survey reported different participation in some activities depending on whether they were in humanities or non-humanities programs. Use your judgment but think creatively about whether these skills might be useful to you.
• To maximize your likelihood of success, incorporate ideas from the lists below into your Individual Development Plan . Use the SMART goal method to develop action-oriented goals.
• Talk with your mentor(s) or more senior graduate student peers to increase your accountability to follow through on your goals and get even more advice.
• Early Stage
• Middle Stage
• Later Stage

Most PhD alumni suggest that taking advantage of professional development opportunities in these areas is the most useful when done in the beginning stages of a PhD program.

Communication: The graduate student events calendar compiles workshops and events that focus on communication skills . Think about communication broadly – encompassing written, verbal, visual, and digital skills – as well as being able to tailor media to engage fellow scholars and the general public.

Public Speaking: Try these public speaking tips from GradHacker . To develop effective materials for public speaking events, look to DesignLab for help creating presentation slides, research posters, and more.

Networking: Learn how to network authentically and effectively , then put that knowledge into practice during graduate school. You may already be thinking about networking in different ways, such as building intellectual or professional communities with the new people you meet on campus, or building relationships with those in your program and courses. Whether you join an existing writing group, start a regular social outing for peers, or something else, these interactions all help build your network.

Digital Literacy: DesignLab can help you learn how to work effectively with digital media, including presentation slides, infographics, webpages, video, and audio. To learn how to use different software, look to the classes offered by Software Training for Students or through LinkedIn Learning .

Quantitative Literacy/Data Analytics: The Data Science Hub offers workshops to help you learn data analysis skills, and compiles a list of data science resources on campus. The Social Science Computing Cooperative offers training and support to researchers who use statistical analysis.

Academic Writing: The Writing Center offers writing workshops to enhance your academic writing and a self-paced, in-depth guide to academic and professional writing . Additionally, a micro-course from the UW Libraries introduces you to copyright and fair use for your projects.

Research Ethics/Scholarly Integrity: Get an introduction to research ethics and integrity with UW–Madison specific information on Research Integrity at UW–Madison , Responsible Data Planning, Use, and Sharing , and campus guidelines on Responsible Conduct of Research .

Diversity/Multicultural Competency: Many diversity training resources are available on campus, including the annual UW–Madison Diversity Forum . The micro-course Reflecting on Social Justice Foundational Concepts is a great starting point.

Teaching Preparation: The Center for Teaching, Learning & Mentoring supports UW–Madison instructors in their continuing growth as practitioners of the complex, challenging, and dynamic craft of teaching. The center serves faculty and staff instructors, as well as graduate student TAs and LSAs, through just-in-time training (e.g. designing a course ) and professional development opportunities (e.g. Teaching at UW workshops , TeachOnline@UW ). Additionally, the  Delta Program , housed in the Graduate School, engages students in teaching, mentoring, outreach, and advising professional development, and UW–Madison is a member of the  CIRTL Network  (the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning). A self-guided micro-course on  Including & Navigating Race in the Classroom  introduces the importance of representation in class materials, and focuses on how to facilitate productive dialogue with students that doesn’t bring harm.

Networking: Improve your experience and effectiveness with networking , a skill that can be vital for career success as you build professional and intellectual communities and relationships.

Project Management: Learn about the principles of project management . Consider attending the Project Management Workshop hosted by the Graduate School each January (Check GradConnections Weekly in your inbox for workshop announcements.)

Leadership Development: The Center for Leadership & Involvement connects students with opportunities to develop leadership capacity and offers a leadership certificate to interested students. The UW–Madison Leadership Framework further articulates ways you can engage in leadership on and off campus.

Grant Writing: Get an introduction to the grant proposal process with this grants and funding micro-course , then learn the basics of planning and writing a grant proposal .

Research or Fieldwork Abroad: Campus offers many funding opportunities and other support to help you pursue research or fieldwork outside of the U.S., including:

• the Student Research Grants Competition (eligibility varies each year)
• funding for fieldwork abroad through the Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS)
• Study Abroad scholarships
• the UW Graduate Research program and UW Graduate Fellowships Research program through International Academic Programs. Through these programs, you will be registered as a full-time student, as well as enrolled in CISI insurance , for the duration of your research with access to emergency support while abroad.

Networking: As you prepare to enter the job market, make networking part of your job search plan. When you attend professional conferences, make meeting new people part of what you aim to get out of the experience. And if you are exploring career options, consider informational interviewing as a way to both learn about jobs and establish valuable connections that could lead to job offers down the road.

Career Preparation: The Office of Professional Development regularly hosts workshops on interviewing, job negotiations, and similar topics, so check the graduate student events calendar for opportunities. Recordings are often available on the Graduate School’s YouTube channel . When it’s time to apply for a job, Writing Center workshops can help with preparing materials – both academic and non-academic – and has on-demand guides for CVs, Resumes, and Cover Letters in the Writer’s Handbook . Beyond Graduate School is a one-of-a-kind online career training platform for master’s students, with on-demand, self-paced learning modules for exploring career options and learning proven job search strategies. Beyond the Professoriate empowers PhD students to make informed decisions about their career path and learn successful job search strategies to navigate the faculty job market and explore professional careers beyond the professoriate.

