Professional Development Days

Professional Development (PD) Days are offered as part of a suite of programming supporting career management and professional development for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The sessions will help you recognize your talents, pursue your interests, learn professional skills and make interdisciplinary connections that will help you excel in your chosen field.

The next workshops will be hosted from June 12-16, 2023. Full details and registration information are posted below (all times are in MST).

Note that we have added a new Leadership series (for PD Credit) and two research sessions on obtaining and submitting data from/to Open Source (not for PD Credit).

Where indicated, these sessions may be used towards the University of Alberta Professional Development Requirement which includes an individualized career plan document called an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and the completion of eight hours of professional development activities inspired by your career plan.

The IDP outlines seven competencies. You will find IDP competency information in some of the workshop descriptions to help you determine which workshop will expand your desired skill areas.

Please note:

  • Please register early for these workshops, as spots may be limited.
  • Students who are on leave are not able to use the sessions for PD credit, however are certainly permitted to attend the sessions which are open to everyone on campus.
  • In keeping with our standard practice, attendees later than 10 minutes will not be admitted to the sessions.  
  • PD credit is only given to participants who attend the entire session and participate in the activities related to the sessions.  This may include polling, a pre-activity survey, completing a google form, and so forth that can take place prior, during, or post-event.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Reflect upon and evaluate your skills and competencies in the areas of creativity, communication, confidence, scholarship, ethical responsibility, critical thinking, and collaboration
  • Reflect on your career options based on your interests, skills, and values
  • Acquire new, or enhance existing skills and competencies in areas related to professional behaviours, the workplace, and career management.

Learn more and register:

Programming, registration, and tracking is captured in campusBridge. Please check out our Guide to campusBridge: Registration and Proof of Attendance.

A Look Behind the Job Postings: The Role of HR Staff | Monday, June 12, 2023 | 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. (Virtual)

Register here

Zoom Registration: https://ualberta-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEtc-2vqjorHNKJscOpXDEJ6NWdF5IRRhc2

PD Credit: 1 Hour

Description: When you see a job posting, do you wonder how it was created? You know there are HR (Human Resource) staff that may have prepared it and will likely screen your applications, but have you ever spoken to someone who has held an HR role? Are you even "allowed" to reach out to them when applying for a position? How do they come up with the salary range? This session will give us an opportunity to meet with some key people who understand the HR world and they will share some insights into how you may better prepare your job applications to find success in employment. 

Presenters: Jennifer Wilcox and Renee Redinger

Jennifer Wilcox, BA, CPHR, is a Senior Consultant for the Talent Management team at the University of Alberta. She is an innovative and strategic business leader with expertise in talent acquisition, employee engagement, performance management, and organizational development. She has taught Human Resource Management for the Faculty of Extension at the University of Alberta and has extensive experience in the corporate sectors.

Renee Redinger, BCom, is the Director of Talent Acquisition for the City of Edmonton. She completed her Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources at the University of Alberta. With her team, she is responsible for all outreach and recruitment activities for the City of Edmonton. Renee has had extensive experience working within the Government of Alberta before moving to the City of Edmonton.  Renee brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role and is committed to finding the best talent for her organization.

Preparing for the Non-Academic Interview | Monday, June 12, 2023 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Virtual)

Register Here

Zoom Registration: https://ualberta-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIvcumuqj4jHdaKcNBlvl9uba9EoeMexbyc

PD Credit: 1.5 Hours

Description: How do you prepare for an interview? One way is to research the company and the role you're applying for and practice answering common interview questions. Additionally, it's essential to dress appropriately, arrive on time, and have a positive attitude. Before the interview, make sure you have a clear understanding of your own skills and experiences that make you a good fit for the job. What specific questions might the interviewer ask you? How can you tailor your answers to showcase your skills and experience? What are some common interview mistakes to avoid? Join the session to learn more.

Facilitators: Navita Kalra and Nicole Anne Marie Rodriguez

Navita Kalra is the Career Advisor for the Graduate Student Internship Program. She has supported students from all disciplines in finding work experience opportunities since joining the Career Centre in 2016. As Career Advisor, Navita helps graduate students with their internship applications and interviews - including assisting them in creating their own internships.

Nicole Anne Marie Rodriguez, MSc, is the Graduate and Postdoctoral Career Advisor at the University of Alberta's Career Centre and is a regular panelist for the Career Action series. Nicole has her Master's degree in Paediatrics from the University of Alberta and is familiar with Edmonton entrepreneurship ecosystem.  She is also a Startup Program facilitator for Edmonton Unlimited, and is a student founder of BAWSE Communities Inc, a mental health app designed for adults living with ADHD. 

