Graduate Professional Development for Doctoral Students

Earning a doctorate can be a rigorous journey that demands years of intensive research. Regardless of which academic area you are studying, it is important to be prepared with the proper knowledge and tools to be successful in your program. We've compiled several resources to build your skillset in eight key areas: research & research impacts, teaching & mentoring, communication, career management, leadership, entrepreneurship & innovation, wellness & life balance, and equity & inclusion. Explore both internal and external resources for each category below.

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Career Management & Self Development

Resources for career exploration strategies, job search strategies, CV writing, converting your CV to a resume, resume writing, alumni networking, career panels and more.

Career management & self-development resources for doctoral students.  Link to the career management resources for doctoral students webpage.
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Communication

Find resources for writing, publishing, presentation skills, communicating your research, dissertation workshops and more.

Communication resources for doctoral students.  Link to the communication resources for doctoral students webpage.
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Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Find resources for entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship and innovation.

Entrepreneurship and innovation resources for doctoral students.  Link to the entrepreneurship resources for doctoral students webpage.
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Equity & Inclusion

Resources on diversity statements, DEI training and more.

Equity and inclusion resources for doctoral students.  Link to equity and inclusion resources for doctoral students webpage.
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Leadership

Resources for team building, supervising, lab/group management, conflict resolution and more.

Leadership resources for doctoral students.  Link to the leadership resources for doctoral students webpage.
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Research & Research Impacts

Get resources about grant writing, fellowships, study design, research ethics and more.

Research resources for doctoral students.  Link to the research resources for doctoral students webpage.
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Teaching & Mentoring

Find resources to develop mentoring skills, teaching skill development, effective teaching for academic careers and more.

Teaching and mentoring resources for doctoral students.  Link to the teaching and mentoring resources for doctoral students webpage.
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Wellness & Life Balance

Find resources for conflict management, stress management, financial management, time management, productivity and more.

Wellness and life balance resources for doctoral students.  Link to the wellness and life balance resources for doctoral students webpage.

Individual Development Plan (IDP)

An Individual Development Plan (IDP) is an important tool for doctoral students to develop academically and professionally. Visit the Graduate School IDP webpage to learn why IDPs are important, how you can develop your academic and professional skill sets, and find resources to create your IDP.

Pathway to the PhD Micro-Credential

Early PhDs can uncover the essential knowledge and skills needed to succeed in graduate school and beyond through the Pathway to the PhD—Preparing for Success micro-credential.

Upcoming Events

The Graduate School co-sponsors a number of events for graduate and professional students. Our featured events are focused on networking, financial and mental wellness, career readiness and more. From workshops to seminars to world-renowned speakers, there are hundreds of opportunities to learn at UB. Visit the Events for Graduate and Professional Students page to view upcoming events and recordings to past workshops.