Entrepreneurship: The Weinert Center at the Wisconsin School of Business serves as a resource for all students interested in entrepreneurship and hosts the Distinguished Entrepreneurs Lunch program. The Innovate Network also provides resources in the campus and Madison community. To become familiar with intellectual property as you may encounter and produce it in your time as a student, check out the UW Libraries’ Intellectual Property micro-course or watch these videos on Intellectual Property and Invention Disclosure for Graduate Students .

Search the DiscoverPD database for more opportunities related to these topics >>

Career Exploration

Career advising for graduate students is usually offered within your school/college, department, or program, supplemented by career exploration programming offered through the Graduate School.

Beyond Graduate School

Beyond Graduate School is a one-of-a-kind online career training platform for master’s students. The platform provides on-demand, self-paced learning modules that allow master’s students to explore career options and learn proven job search strategies to secure employment after graduation. Beyond Grad School also hosts a unique video library where students can hear from master’s degree holders working in all career sectors.

Beyond Graduate School benefits master’s students by: • supporting career exploration and building job search skills. • providing proven job search strategies so students can leverage their education into professional careers of their choice. • providing accessible, well-curated resources for busy master’s students. • complementing existing on-campus graduate student career supports. • offering recorded seminars, workbooks, and a one-of-a-kind informational interview library where students can learn from other master’s degree holders.

To log in, visit Beyond Graduate School , select University of Wisconsin-Madison, and enter your institutional login information.

Beyond the Professoriate PhD Career Training Platform

Beyond the Professoriate’s Career Training Platform helps graduate students, postdocs, and PhDs successfully transition into academic or nonacademic careers.

Through two programs of study (Academic Careers and Professional Careers), postdocs and graduate students can explore career options and learn job search strategies to secure employment in academia and beyond.

Beyond the Professoriate’s Career Training Platform benefits grad students by: • Supporting career exploration. • Providing accessible, well-curated resources for busy graduate students. • Promoting engaging learning through reflective activities that encourage students to apply what they’ve learned. • Complementing existing on-campus graduate student career supports. • Offering recorded seminars, reflective prompts, and assessments that guide the student experience and foster user engagement.

To log in visit Beyond Prof’s Career Training Platform , select University of Wisconsin-Madison, and enter your institutional login information.

NCFDD is an independent professional development, training, and mentoring community for faculty members, postdocs, and graduate students. It provides online career development and mentoring resources in a ready-to-access format that you can view anytime.

Starting with a core curriculum, NCFDD offers insight into foundational skills such as planning each semester, developing a daily writing practice, cultivating a network of mentors and collaborators, and managing stress and rejection.

Members can sign up to participate in online events including webinars, bootcamps, multi-week courses, and structured writing challenges. Plus, the NCFDD Discussion Forums offer a place to connect with others to seek or share advice.

Create an account to take advantage of expert webinars, writing challenges, the “Monday Motivator” e-newsletter and more.

Once you sign up through UW–Madison's institutional membership, you will have access to the full range of resources, trainings, and courses available through NCFDD.

Sign up now through UW–Madison's institutional membership.

Alumni career profiles

Marcela guerrero.

Assistant Curator, Whitney Museum of American Art Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Guerrero received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, and holds a PhD in Art History from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Jared Knowles

President, Civilytics Consulting LLC Jared Knowles founded Civilytics Consulting, LLC, in 2016 to pursue his passion of providing high-quality public performance metrics for government services. Knowles completed his political science PhD in 2015 at UW–Madison, where he was also a fellow in the Interdisciplinary Training Program in Education Sciences.

Sasānēhsaeh Pyawasay

Native American Student Success Coordinator, University of Wisconsin System Sasānēhsaeh Pyawasay is an enrolled member of the Menominee Nation from the Menominee Indian Reservation of Wisconsin. She attended UW–Madison as an undergraduate majoring in Sociology and American Indian Studies and continued to earn a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (ELPA) in 2009.

• More alumni career profiles and employment sectors More

ImaginePhD  is a free online career exploration and planning tool for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in the humanities and social sciences.

Start exploring careers >>

With Handshake you can:

• Browse and register for career events on campus
• Explore thousands of jobs and internships from over 300K employers nationwide
• Get personalized job recommendations based on your degree program, interests, and more
• Manage your own campus interviews with top employers

Join UW on Handshake! Here are the steps to get started:

• Read the  Student Terms of Use.
• Go to  MyUW
• Add the Handshake app to your homepage
• Launch to the app and start exploring!

