Overview Professional development is integral to graduate education at Princeton University. Professional development involves the systematic learning, acquisition, and application of skills and competencies that support graduate students’ scholarly and research goals while preparing them for professional success in diverse roles within the academic, public, and private sectors. We believe comprehensive professional development mutually reinforces doctoral training, creates equitable access to pathways within and beyond the academy -- and widens the aperture of opportunity for all Ph.D. students. The core competencies in the GradFUTURES professional development model were recently expanded based on applied labor market research conducted by Emsi-Burning Glass, peer benchmarking, a recent Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) study, graduate alumni feedback, and Princeton’s institutional priorities. The two newest competencies added in December 2021 are: diversity, equity, and inclusion; innovation and entrepreneurship GradFUTURES collaborates with partners across campus, graduate alumni, and industry partners to integrate programs, resources, and opportunities to assist all Princeton graduate students in learning, honing, and applying the following skills and competencies. It is important to recognize that all of the competencies below are in-demand and transferable in the Ph.D. labor market across all disciplines, career fields, and position types. Many of the competencies are interrelated and may be explored in any order based on a student's unique interests, needs, and goals. Research & Data Analysis Conducting original and independent research within and beyond your discipline using methods that will advance knowledge and enhance understanding across many fields. Leadership & Collaboration Managing complex projects and working collaboratively in diverse, multidisciplinary teams to achieve mutual goals and realize a sense of shared accomplishment. Teaching & Mentoring Applying instructional pedagogies, assessment methods, and effective teaching practices to promote inclusive learning environments whether within a formal classroom setting or online, for student mentoring and tutoring, or facilitation of training programs within other organizational settings. Career Management Exploring diverse career paths, developing job search skills and materials, and building relationships that enable you to achieve your current and future professional goals. Personal Well-being & Effectiveness Maximizing your overall well-being allows you to perform at peak effectiveness in all aspects of your academic, personal, and professional life by fostering resilience, social connectedness, balance, and a growth mindset. Writing & Public Speaking Developing strong written communication and public speaking skills to effectively communicate complex topics and demonstrate your expertise and research to diverse audiences. Innovation & Entrepreneurship Applying innovative, inclusive, creative, and entrepreneurial approaches and mindsets to accelerate discovery and catalyze solutions to complex problems– whether within the context of the academic research enterprise and/or new venture creation. Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Engaging in lifelong learning to understand and apply strategies that foster inclusion and intercultural fluency while advancing equity within various professional, institutional, organizational, and community contexts.
