Get career ready
Dal GradPD is your go-to hub to learn about professional development designed for your specific needs as a graduate student. Together with partners across the university and external providers, the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) assembles an ongoing schedule of free workshops and events aimed to help you prepare for a diversity of careers.
The four pillars of the Dal GradPD program are dedicated to building skills necessary for success in any career —ÌýCommunication, Career Intelligence, Health and Wellbeing, and LeadershipÌý— and are offered exclusively to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
Upcoming Dal GradPD workshops and experiential learning
Professional Career Development Group
Graduating this year and feeling anxious about life after university or unprepared for an uncertain job market?
Attend this career development support group facilitated by a career counsellor to build a peer support network and confidence as you prepare to embark on the next chapter of your life!
Registration is now available on the . Go to the next Friday on the events calendar to register, after which you will be contacted to confirm your eligibility and additional details. New registrations will be accepted weekly throughout the term, but space is limited, so students are encouraged to register early!
Date and time: Ongoing weekly; Tuesdays from 3 to 4 p.m.
Partner: Bissett Student Success Centre Academic Advising and Career Services
Type: In-Person
Pillar: Career intelligenceÌý
Location: McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building
Graduating this year and wondering what you are going to do with your degree?
Feeling anxious about life after university or unprepared for an uncertain job market?
Attend this career development support group facilitated by a career counsellor to build a peer support network and confidence as you prepare to embark on the next chapter of your life! Bonus: Participants who complete the group may be eligible to add as an activity on their Co-Curricular Record!
The group will improve your confidence and skills in:
- Self-awareness, career planning and setting career goals
- Building hope and dealing with uncertainty in a changing job market
- Overcoming networking and interviewing anxiety
Partner: Career Services and Health and Wellness
Date:ÌýMondays Februrary 2Ìý -Ìý March 9, 2026
Time:Ìý3:00 to 4:00 p.m. AT
Type: In-person
Location: Studley Campus
The Research Camp is designed to take you through the elements of research from basic to advanced. The program is offered through a combination of asynchronous modules on Brightspace and live sessions offered in-person, hybrid, or online through Teams. Modules mayÌýinclude short video lectures andÌýinteractive exercises to help you brush up on yourÌýliterature searching, writing, information management, and research skills.Ìý
Partner: Dal Libraries
Date/time:ÌýAsynchronous and ongoing
Type: Online
The Writing Centre offers daily group online writing sessions every weekday morning. Join Writing Centre staff members, students, and other members of the Dal community to set writing goals and write against the clock in two 23-minute bursts to help you get started on your writing day. No preregistration or commitment is necessary. Come to as many or as few sessions as you like!
Partner: Writing Centre
Date:Ìý°Â±ð±ð°ì»å²¹²â²õ
Time:Ìý10:05 to 10:55 a.m. AT
Type: Online
Location:Ìý±¹¾±²¹
Ombudsperson
The Ombudsperson Office is available to all AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ students for free, confidential, impartial, and independent support to help resolve any university-related concerns. Some examples include:
• Providing general resource information and making appropriate referrals
• Identifying and explaining relevant university processes/policies
• Working with students to explore and strategize options for problem-solving
• Listening and providing an objective perspective
Partner: International Centre & Ombudsperson Office
Date:Ìý°Õ³Ü±ð²õ»å²¹²â²õ
Time:Ìý9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. AT
Type: In-person
Location:ÌýInternational Centre, 1246 LeMarchant St., Main floor
Drop-in immigration advisingÌý(in person)
The IC offers drop-in immigration advising on a first-come, first-served basis. Drop-in sessions are no longer than 30 minutes. If you need to book advising for longer than 30 minutes, you can book an appointment with an Immigration Advisor. Drop-in sessions are also available on the Sexton Campus (Melda Murray Student Centre) on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Partner: International Centre
Date:ÌýMonday to Friday
Time:Ìý2:00 to 4:00 p.m. AT
Type: In-person
Location:ÌýInternational Centre, 1246 LeMarchant St., Main floor
Drop-in Writing Advising (in person)
Our International Student Writing Advisor will be at the IC for virtual and in-person writing appointments.