We’ve preloaded your profile to get you started. Please note that  your profile’s default setting is set to “hidden.”  Employers, alumni, and students won’t be able to see anything until you choose to unhide it.

Additional career resources

• Career Services More
• Badger Bridge More
• For Future Faculty More

Professional Development for PhD Students

Certain professional skills including communication, leadership, teamwork, and project management are valued by employers across a wide range of sectors. While many institutions offer professional development workshops specifically aimed at helping graduate students develop these skills, you can also learn them through the course of your degree. Here are some of the major skill groups and how to work on them.

Communication Skills

• Present at conferences - Conferences are a great way to hone your presentation skills and practice answering questions on the spot. Poster presentations also help you practice your oral communication skills on a one-on-one level.
• Join an outreach group - Most of the communications skills you develop in grad school are aimed at communicating with an academic audience, but working in scientific outreach gives you the opportunity to learn how to talk to a non-technical audience. Knowing how to explain complex concepts in a simple way is a valuable skill.
• Present a seminar paper - If you are in a PhD program with coursework, you will likely have to present a paper in your seminars each semester. Unlike when you present at a conference, a seminar paper doesn’t usually have accompanying visuals so your writing must be very clear.
• Take a writing course - Many universities offer writing courses specifically for graduate students which can benefit those whose program doesn’t have a strong writing component.
• Write a research proposal or grant application - Not only will this be good practice for a future career in academia, it also teaches you to write in a very specific way. A research proposal or grant application is different from a paper. You have to include an overview of the topic and connect your research to broader problems in the discipline while keeping in mind that the reader is not always an expert in the topic.
• Publish a paper- In some fields you are expected to have multiple publications by the end of your PhD while in others even one publication will help you stand out on the job market. In either case, the peer review and revision process will improve your writing immensely.
• Teach- Don’t underestimate how much teaching will improve your oral and written communication skills. Engaging teachers are able to communicate information in new, creative ways. If there is no formal teaching component to your degree, ask if you can be a teaching assistant for your supervisor or another professor in the department.

Academic Skills

• Write your own syllabus - It’s good practice to make your own syllabus for the courses or sections that you teach. Not only will it make your expectations clearer for your students, it will also help you on the job market. Sample syllabi are often required when applying for faculty positions.
• Take a pedagogy class- Some departments have mandatory classes about teaching theory and strategies. If your institution doesn’t offer any courses or workshops, you can read about pedagogy or talk to professors in your department known for their stellar teaching.
• Develop a teaching philosophy - As you learn more about teaching, start to develop your own teaching philosophy. Consider how you teach (strategies, techniques etc.) and why you teach this way. This will make you a more confident teacher and give you a leg up on job applications, which often require a teaching philosophy statement.
• Grade- Grading is an often bemoaned part of teaching, but it is also a useful transferable skill. Developing a grading rubric helps you figure out what your standards for excellent work are and apply them.
• Give feedback - Whether it’s written on a paper or discussed in person during office hours, learn to communicate feedback in a way that presents clear steps for improvement.
• Find a mentor - Having a mentor of your own gives you an insight into the mentee perspective, not to mention a great role model for when you become a mentor yourself. Your mentor can also help you improve various academic skills such as teaching and academic writing.

Leadership and Management

• Join a team - As much of academic work is done individually, make an effort to take part in a collaborative project that will give you experience with team dynamics. Better yet, incorporate group work and group projects into your teaching. Knowing how to manage group activities, establish expectations, resolve conflicts and assess performance are important managerial skills.
• Departmental leadership - There are few opportunities to develop leadership skill in grad school, but one of the easiest ways is to join your department’s graduate student association. Another is to join a conference organizing committee.
• Project management - The entire PhD process is an exercise in project management. You are learning how to develop a project, plan it out, and work through setbacks. If your research is collaborative there’s the added element of delegation and accountability.
• Conflict resolution - No one really likes to deal with conflict, especially at work. Many graduate student professional development programs offer workshops on conflict resolution where you can learn diffusion techniques. If your university doesn’t offer workshops, you can learn about conflict resolution from your supervisor or mentor.
• Become a mentor - Being a mentor helps you learn how to motivate and inspire someone, which are important leadership skills.

Professionalism  

• Ethics- If you teach or do experiments involving people or animals, you will have to undergo some type of ethics training.
• Promote inclusion and diversity - A good teacher/supervisor understands that their students’ experiences and perspectives might be different from their own. Educate yourself about the issues that underrepresented groups in academia face and learn how you can help mitigate them. Seek our resources to promote diversity in your teaching
• Get a mentor- A mentor can help you achieve your professional and personal goals. As someone in a more senior position, they can share valuable insider knowledge and insights with you about the profession. Your mentor can also facilitate important networking opportunities.
• Network - Many PhD students make the mistake of thinking that networking is only necessary in the business world, but connections can be incredibly beneficial in the academic world as well. Your network could be future colleagues, supervisors, or collaborators. Conferences, guest lectures, and informational interviews are easy ways for PhD students to start networking .
• Build your personal brand - Social media accounts help you increase your online presence and get your name out there. As a PhD student, you should set up professional accounts on ResearchGate , Academia.edu , and LinkedIn . Twitter is also a very useful social media platform for academics.

