Professional Development Requirement

Professional Development Requirement

After consultation with the Graduate Students' Association and consideration of economic job trends, the University of Alberta is the first Canadian university to implement the Professional Development (PD) Requirement (following some of the Ivy League colleges in the United States).

It's an exciting new initiative to help you recognize your talents, pursue your interests, learn professional skills and make the connections that will help you excel in your chosen field. Although it is mandatory for all incoming graduate students, some departments have professional development already incorporated into their programs. Please check with your department to confirm how this requirement is fulfilled in your program.

The University of Alberta Professional Development Requirement 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.

Deadlines

Individual Development Plan (IDP)

To help you take advantage of internships and other great professional opportunities available on campus, your IDP must be finalized and reviewed by your supervisor or career mentor:

  • Within 12 months of your program's commencement for full-time Master's students
  • Within 24 months of your program's commencement for part-time Master's students
  • Within 18 months of your program's commencement for full-time doctoral students
  • Within 36 months of your program's commencement for part-time doctoral students

Eight hours of PD activities

Find, participate, and log the eight hours of PD activities that interest you, proposed, or inspired by your IDP and approved by your supervisor and department.The eight hours of PD activities must be completed:

  • By the time of degree completion for Master's students
  • Within the first three years for almost all doctoral students