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PGR professional development plan

Professional development is any activity that enriches and enhances your professional skills. Professional development activities are often adjacent to your research; enhancing your skills will help you thrive not only during your research degree, but for your long-term professional goals. The skill sets of each researcher is different, so it’s important to identify your own skills and areas for development. 


Do I need professional development?

Key professional skills including communication, leadership, teamwork, and project management will not only benefit you during your research degree but also are valued by employers across a wide range of sectors, including academia. Professional development is ongoing and as  personal and professional goals are always changing -  it’s important to ensure that your skillset is up to date.


How much time should I spend on professional development?

You should spend at least 10 days per year on your professional development.


What can I do to develop my skills?

Professional and personal development can look very different from person to person, so it’s important to create your own bespoke Professional Development Plan (PDP). Please use the four step process below to develop your PDP:

  1. Take stock of existing skills, strengths and opportunities by completing your Development Needs Analysis (DNA) to identify strengths and gaps in your skill set. You can access the DNA tool via SkillsForge.
  2. Reflect on and consider future professional development opportunities. Use the wide range of tools and activities below to help you decide what to focus on next:
    • Explore the PGR Development Journey which indicates what you should be considering at different stages of your Research Degree
    • Read the PGR Career Journey
    • Browse our Researcher Development webpage to view the range of professional development workshops.
    • Identify what additional experience, training, support and mentoring you would like to engage with. This could include:
      • Organising seminars, research groups, journal clubs etc.
      • Presenting papers at conferences.
      • Teaching/demonstration/supporting student learning and supervision. Learn more about requirements, training and professional development support for Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs).
      • Participating role on Departmental, Faculty and University Wide Committees.
      • Peer learning activities - including mentoring, coaching, development conversations.
      • Organisation of sport and activities to support student wellbeing.
  3. Create your Professional Development Plan (PDP) using the PGR PDP template.
  4. Share your PDP with your supervisors.
    • Discuss with them what opportunities are available and which skills development you should prioritise.

Make sure you update and discuss your PDP before your TAP and Progression meetings to ensure that you’re meeting your developmental goals.


When should I create my professional development plan?

Ideally, you should perform a Development Needs Analysis in the first six months of your Research Degree and discuss the outcome with your supervisors. Review your Professional Development Plan regularly (e.g. every six months) and continue to discuss your development needs with your supervisors.