Developing these skill will give you the tools to find meaningful work after graduation.

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/images/cornell/logo35pt_cornell_white.svg" alt="professional development of phd"> Cornell University --> Graduate School

Career and professional development.

The Graduate School offers a suite of academic, career, professional, and personal development programs for all phases of the student journey, from learning how to navigate graduate school to identifying your next steps. We encourage you to explore the programs of our Office of Career and Professional Development , attend the Pathways to Success Symposium  and browse the Doctoral Career Outcomes dashboard .

Career Development

Future Faculty and Academic Careers

• Academic job search preparation
• Local and remote workshops
• Research mentorship skills

Careers Beyond Academia

• Frame yourself for your career
• Broaden your network for job advice
• Experiential skill-building opportunities

Cornell Career Services

• Career exploration 
• Job search strategy; find internships
• Prepare job applications; negotiate offers

Professional Development

Pathways to Success

• Navigate academia; develop a plan
• Build skills; prepare for your career
• Develop balance and resilience

All Events & Workshops

• Academic progress; writing workshops
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Academic Success

• Academic policy and programs
• Fellowship application writing
• Research integrity and ethics training

Inclusion & Student Engagement

• Dean’s Scholars; Bouchet Honor Society
• Graduate School Ambassadors
• NextGen Professors; Colman Leadership 

Personal Development

• Graduate School Primer Workshops
• Perspectives: Health and Wellness
• Weekly Walks & Gratitude Project

Big Red Barn

• TGIF happy hour, trivia night, and more
• Special events reservations

Postdoctoral Studies

• Academic job search exploration, including postdoc positions
• Academic job search workshops series
• Review applications package, practice interviewing, negotiate offer

Professional Development Offerings Across Campus

English Language Support Office (ELSO)

• Courses and workshops
• Tutoring on writing and presentations
• Speaking and writing programs

Knight Institute for Writing in the Disciplines

• Writing courses for graduate students
• Graduate writing consultants

Center for Teaching Innovation (CTI)

• GET SET Workshops
• Teaching Fellows program
• Teaching assistant award

Cornell Libraries

• Workshops on library research, information management, and computer applications
• Chats in the Stacks
• Librarians available for class instruction

Funding and Personal Finance

Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies

• International Research Travel Grants
• Fellowship application information sessions

Community-Engaged Student Travel Grants

• Supports winter, spring, or summer break travel to engage with domestic or international communities

Student Loan Office

• Federal and university loans
• Alternative loans and financing
• Promissory note and entrance counseling

Research Tools and Technology at Cornell

Office of Research Integrity and Assurance (ORIA)

• Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training
• Seminars and symposia

Research Data Management Service Group (RDMSG)

• Data Management Plan Tool account
• Free consultations
• Free Office 365 bundle and other software
• Free Zoom account
• Free Qualtrics survey tool for research

Center for Technology Licensing (CTL)

• CTL Practicum
• Commercializing Cornell inventions

Cornell Institute of Biotechnology

• Technical workshops
• Project design & data analysis
• Seed research grants

Institute for Social and Economic Research (CISER)

• Computing and data workshops
• Software training
• Computing, software, and data help desk support

Cornell University Statistical Consulting Unit (CSCU)

• Consulting services
• Workshops on data and statistical analysis
• StatNews newsletter

Survey Research Institute

• Plan projects, analyze data
• Web, telephone, mail surveys
• Transcription services

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• School Outreach programs
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• Travel registry
• International Travel Research Internship Program

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• Support of international students
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Mitch Prinstein, Ph.D., ABPP

John van seters distinguished professor of psychology and neuroscience, professional development.

Graduate training typically involves instruction on the skills required to conduct research and engage in clinical practice. However, careers in psychology also rely on additional skills that often are not included graduate curricula.

I have a long-standing commitment to professional development training. This page offers some resources that hopefully will be helpful for students at all levels of training. See also recent  publications in this area  and the clinical program Professional Development Seminar .

Interested in Psychology-Related Careers

Check out Psychology Related Careers !  Thanks to 30 different professionals for sending me some info on what their careers are like!  This will give you a great snapshot of many options!  Be sure to open the bookmarks tab within the file to see each job title.

Considering Graduate School in Psychology?

For some general advice regarding the graduate application procedure, download “ Mitch’s Uncensored Grad School Advice .”

Two other terrific documents written by my graduate students also may be of use. For excellent advice on when to apply/how to get post baccalaureate experiences, see “ Before You Apply ” written by Casey Calhoun. For a student’s view on the application process, see “ Tips on Applying to Graduate School ” written by Sophie Choukas-Bradley.  For another take, also check out  another guide to get into grad school  from Dr. Stephen Lindsay.

