Monthly Features in Graduate Professional Development
Published November 24, 2025
September – National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD)
In September, we spotlighted the NCFDD, a nationally-recognized independent organization
dedicated to supporting faculty, post-doctoral scholars, and graduate students in
making successful career transitions. Through institutional membership, users gain
access to a robust library of webinars, writing-challenges (like a 14-day writing
challenge), monthly core-curriculum webinars, productivity support, mentoring networks,
and accountability structures. For graduate students, this means tools to build consistent
writing habits, hone time-management, develop mentoring relationships, and craft their
professional trajectory with confidence. This fall we encourage you to explore the
NCFDD platform and consider how its resources might support your own research, productivity,
and career readiness.
October – LinkedIn Learning
In October our focus shifted to LinkedIn Learning—an expansive online learning platform
offered to all benefited members of our campus. With thousands of on-demand courses
in areas like leadership, project management, business software, technical skills,
data science and creative topics, it’s an ideal resource for graduate students who
are looking to upskill or diversify their professional toolkit. The platform also
allows integration of completed training into your LinkedIn profile, enhancing your
professional visibility. Consider using LinkedIn Learning this month to explore a
new skill area, build out your professional profile, and stay ahead of emerging trends
in your field or career path.
LinkedIn Learning
Below is a curated selection of LinkedIn Learning courses recommended by the School of Graduate Education staff. These courses have been chosen to support graduate students in developing key professional skills, advancing their careers, and enhancing both personal and academic growth.
In this course, career expert Dorie Clark teaches strategies to set, achieve, and maintain professional goals. She helps you clarify priorities, use accountability and public commitments, and turn goals into lasting habits to ensure success.
Defining and Achieving Professional Goals
In this course, professional speaking coach Vinh Giang teaches strategies to communicate with clarity, power, and confidence. You’ll learn to manage your message, master voice and body language, handle nervousness, and build the self-awareness needed to strengthen your communication skills.
In this short course, Todd Dewett, PhD, shares four practical time-management strategies to help you maximize your workday, including prioritizing tasks, finding and protecting your peak productivity window, and communicating your availability effectively.
In this course, Todd Dewett teaches strategies for effective remote work, including creating a productive home workspace, staying connected with your team, and overcoming common challenges like isolation, virtual communication, and navigating office dynamics from afar.
In this course, educator Karl Kapp guides you through the grant-writing process, from finding relevant funding opportunities to crafting compelling proposals. You’ll learn to interpret RFPs, avoid common mistakes, and access practical examples and worksheets to increase your chances of success.
In this course, Dorie Clark teaches introverts and extroverts alike how to network authentically. Learn to identify key contacts, prioritize events, start meaningful conversations, leverage social media, and create a personalized networking plan that builds real professional connections.
In this course, Kelley O’Connell teaches adaptive leadership skills for the digital age. Learn agile leadership, lean product management, and adaptive thinking to manage virtual teams, understand customer needs, foster continuous learning, and deliver projects that exceed expectations.
In this course, leadership strategist Shadé Zahrai teaches how to use your personal brand to accelerate your career. Learn to craft a distinctive brand, create memorable content, build authentic professional relationships, and manage your online presence to expand influence and open new opportunities.
In this course, executive coach Alicia Reece teaches how to build a career aligned with your values. Learn to recognize misalignment, stay true to yourself, use feedback effectively, and make empowered career decisions.
In this course, creativity expert Denise Jacobs teaches strategies to overcome self-doubt, spark ideas, and build a mindset for innovation. Learn to stop self-sabotage, embrace your creativity, and do your best work with confidence.
In this course, Becki Saltzman teaches leaders how to strengthen critical thinking skills across their teams. Learn to identify biases, avoid fallacies, craft stronger arguments, and improve decision-making to drive better outcomes and innovation.
In this course, Dana Brownlee teaches teams how to collaborate effectively. Learn to clarify expectations, communicate clearly, solicit feedback, and work proactively together to minimize miscommunications and achieve shared goals.
November – UW Writing Center
November’s focus is the Writing Center, a free resource for all students, faculty,
and staff. Whether you’re brainstorming a proposal, drafting a manuscript, preparing
a conference paper, or revising your dissertation chapter, the Writing Center consultants
can support you. They offer in-person and online appointments, asynchronous review
options, and faculty workshops on writing assignment design and peer review strategies.
Using the Writing Center this month can help you sharpen your writing voice, streamline
your revision process, and improve clarity and confidence in communicating your research.
January – UW Wellness Center
When we return in January, we’ll highlight the Wellness Center and its holistic approach
to student wellbeing. The Wellness Center supports multiple dimensions of wellness—physical,
emotional, social, and more—and offers programs like mental-health first aid certification,
“Relax & Recharge” pods, nutrition education, and outreach programs for students,
faculty and staff. Starting the new year with a focus on your wellness sets the tone
for sustainable research productivity, healthy work-life balance, and long-term success.
We encourage you to incorporate the Wellness Center into your January calendar, whether
through attending a workshop, booking a RelaxSpace pod, or exploring their wellness-ambassador
programs.
