Develop Your Skills
As a graduate student, you’re building an array of skills that help you succeed in graduate school and beyond. Tap into the campus resources listed below to boost your skills.
Inquiry, discovery, and creation
Inquiry, discovery, and creation describe characteristics of higher order thinking embodied by graduate students, including analyzing, evaluating, and creating.
Communication
Communication is a bidirectional exchange of information, effective through understanding the intersection of media, audience, and message.
Managing projects and people
Managing projects and developing people’s potential requires an understanding of systematic approach methods, evaluation, and effective use of resources.
Leadership
Leadership occurs at all levels of successful organizations, regardless of formal authority or management role.
Teaching and mentoring
Teaching and mentoring skills involve guiding others effectively and supporting their growth, helping you make a stronger impact as an educator.
Grant writing
Obtaining grants, funding, and other resources to support your research projects is a crucial skill. The process also sharpens your ability to describe the impact of your work.
Skills framework: 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.
The Graduate School
217 Bascom Hall
500 Lincoln Drive
Madison, WI 53706
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