More info on interviewing for graduate school also is available in this Psi Chi article .

Also, be sure to visit the CUDCP Undergraduate Website (CUDCP is the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology) for more info, as well as a calendar of all interview notification dates and interview dates among CUDCP programs!

Which Grad School Should You Choose?

Many people ask for information on how to choose a graduate program. These documents may prove useful: How Difficult Is It to Gain Admission Into Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs? Likelihood of Successfully Obtaining an APA-Accredited Predoctoral Internship, by Accredited Doctoral Program Licensing Exam Pass Rates by Doctoral Program

How do you succeed in graduate school?

Tips for the internship application process.

Writing Essays – a quick video ! Internship Interview tips – a quick video ! See volume below…

Join a Professional Association

Why? See page 12-13 of  this document

Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology

Want Help Applying for Grants?

Brief outline of issues and resources What is being funded in your area? Search  here

Applying for your First Job?

This site has a list of all available academic positions. How to write your cover letters Helpful questions to ask on a job interview

Hiring a Research Assistant?

Feel free to use my handy RA recommendation form

Tactless Self-Promotion

Looking for a fun book to read?  Check out “POPULAR: The Power of Likability in a Status-Obsessed World”

APA Monitor and gradPsych Stories/Quotes

Internship (1998) Dissertation (1999) Postdocs (2000) Early Career Psychologists (2004) Financial Planning (1999) The Portable Mentor Book Announcement (2004) Postdocs (2004) Academic Jobs (2004) Grant Funding(2005) Grant funding (2006) Job Hunt (2006) Applying to Graduate School (2007) Soliciting and writing letters of recommendation (2017)

Learn About CBT – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavior Therapy Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy Evidence Based Mental Health Treatment for Children and Adolescents 

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Transformative. Inspiring. Flexible.

The PhD in Professional Practice is a 100% online program designed to provide experienced professionals from diverse fields with an opportunity to carefully examine and thoughtfully assess the outcomes and professional contributions of their careers. This unique program focuses on the scholarly analysis of their work within current theoretical and theological frameworks, industry best practices, vocational understanding of their professional practice, and theological reflection. Students receive individualized mentorship from a doctoral supervisor, leading them on a personalized and intellectually stimulating path towards professional and personal development.

Program Details

• Location: 100% Online
• Length: 3 to 5 years. 57 credits for students without a theology degree and 45 credits for those with a theology degree.     
• Start Terms: October 2024, August 2025                                     
• Full Program: For those who need 57 credits, that’s only $27,360 for the entire degree.
• Advanced Standing: For those with a theology degree who only need 45 credits, that’s only $21,600 for the entire degree. 
• Financial Aid: Ask your enrollment counselor about the generous scholarships available for this program . Also, discover the military benefits and federal financial aid options that may be available to you.

100% Online. Personalized. Absolutely Affordable.

• 100% Online: The program’s complete online delivery provides flexibility and accessibility for professionals around the globe, facilitating higher education without the need to relocate or disrupt their current professional engagements.
• Practice-Led Research: This program focuses on applying theoretical frameworks and best practices to analyze actual work produced by the candidates, thereby directly enhancing their professional practice through scholarly engagement.
• Personalized Mentorship: Each student is assigned a dedicated academic supervisor who serves as a mentor, offering tailored guidance and support throughout the candidate's doctoral journey.

Dr. Wynand de Kock, Program Chair

Meaningful Reflection. Designed for Seasoned Professionals.

• Integration of Scholarship and Vocation: Reflects a distinctive blend of professional expertise with a deeper exploration of the student's personal understanding of vocation, especially within a theological context. 
• Scholarly Exegesis of Professional Artifacts: This course places emphasis on the critical examination of the work products—professional artifacts—created by the candidates in their careers, fostering a unique approach to professional development and academic inquiry.
• Targeted Toward Accomplished Professionals: The program is specifically designed for seasoned professionals at a high point in their careers, positioning it as an executive-level educational experience that builds on substantial real-world expertise .

A Ph.D. in Professional Practice opens doors to diverse careers, including senior practitioner roles, consulting positions, academic research opportunities, teaching positions, and leadership roles. These roles demand a productive integration of theoretical knowledge with practical expertise, offering opportunities in various sectors where a strong sense of purpose is paramount.

Explore the Course Design

• PhD in Organizational Leadership
• DMin in Contextual Leadership
• PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy

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College of Engineering

Graduate Programs

Professional development workshops, how can workshops help you.

Workshops play a pivotal role in fostering continuous learning, skill development, and professional growth.The "Effective Negotiation for Women Graduate Students in STEM" workshop addresses the specific needs of women, providing strategies to negotiate salaries confidently, navigate biases, and achieve better outcomes in the workplace. Similarly, "The Art of Negotiation" workshop caters to Engineering PhD Graduate students, offering practical insights based on real cases, interactive sessions, and small group activities to equip participants with the skills necessary to secure desired jobs and salaries. These workshops go beyond theoretical knowledge, providing hands-on experiences that empower attendees to excel in their professional endeavors.