Maximize Your LinkedIn Potential | Monday, June 12, 2023 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. (Virtual)

Register Here

Zoom Registration: https://ualberta-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwvf-2prD8tHd1w8GCThGSWT7PtM3Pn2bPt

PD Credit:  1.5 Hours

IDP Competencies: Confidence, Communication, Creativity

Description: You have a LinkedIn account but aren't sure what message you should add to your profile. Maybe you are asking, "Why should I even bother?" What if you knew more than 90% of employers utilize LinkedIn at some stage of the hiring process? What if you could take steps now that would improve your hiring chances in the future? There are some easy actions you can take to make your profile pop out from others that may have similar qualifications to your own. Come learn how you can improve the potential of your profile and ways to utilize your account for benefits to your career.

Facilitator: Christine Gertz

Christine Gertz, MEd, MLIS, is a longtime Library and Information Specialist for the Career Centre at the University of Alberta with many years of creating a collection of resources that develop career awareness.  She also is incredibly supportive of people transitioning to the workplace and has served as a Settlement Support Mentor for the Catholic Social Services and is currently a volunteer with the Student Volunteer Campus Community.

Using Google Sites to Create an Online CV | Tuesday, June 13, 2023 | 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. (In Person)

Register Here

Room Location: ECHA L1-350
This event will be held in person (no recordings).

PD Credit: 1 Hour

Description: Learn how to create or enhance your online CV or resume using Google. Discover how online portfolios can showcase your skills and experience, and explore examples of online CV or resume builders that can improve your document's format and structure. By utilizing these resources effectively, you can increase your chances of getting hired. Join us at this seminar to gain practical insights and take your job application to the next level.

Facilitator: Jay Friesen

Jay Friesen, PhD, is an Educational Curriculum Developer at the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies and an Assistant Lecturer in Community Engagement at Community Service-Learning at the University of Alberta. He received his PhD in Cultural Studies (MLCS) from the same institution in 2019, where his research focused on the relationship between comedy and multiculturalism in Canadian communities. Jay has taught diverse courses on a wide variety of topics, including community engagement, cultural studies, and pedagogy, and is particularly interested in making post-secondary learning accessible and equitable, especially through university and community collaborations. He is a two-time recipient of the CSL Instructor of the Year award, once as a graduate student and once as an ATS lecturer.

Creating Your Own Narrative and Personal Brand | Tuesday, June 13, 2023 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (In Person)

Register Here

Room Location: ECHA L1-490 

PD Credit: 1.5 Hours

IDP Competencies: Confidence, Communication, Creativity

Description: Join us at this seminar to learn about the importance of creating your own narrative and personal brand. It's crucial to distinguish yourself from your peers and stand out in your field. Your personal brand can include your unique strengths, experiences, and interests, as well as your values and goals. By developing a clear and compelling narrative and brand, you can effectively communicate your story and differentiate yourself in job applications, networking events, and interviews. Additionally, creating a strong personal brand can help you stay focused and motivated, as you strive to achieve your career and personal goals.

Facilitators: Chris Henderson and Adam Rozenhart

Chris Henderson is the Chief Strategist and Partner at Y Station Communications and Research.  He was campaign manager for former Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson's 2007 and 2010 city council campaigns and 2013 mayoral campaigns.  Chris is a University of Alberta alumnus; and is known as an experienced strategic planner, public and stakeholder engagement specialist, and communications expert across a wide range of sectors.

Adam Rozenhart is the Managing Partner and Strategist at Adverb Communications, and an instructor at the University of Alberta in Online and Continuing Education. To his tribute, Adam was a former Top 40 Under 40 in Edmonton, a digital strategist at Calder Bateman Communications, co-host of The Unknown Studio Podcast, and co-founder of Edmonton Nerd Nite. He is an expert in marketing and communication strategy, online community management, business development, digital project management, and team leadership. Adam brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his work and is committed to helping individuals and organizations create successful brands.

Is This Job Right For You? | Tuesday, June 13, 2023 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. (In Person)

Register Here

Room Location: ECHA 1-420 

PD Credit: 1.5 Hours

IDP Competencies:  Confidence, Communication, Creativity

Description: When searching for a job that aligns with your values, consider what issues you're passionate about and what kind of impact you want to make through your work. Research companies with mission statements that resonate with you and prioritize values that matter to you. During interviews, ask about the company's culture and values to ensure they align with your own. Finding a job that fits your values leads to a more fulfilling career, so what are you waiting for? What values matter most to you, and what companies align with those values? This session is limited to 80 participants as we will be using LEGO as a key part of this process.

