Professional Development

Workshops & Events

Past Workshops & Events

The School of Graduate Studies organizes and facilitates professional development events throughout the year. 

On Wednesday, May 6, the Office of Research and Innovation Services (ORIS) will host the inaugural Brilliant Failures showcase - an event celebrating the mishaps and misadventures common in research. 
Behind every success story, published paper, and funded grant are failed attempts, setbacks, detours, and letdowns. This event is intended to recognize the tenacity, creativity, and humour that keep researchers trying again. 
Aspiring researchers will benefit from hearing their mentors and supervisors discuss the less-than-glamorous side of research.
Presenters will include:
  • Dr. Jackie Rice
  • Dr. Jon Doan
  • Dr. Robin Gibb
  • Dr. Trushar Patel

Save the date for Invest In Your Future, a collaborative professional development event created by the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, Athabasca University, and Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE). This cross-institutional initiative brings together graduate students and early-career scholars from across Alberta to focus on career development, transferable skills, and future pathways—both within and beyond academia.

The event will take place virtually from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants may join online from anywhere, and each session will have its own Zoom link with separate registration, allowing attendees to register only for the sessions that best align with their interests and availability.

An in-person viewing space will be available in AH100 (Andy’s Place) for those who would like to watch the virtual sessions together. This option offers opportunities to take breaks, enjoy snacks, and engage in informal conversations with peers throughout the day.

Participants are welcome to attend virtually, in person at AH100, or to move between both options as their schedule allows. Specific session times, descriptions, and individual Zoom registration links will be shared closer to the event date.

Who Should Attend

This event is designed specifically for:

  • Master’s and doctoral graduate students at any stage of their program
  • Postdoctoral fellows and early-career researchers
  • Graduate students and postdocs exploring career options within or beyond academia
  • Graduate-level scholars seeking to strengthen professional, transferable, and career-ready skills
  • Those interested in connecting with peers across institutions through a collaborative professional development experience

What You’ll Gain

By participating in Invest In Your Future, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars can expect to:

  • Gain practical insights into career development and professional pathways
  • Build and strengthen transferable skills applicable across academic, industry, nonprofit, and public-sector careers
  • Learn from a cross-institutional network of expertise and perspectives
  • Reflect intentionally on personal career goals and next steps
  • Engage in meaningful conversations with peers in a supportive, community-oriented environment