The "CoE (3MT) Three Minute Thesis Competition" workshop focuses on enhancing communication skills for Engineering PhD Graduate students. By learning how to effectively convey research in three minutes to a non-specialist audience, participants not only gain valuable presentation skills but also get the opportunity to participate in an international competition. Overall, these workshops serve as catalysts for personal and professional development, offering a platform for skill acquisition, knowledge sharing, and networking that is crucial for success in STEM fields.

Get ready for your First Year Experience as a UConn Husky!

Spring 2024 Workshops

The art of negotiation.

When: March 26, 2024, 2pm – 4pm  Who: Engineering PhD Graduate students Why: To get the job and salary you desire!

WORKSHOP #2: The Art of Negotiation Details >

Back by popular demand!

Facilitators: Theodor Menounos:  Assistant Director, Career Coaching & Counseling Aida Ghiaei

This 2.5-hour workshop will be in person, an interactive, based on real cases, and participants will work in small groups. At the end of the workshop, you will learn what to do and how to negotiate your next job and salary!

[ back to the top ]

CoE (3MT) Three Minute Thesis Competition

When: April 12, 2024, 2pm – 4pm  Who: Engineering PhD Graduate students Why: Learn how to effectively communicate your research in three minutes to an intelligent non-specialist audience. Gain experience, and participate in this competition with Doctoral students around the world. 

WORKSHOP #3: SoE (3MT) Three Minute Thesis Competition Details >

Facilitators:

Fayekah Assanah ,  Assistant Professor in Residence, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, UConn      

This workshop will be held at the Engineering & Science Building (ESB) in room 121.

Previous Workshops

Effective negotiation for women graduate students in stem.

When: March 28, 2023, 2:30 pm – 4:00pm Who: Women in STEM PhD Graduate students Why: To negotiate at the workplace confidently and effectively

Facilitators:  Aida Ghiaei

Speaker:  Israela Adah Brill-Cass, ESQ

This workshop is specifically designed to address the needs of women in STEM to learn how to successfully negotiate anything, such as jobs and salary!

This 1.5-hour workshop will be in person, discussing issues on how women can: –  Negotiate for salaries and raises – Get more support for projects – Navigate through gender and cultural biases and – Achieve better results

Food will be provided, and RSVP is required.

Note: RSVP is now closed.

What Exactly Is the Science of Reading?

• Posted June 25, 2024
• By Elizabeth M. Ross
• Language and Literacy Development

Last summer Nonie Lesaux , a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education who leads a research program that seeks to improve literacy outcomes for children and youth, was approached with a problem. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) needed to help the 600-plus school districts that the state agency serves better understand what scientific research had to say about how children learn strong reading and writing skills. Their query came at a time when powerful public advocacy for bringing the science of reading to classrooms, which had been steadily gaining momentum, had reached a fever pitch.

Over roughly the past decade, 38 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws or introduced policies that aim to bring literacy instruction in line with decades of interdisciplinary research on the science of reading. In New York, in fact, Governor Kathy Hochul introduced a plan earlier this year to have schools in the state adopt science-based methods to improve reading instruction by September 2025.

When they approached her last summer, administrators at NYSED told Lesaux that many school district leaders and educators across the state felt “angst, confusion, and worry about the science of reading.” They weren’t sure what the term meant exactly — they had lots of questions, and they needed clarity and resources, she says, to help them “cut through a lot of noise,” including some misconceptions. 

So Lesaux produced a series of seven briefs to help the educators better understand the research, as well as the work that is needed. The briefs explore key ideas and myths about the science of reading, and leadership strategies for those in New York’s preK–12 systems who are working to improve literacy and provide professional learning supports.

Lesaux recently discussed the briefs, as well as how they have been received.

You worked with NYSED on a series of literacy briefs back in 2017. How did you build on that previous work with this new set of briefs?

Literacy is still the multifaceted, complex construct that it always has been, and the demands on the learner and the citizen today, in this global knowledge-based economy, are significant. You have to develop literacy skills to a level that is much higher than might have been necessary even 25 years ago, for entry into the workforce and for a good wage and income and lifestyle — that hasn't changed. … There is some overlap [in the briefs] because the knowledge base didn't change much. I think what changed, which was super important for the field, is the public became much clearer that there are effective and ineffective ways to teach early word reading.

In your first brief, you say that the science of reading reflects more than 50 years of research across multiple disciplines about how children successfully learn to read and write. If there is so much research and evidence, why has there been so much confusion about effective literacy instruction?

