Grad Pathways hosted a two-day Skills Development Conference on March 23rd and 24th 2021. The conference provided an opportunity for graduate students and postdocs to explore and better understand how the skills acquired through graduate school can be transferred to careers both inside and outside academia post-graduation.
Links to videos of most conference sessions are provided below. You can also access all the videos in the Stream Group [1]. You must be logged into the UofG to view the videos in Stream.
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We hope you find these videos useful. Comments and suggestions for future conference sessions can be sent to gradpath@uoguelph.ca [2]
[3]
Conference Opening [3]
Speakers: Dr. Teresa Crease, Associate Dean, Graduate Studies; Dr. Ben Bradshaw, Assistant Vice-President, Graduate Studies; Sarah Joosee, Wellness@Work Coordinator, Human Resources.
Dr. Crease and Dr. Bradshaw welcomed everyone to the conference. Ms. Joosee led everyone in a short meditation exercise to start the conference.
[5]
Connecting with your WHY [5]
Speaker: Ivan Wanis Ruiz
Moderator: Kate Cooper
The keynote speaker and communication expert Ivan Wanis Ruiz discussed how to define your why and how to captivate an audience and tell your unique story.
[7]
Graduate Student Presentations [7]
Speakers: Anita Luu, Waed Hasan, David Said, Louis Colaruotolo, Sharon Wang, Tanja Samardzic
Moderators: Travis Francis, Teresa Crease
Six PhD students described their experience with one aspect of skill development during their graduate program.
[9]
Employment Tools [9]
View the transcript [10]
Speaker: Dr. Nita Chhinzer, Faculty, Management.
Moderator: Kate Cooper
This workshop took you behind the scenes of various recruitment and selection tools and discussed practical tips and tricks to maximize your job search outcomes and address your pressing questions about job searching in our new reality.
[11]
Collaboration and Conflict [11]
View the transcript [12]
Speakers: Shannon Rushe, Learning Specialist, Library Learning Services; Jason Dodd, Science Learning Specialist, Library Learning Services
Moderator: Shannon Rushe
The connection between collaboration and conflict was explored in the session. The different types of conflict were introduced and strategies were presented to mitigate these conflicts in academic and industry settings. Strategies for giving and receiving helpful feedback were also discussed.
[13]
Videos for professional development [13]
View the transcript [14]
Speaker: Carlea Blight, Digital Media Studio, Library
Moderator: Emmanuelle Arnaud
This workshop provided the foundational skills for creating a video in Canva that is entertaining, engaging, and well designed. Learn more with the guide, Create a Digital Design with Canva [15]
[16]
Networking and Informational Interviews [16]
Speakers: Kris Gies, Career Advisor for OVC;
Kate Puddister, Faculty, Political Science
Moderator: Emmanuelle Arnaud
This session examined the nature of networking, why it is important, and key best practices to help you get started in building this important skill. Visit the Courselink Resource, Career Advising from the Experiential Learning Hub [16] to learn more. You can self-register for this resource on Courselink.
[16]
How to Build Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Competencies [16]
Speaker: Joseph Pazzano, Training, Education and Inclusion Officer, Diversity and Human Rights
Moderator: Teresa Crease
This session engaged with anti-oppression frameworks and suggested ways for graduate students to apply an equity and inclusion lens, and explored equity and inclusion broadly. Discussions were prompted about individual, cultural, and systemic anti-oppressive action. Visit the Courselink Resource, Principles of Belonging: Creating a culture of inclusion at the University of Guelph [16] to learn more. You can self-register for this resource on Courselink.