Facilitator: Tyree McCrackin

Tyree McCrackin, BEd, MA, is the Transition to Career Program Lead, and he works directly with students, alums, and postdoctoral fellows at the University of Alberta's Career Centre. Before coming to the University of Alberta, Tyree worked in human resources in various oil and gas-related industries. His first role was with the University of Alberta's Graduate Student Internship Program (GSIP) as a Career Advisor responsible for supporting GSIP applicants and interns. He now works as a career coach and team lead, helping current graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and alums navigate the quest for meaningful work.

Finding Data: How to Access Open Source Data for Your Research | Wednesday, June 14, 2023 | 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (Virtual)

Register Here

Zoom Registration: https://ualberta-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYtce-tpz4pE9ZGGdrOYllweADpH5nLo12G

PD Credit: None

Description: This session will provide attendees with an introduction to open sources of research data. We will highlight resources available through the University of Alberta Library and directly from governmental and academic collaborative consortiums. Attendees will gain an understanding of what types of data are available openly, where to find them, and how this type of research resource can be used in their own academic projects.

Facilitators: Anna Bombak and Katie Cuyler

Anna Bombak is the Data Librarian at the University of Alberta Library and works with the UAL Data Team to support services providing access to digital research data and other data resources for the University community.

Katie Cuyler is the Open Publishing and Government Information Librarian at the University of Alberta Library and works with journals to publish their content openly through the Open Journal System (OJS). Katie also works with government information, ensuring preservation and access, as well as providing instruction and research support for researchers working with government information.

Supporting Your Research with Data Management and Planning | Wednesday, June 14, 2023 |11:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m (Virtual)

Register Here

Zoom Registration: https://ualberta-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwudOutpz4jHdb_A3h3vYao8WUQBhHX-BdA

PD Credit: None

Description: This session will provide attendees with foundational information and resources for supporting both the development of data management plans (DMPs) as well as the deposit of your research output for open discovery and appropriate access and re-use by others. Topics covered will include the importance and benefits of DMPs and data deposit, how they support research, what makes a 'good' DMP, as well as current and impending policies and requirements relating both to DMPs and data deposit. You will learn how to deposit your research output to UA and other repositories including, including Dataverse, Aviary, and the Federated Research Data Repository (FRDR), and how to use the DMP Assistant tool. Time has been built into the session to allow for questions and discussion 

Facilitator: James Doiron and Sean Luyk

James Doiron is the Research Data Management (RDM) Strategies Director, University of Alberta Library, and Academic Director of the University of Alberta Research Data Centre. James supports RDM activities and research across campus and has co-led the development of UofA's institutional RDM strategy.

Sean Luyk is a Digital Projects Librarian at the University of Alberta Library, where he supports institutional repositories (ERA, Aviary) and works with researchers on digital curation projects.

Career Action: Negotiation Jitters | Wednesday, June 14, 2023 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (Virtual)

Register Here

Zoom Registration: https://ualberta-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwldOCsqTMvG9GQpbRtcjmsT-xlNx5xIfyT

PD Credit: 1 Hour PD Credit available with completion of Google Form following the session.  Please confirm with your department/faculty that they will accept this session towards the PD requirement.

IDP Competencies: Confidence, Communication

Description: You are getting ready for your job interview and have questions about start dates, wages, and more. What types of things can you negotiate? Who starts this process? Can you negotiate once you have the job?  Let's test your negotiation skills!

Presenters: This session will be hosted by Dr. Renee Polziehn, Director of Professional Development for the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies, and a panel of Career Centre staff that could include: Andrea Spevak (Internship Advisor for the Graduate Student Internship Program), Dr. Andrews Tawiah (Career Advisor for Graduate Students and Postdocs), Marek Komar (T2C Career Coach), Navita Kalra (GSIP Career Advisor), Tyree McCrackin (T2C Team Lead and Career Coach), and guests.

Leadership Series: Leadership of Self | Wednesday, June 14, 2023 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Virtual))

Register

Zoom Registration: https://ualberta-ca.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUkcu-vrj0tE9z3phuZKJ1SaeN36Crb7smp

PD Credit: 1 Hour

IDP Competencies: Confidence, Communication

Description: Leadership begins with self. What kind of leader are you? Does this matter? What makes a good leader? How can you build your leadership acumen? Join us in a conversation about leadership styles, determine what are your tendencies, and gain a better sense of what matters when it comes to leadership of self.