I think what has created some of the confusion is that there are a couple curricula and approaches that took hold at large scale — this kind of “leveled reader” approach, “balanced literacy” —  and the field took that up and the research was not there. In fact, it's deleterious for some kids because it's not the right approach. It's true that phonics instruction should be very explicit and direct, and that is not the same as teaching language and comprehension. And we need the language and comprehension teaching, but we can't confuse the two. And I think for far too long there was sort of this text-based approach to teaching phonics that wasn't actually the explicit direct instruction that a very significant number of children both need and respond so well to. But I think the danger is that we then swing the pendulum and pit the two ideas against each other, ideologically, and create this thing called “the reading wars,” when in fact we know we need a strong plan for phonics, and we need a strong plan for language and comprehension. It sounds so basic, and yet the politics and some of the ideologies of what it feels like to educate in developmentally appropriate ways got in the way of all of this. You know, rote explicit phonics instruction only needs to be about 20 minutes a day, but if you overdo it and it becomes synonymous with your reading instruction, you don't have a very engaging academic environment. When you do it really well and in the short burst that every first and second grader needs, it becomes very reinforcing and exciting because kids see their growth.

In one of your briefs, you set out to debunk common myths about the science of reading and you point out that learning to read and reading to learn should not be two distinct stages. You say effective teaching aims to teach all skills simultaneously from the earliest years?

Yeah, we need to stop pitting the two and we need to do both really well…. [and be] honest about the fact that there are lots of kids who don't have a vulnerability in the phonics area and don’t need more than the standard foundational instruction in this area, but who have very underdeveloped vocabulary and comprehension skills, you know, à la achievement opportunity gaps, and need a lot of content building knowledge. So, if we turn around and only do structured rote phonics programs, ad nauseum, they’re no better off for the long run.

What you mentioned about building up students’ background knowledge, to assist with reading comprehension, makes me think about the work of HGSE’s Jimmy Kim , correct?

Definitely. Jimmy’s portfolio of research has shed light on the effective strategies and the complexity of building up knowledge and comprehension skills. The same is true for Meredith Rowe's vocabulary work . There are others at HGSE, like Nadine Gaab with her [dyslexia] screening work , whose research is equally important. We’re all in the same fight together, contributing in specific ways for the same outcomes, but we're all looking at different pieces.

Regardless of which pieces we’re each focused on, some of the feedback that I get repeatedly [from school districts] is that it's so helpful that we step back and look at the policy and practice landscape and look at what the research really tells us about where we are, and then craft guidance in the form of resources and tools.

Additional resources

• American Public Radio's Sold a Story podcast

Separating Fact from Fiction About the Science of Reading

• The Science of Reading Literacy Briefs, NYSED
• Harvard Ed. magazine explores the next phase of the Reach Every Reader initiative
• Professor Catherine Snow puts the "literacy crisis" in context on the Harvard EdCast

Usable Knowledge

Connecting education research to practice — with timely insights for educators, families, and communities

Related Articles

Phase Two: The Reach

Reach Every Reader on its impact and the project’s next phase

New literacy briefs correct common myths and misconceptions 

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Research shows even infrequent readers get absorbed in reading

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How Long Does it Take to Get a Psychology PhD?

Obtaining a PhD in psychology comes with a number of benefits, from the freedom to start your private practice to the chance to dive deep into research.

But if you’re charting out the next steps of your academic journey, the big question is, “How long does a PhD in psychology take?”

Ultimately, it depends on a handful of factors, but you can expect to be in school anywhere from five to seven years. 1,2 Let’s break down the timeline together and explore why earning a doctorate in psychology may be well worth the commitment. 

Get Your PhD in Psychology Degree

Psychology PhD Program Overview

A doctorate of philosophy in psychology is a terminal degree that helps prepare graduates for a range of professional pathways. It’s often seen as an ideal choice for students who hope to gain teaching experience or produce fresh insights through scientific research. 3 PhDs in psychology may also earn their licensure and work directly with clients in clinical settings, such as a mental health clinic or a private practice.

PhD in psychology programs may vary from institution to institution. Yet, they’re typically broken down into four primary categories:

• Methods and statistics
• Assessment and treatment of mental health conditions
• Research – Research is an integral component of PhD in psychology programs. Throughout your program, you may fine-tune your ability to gather information, perform interviews, work with participants of your selected study (or studies), gather and evaluate data, conduct literature reviews, and present results.
• Clinical practice and research – The knowledge and skills you obtain through coursework and research are taken from theory into practice through supervised training and/or a doctoral internship. Depending on the school, you may also have the opportunity for teaching assistantships.
• Dissertation – Your dissertation and dissertation defense are the key to the completion of your PhD and a culmination of your academic coursework, research, and hands-on training. While some may compare a dissertation to a thesis, dissertations are much more substantial in scope and typically come in between 100 and 300 pages. 7 If you’re unsure about your focus, we have the top 10 clinical psychology research topics to explore for your dissertation.

