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On January 16, graduate students gathered in Needles Hall for the highly anticipated kickoff event for the Grad Skill Enhancement Project, a new initiative by Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs designed to help graduate students develop essential academic and professional skills.

"We know that graduate students face unique challenges, and the Grad Skill Enhancement Project is here to help them prepare for the future” says Karmvir Padda, PhD Candidate in Sociology and Legal Studies and Graduate Professional Development Program Specialist. Designed to be flexible and allow each student to tailor the program to fit their needs, the initiative allows graduate students to choose from a diverse range of workshops in career preparation, communication, leadership, and personal effectiveness so they’re well-prepared to enter the job market upon graduation.

To bring participants together and formally kickoff the initiative, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs held a welcome event on January 16, 2025, inviting all participants from the Winter 2025 cohort. A highlight of the welcome event was the opportunity to network and socialize with other attendees, meeting graduate students from other departments and faculties that they might typically have the chance to interact with.

"The kickoff event is more than just an introduction,” says Ashley Ryan, Graduate and Postdoctoral Programming Specialist, “it’s a chance for students to connect with their cohort, share their goals, and get inspired to make the most of the program."

During the event, staff facilitated a guided introduction exercise, encouraging participants to find similarities and common ground with their peers in their goals and aspirations despite differences in academic backgrounds. Graduate students were also given the chance to share the most impactful advice they received throughout their graduate career. These pieces of advice ranged from "Don’t be afraid to fail; it’s part of the process," to "Your well-being is just as important as your research," and "Take a human-first approach in all interactions."

Throughout the event, staff mingled with attendees, answering questions about the program and offering insights into the workshops and opportunities that lay ahead. Along with Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs staff, Kira Bruschke, a Career Advisor from the Centre for Career Development, was also in attendance to answer questions about the services and supports that the Centre for Career Development provides.

The program’s flexible and self-paced structure, allowing students to tailor their learning to their specific goals, was a recurring topic of conversation throughout the event. "We’re thrilled to see so much enthusiasm for the Grad Skill Enhancement Project," said Ryan. "The welcome event is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see how students will grow and thrive through this program."

The Grad Skill Enhancement Project can be completed by graduate students in as little as 10-15 hours across a term. Upon completion, participants will receive professional recognition through a LinkedIn badge and a signed letter of completion to showcase their skills to future employers and academic institutions.

Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs plans to run the Grad Skill Enhancement Project on a regular basis to give all graduate students the chance to develop their professional skills throughout their degree. Graduate students interested in participating in future offerings of the Grad Skill Enhancement Project can sign up for the waitlist.