Empower your graduate journey with skills for now and the future.
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What is the Grad Skill Enhancement Project?
Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs is excited to introduce the Grad Skill Enhancement Project —a flexible, self-paced program designed to help graduate students develop key skills that will support their academic and professional success in career preparation, leadership, communication, and personal effectiveness.
Whether you’re preparing for a career in academia, industry, or beyond, the Grad Skill Enhancement Project provides a dynamic learning experience that can be tailored to your personal and professional goals. You will have the freedom to customize your pathway, select from a variety of workshops, participate in meaningful activities, and connect with other grads, all while maintaining the flexibility to work at your own pace.
The Graduate Skill Enhancement project can be completed in as little as 10-15 hours across a term.
Why choose the Grad Skill Enhancement Project?
Complete workshops and activities on your own time, without being tied to strict deadlines.
Choose from a diverse range of workshops in career preparation, communication, leadership, and personal effectiveness tailored to your academic and professional interests.
Earn a LinkedIn badge and a signed letter of completion to showcase your skills to employers and academic institutions.
While the program is independent, you’ll still have opportunities to connect with peers and graduate support staff through exclusive events.
Grad Skill Enhancement Project steps
Step 1: Register
Sign up for the winter 2025 Grad Skill Enhancement Project. Registration for the winter 2025 offering is now closed. If you would like to participate in a future offering, please sign-up on the waitlist.
Are you currently taking Professional Skills Foundations and would like to transfer to the Graduate Skill Enhancement Project? Contact us at gradexperience@uwaterloo.ca to make the change.
Step 2: Meet others in the project and watch the introductory video
Get started by watching the program introduction on LEARN which will provide more information on completing the project. You will also have the opportunity to attend our cohort welcome event where you will meet other participants in the program!
Step 3: Complete workshops and activities
Choose one workshop and one activity from four core areas (career preparation, communication, leadership, and personal effectiveness) that we provide. You will also participate in a mock interview through the Centre for Career Development to test your skills and help you prepare for the job market.
Step 4: Submit your reflection and proof of completion
Once you've completed the workshops and activities, submit a reflection on your experiences and provide proof of completion for each activity.
Step 5: Celebrate your success
You will receive a LinkedIn badge and letter of completion recognizing your achievements. You can also celebrate further by attending our end-of-project party in April!
Whether you're in Arts, Engineering, Environment, Health, Mathematics, or Science, this program is designed to build the skills you need to excel in your future career.
Important dates for winter 2025
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Registration opens: November 21, 2024
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Registration closes: December 18, 2024
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Program start: January 2025
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Welcome event: January 16
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Final submission deadline: April 21
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End of project party: April 29
Value to you
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Careers in academia: Prepare for success in and beyond academia by honing critical professional skills that will elevate your career and leadership potential.
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Careers outside of academia: Build the skills that employers value most in today’s competitive job market, from leadership to effective communication
Regardless of your path, the Grad Skill Enhancement Project will help you gain the tools and experiences you need to succeed.
Staff at Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs are happy to support you through the project at any time and can be contacted at gradexperience@uwaterloo.ca.