Stages of the PhD Program

The phases of a PhD in psychology also range from school to school. Graduate students can expect the following:

• Comprehensive exams
• Research proposal
• Dissertation research
• Dissertation defense

Does this mean you’ll manage each of these one at a time? Not necessarily. You might attend a morning lecture, teach for an hour, see a patient for an intake assessment, and spend your evening working on your dissertation.

Factors Affecting the Duration of a PhD in Psychology

Several factors may influence your particular answer to “How long does a PhD in psychology take?” These may include:

• Part-time vs. full-time status
• Job obligations
• Family obligations
• Domestic circumstances
• Extenuating circumstances that occur during your program
• Area of specialization

The duration of your graduate program may also be contingent upon the strength of your relationship with your mentor/doctoral advisor and, importantly, what you bring to the program, such as time management skills, motivation, and momentum. 8

The Role of Internships and Practical Experience

Internships and clinical practicums are crucial to gaining the skills and confidence required to transition from your doctoral program into the “real” world.

The type of hands-on experience you gain—and where it will occur—will depend on your program and discipline, but PhD in psychology students usually observe a licensed clinical psychologist in action or work directly with clients or groups of clients. In both scenarios, you typically have the opportunity to ask questions and request feedback. 9

Where do these internships and practicums take place? In a range of settings, such as:

• Rehabilitation centers
• Substance abuse facilities
• Private practices
• Correctional facilities

The PhD in Clinical Psychology program at Alliant International University, for example, pairs doctoral candidates with clinical practicum opportunities within the community to further your professional development.

As mentioned, a PhD in psychology usually takes between five and seven years, plus, in most cases, a one-year internship. Bear in mind, however, that the factors noted above could potentially delay completion.

5 Tips for Staying on Track

There are several ways to remain on track throughout your graduate studies: 10

• Establish regular meetings with your mentor/dissertation advisor to evaluate your progress
• Set firm deadlines
• Select a manageable research topic
• Work at building a support system, inside and outside of your program
• Decompress with regular breaks, whether that means exercise, a staycation, or a quick weekend away

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), studies suggest that picturing the completion of your PhD and your future success can boost your motivation. Getting a PhD in psychology is no easy feat, but you are making a difference in the lives of others.

How We Support Our PhD Students

Alliant International University is intent on ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive throughout their academic journeys. We offer a number of resources to nourish your well-being, including libraries, labs, and online databases. Add an encouraging faculty to the list, and you can rest assured that we’ll help you stay on track.

Elevate Your Academic Career at Alliant International University

“How long does it take to get a psychology PhD” is case by case, much in the way your clients may be in the future. However long it does take is incomparable to what you may gain from your program, from in-depth knowledge of the brain to the finest research techniques.

Alliant International University nurtures these very things. We offer two doctoral degrees in Psychology: a PsyD and a PhD in Clinical Psychology . Both come equipped with attributes that can help students flourish—during their PhD degree programs and after.

Imagine your future in psychology by exploring our doctoral programs today.

• Kendra Cherry, MSEd. “Different Timelines for Doctorate-Degree Options in Psychology.” Verywell Mind, November 7, 2023. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-phd-in-psychology-2795131.  
• “Home.” Alliant Intl University. Accessed April 20, 2024. https://www.alliant.edu/psychology/clinical-psychology/phd.  
• “Doctoral Degrees in Psychology: How Are They Different, or Not so Different?” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 20, 2024. https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2016/01/doctoral-degrees .
• “Psychology Doctorate Phd Defined: Explore Academic, Internship and Research Requirements for a Psychology Phd.” Psychologist, March 24, 2021. https://www.psychologist-license.com/types-of-psychologists/psychologist-doctorate-phd/.  
• “Best Doctorate in Psychology (Ph.D.. and Psy.D.).” Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource, April 12, 2024. https://www.psychology.org/degrees/phd/.  
• “Daily Activities of a Clinical Psychology Phd Student.” Simply Mental Health, November 13, 2022. https://simplymentalhealth.ca/2022/11/13/daily-activities-of-a-clinical-psychology-phd-student/.  
• "How Long Is a Dissertation? Here’s the Average Length.” Dissertation Team. Accessed April 20, 2024. https://us.dissertationteam.com/blog/how-long-is-a-dissertation/.&nbsp ;
• Young, Sonia N, William R Vanwye, Mark A Schafer, Troy A Robertson, and Ashley Vincent Poore. “Factors Affecting Phd Student Success.” International journal of exercise science, January 1, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6355122/.  
• “Internships and Practicums.” Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource, April 10, 2024. https://www.psychology.org/resources/internships-and-practicums/.  
• “Revive Your Drive--Six Empirically Supported Techniques for Getting Excited about Grad School Again.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 20, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2008/09/grad-school.&nbsp ;

David Stewart

Dean, California School of Professional Psychology

David G. Stewart, PhD, ABPP, is a board-certified clinical child and adolescent psychologist and Dean of the California School of...

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Exploring Careers in STEM 2024

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