Networking photo from Career Connections 2020, Photo by Sabrina Adams

Professional Skills Development

Graduate Student Competencies

The Cumming School of Medicine, Graduate Science Education, Professional Skills Development Program has defined a set of competencies or skills that are critical for a student to be a successful both in their graduate program and in transition into the workplace. 

Communication

Communication skills encompass all aspects of written, oral and visual formats of communication.  Communication overlaps all aspects of learning and development, and requires the communicator to be able to listen effectively so that they can express their ideas to multiple different audiences in a variety of methods.

Self-Management

Being a Master of Self-Management involves being able to take responsibility for your actions, adapting to change, learning new skills, building resiliency, and being able to manage the many aspects of your daily life.

Project Management

Project management skills allow you to understand the different aspects of a project and be able to lead a team towards a goal.  You manage projects every day and these skills can not only be used in daily life, but also in how your progress through your degree.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills allow you to recognize or identify problems, breaking them into small parts and researching or gathering information to solve the problem effectively.

Innovation

Innovation can be as small as improving or adapting something for another purpose to creating new or original ideas.  Being able to conceptualize, design and predict future needs is all part of the innovative process.

Information & Data Management

Data and information management requires great attention to detail, the ability to maintain records, use productivity software and other techniques to find answers to problems with the vast amounts of data recorded and stored.

Leadership

There are many forms of leadership.  Successful leaders create inspiring and motivational spaces where they are able to persuade others to their point of view, while delegating tasks, directing others, and making decisions or recommendations. Quality leaders promote growth through mentoring or coaching individuals.

Interpersonal & Team Work

We work in environments that require flexibility and understanding of our peers.  The ability to provide feedback, take feedback and build relationships with individuals from different backgrounds is essential to creating strong teams.

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