Facilitator: Renee Polziehn

Renee Polziehn, PhD, is the Professional Development Director for the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies. Following 20+ years of leading professional development programming for the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies and the Postdoctoral Fellows Office, she has heard many of the challenges faced by graduate students and postdoctoral fellows as they transition from their graduate degrees to the workplace. Renee is part of the executive leadership in the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies and has been recognized nationally for the programming offered to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

Leadership Series: Bridging Leadership of Self and Others Through EDI | Thursday, June 15, 2023 | 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. (In Person)

 Register

Room Location: 1-440 CCIS (Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science)

PD Credit: 2 Hours

IDP Competencies:  Confidence, Communication, Collaboration

Description: In this session, we will explore the concept of facilitative leadership in a distributed space, delving into what these ideas mean and how we can be leaders in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) when they are everyone's shared responsibilities. Dr. Carrie Smith will share her insights and expertise on the topic, providing valuable perspectives on the role of leadership in fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. Through thought-provoking discussions and interactive activities, participants will then have the opportunity to reflect on the significance of EDI in leadership and explore ways to incorporate these principles into their own practices.

Facilitators: Carrie Smith and Jay Friesen

Carrie Smith, PhD, is currently the Vice-provost of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and she was the former Vice-dean of the Faculty of Arts, former Chair and former Associate Chair for Graduate Studies for the Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies. Since 2019, she has served as the Lead for the Faculty of Arts on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.  Carrie received her PhD in Germanic Languages and Literatures as well as a Graduate Certificate in Women's and Gender Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. Her research is located at the intersection of feminist activism, creative production, and digital culture. Dr. Smith says equity, diversity and inclusion touch on every single portfolio and every single activity on our campus.  Currently, she is working on developing modules for faculty and senior leadership that integrate EDI into their leadership training.

Jay Friesen, PhD, is an Educational Curriculum Developer at the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies and an Assistant Lecturer in Community Engagement at Community Service-Learning at the University of Alberta. He received his PhD in Cultural Studies (MLCS) from the same institution in 2019, where his research focused on the relationship between comedy and multiculturalism in Canadian communities. Jay has taught diverse courses on a wide variety of topics, including community engagement, cultural studies, and pedagogy, and is particularly interested in making post-secondary learning accessible and equitable, especially through university and community collaborations. He is a two-time recipient of the CSL Instructor of the Year award, once as a graduate student and once as an ATS lecturer.

Leadership Series: Leading Others | Thursday, June 15, 2023 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (In Person)

 Register

Room Location: 1-440 CCIS (Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science) 

PD Credit: 1 Hour

IDP Competencies:  Confidence, Communication, Collaboration 

Description: Once you have a good handle on how you respond and interact with others and to events, you will want to add the next dimension of learning about others. How are people similar and different from you? What dynamics can come into play so that you can be successful in leading? We will examine how people learn as a tool for understanding how leadership is received by others and how this can impact team dynamics.

Facilitator: Renee Polziehn

Renee Polziehn, PhD, is the Professional Development Director for the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies. Following 20+ years of leading professional development programming for the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies and the Postdoctoral Fellows Office, she has heard many of the challenges faced by graduate students and postdoctoral fellows as they transition from their graduate degrees to the workplace. Renee is part of the executive leadership in the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies and has been recognized nationally for the programming offered to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

Leadership Series: Leaders, Managers, and Supervisors | Friday, June 16, 2023 | 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. (In Person)

 Register

Room Location: 1-440 CCIS (Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science) 

PD Credit: 1.25 Hours

IDP Competencies:  Confidence, Communication, Collaboration 

Description: After completing a graduate degree, your next job will likely ask you to share your experience in leadership, management, and supervision.  What is the difference between them?  In this session, you will start to recognize what sets the three organizational roles of Leader, Manager, and Supervisor apart from each other.  Attendees will be asked to answer questions, finding the answer to each that best represents Leadership, Management, and Supervision. You will have an opportunity to think about how you can develop some of these skills now.  Bring your energy and enthusiasm and be ready to ask the questions you have about how to lead to this amazing presenter.

Facilitator: Richard Field

Richard Field, PhD, has been publishing in the domain of management and leadership for 30 years. He teaches in the MBA program on Leadership Skills, Business Ethics, and Managing Human Resources as well as does workshops for the Peter Lougheed Leadership College. He is the recipient of several teaching awards including the Donald and Margaret MacKenzie Distinguished Teaching Award. Dr Field is also a recipient of the McCalla Professorship, recognizing significant contributions to the integration of teaching and research, and educational leadership. Richard has a wonderful ability to capture the essence of leadership in a way that everyone can understand and see its application in their own world.