Partner: Writing Centre and International Centre
Date: Wednesdays
Time:Ìý11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. AT
Type: In-person
Location:ÌýInternational Centre, 1246 LeMarchant St., Main floor
Do you have trouble concentrating? Do you wish you would remember more of what you read? This workshop will identify and discuss strategies that will help make it easier for you to process, understand, and remember class material. No registration required.
Partner: Study for Success
Date: March 10, 2026
Time:Ìý4:30 to 5:30 p.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý°¿²Ô±ô¾±²Ô±ð
Presenters: Jaclyn Chambers Page, Scott MacPherson
Flummoxed by Fair Dealing? Puzzled by public domain? Curious aboutÌýCreative Commons licences? Pop into ourÌýÌýand ask about any copyright concerns that have been keeping you up at night!Ìý
Please note: copyright information sharedÌýin these sessionsÌýisÌýnot intended as legal adviceÌýand is provided as guidance for the use of works for educational and research purposes at AV¾ãÀÖ²¿.
Partner: Libraries and Copyright Office
Date: March 11, 2026
Time:Ìý10:00 to 11:00 a.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý°¿²Ô±ô¾±ne
Feeling overwhelmed? Join us for an uplifting workshop designed to help you find balance and prevent burnout in your academic life. In today’s fast-paced environment, it's easy to forget the importance of joy and self-care. This session will guide you in prioritizing both your responsibilities and your well-being. Connect with fellow Grad Mentors and Heather Patterson, from Student Health and Welless, to gain valuable insights to help you thrive academically while nurturing your passion for life.
Partner: Health and Wellness
Date: March 11, 2026
Time:Ìý1:00 to 2:30 p.m. AT
Pillars: Health & Wellbeing
Type:Ìý°¿²Ô±ô¾±ne
CLT Virtual Graduate Students & TAs Drop-ins (monthly)
Drop in anytime during the session if you have questions about your role as a TA, CLT’s workshops for graduate students, or the Certificate in University Teaching and Learning (CUTL) program. Whether you are navigating your first teaching assignment or looking to deepen your professional development, this informal space is an opportunity to connect, ask questions, and learn more about the supports available to you.ÌýNo registration is required.Ìý
Partner: Centre for Learning and Teaching
Date: March 11, 2026
Time:Ìý2:00 to 3:00 p.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý°¿²Ô±ô¾±ne
A, B, or C? Strategies for Multiple Choice Exams
Do you need help understanding how test questions are designed? Do you need some tips on how to prepare for tests and exams? This workshop will help you develop a systematic approach to taking multiple choice exams. Exam writing strategies can be applied to any discipline. No registration required.
Partner: Study for Success
Date: March 11, 2026
Time:Ìý3:00 to 4:00 p.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý±õ²Ô-±è±ð°ù²õ´Ç²Ô
Location: Mona Campbell Building, Room 1201
Notetaking and Listening Techniques
Ever wonder if you are capturing the key points of a lecture, figuring out what's important and what isn't? Do you understand the concepts presented in lectures? Do you know how to take effective notes in class? This workshop will help you understand the importance of lectures and help you develop a systematic approach to note taking. No registration required.
Partner: Study for Success
Date: March 13, 2026
Time:Ìý12:00 to 1:00 p.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý±õ²Ô-±è±ð°ù²õ´Ç²Ô
Location: Mona Campbell Building, room 1107
If you are trying to find a balance with your school, work, and life commitments, you won't want to miss out on this! This workshop will provide you with practical tips to help you manage your time well, set goals, and eliminate procrastination. No registration required.
Partner: Study for Success
Date: March 16, 2026
Time:Ìý5:00 to 6:00 p.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý°¿²Ô±ô¾±ne
Short Answer and Essay Exams: Avoiding the Blank Page
Do you need some strategies on how to prepare for tests and exams? This workshop will help you develop a systematic approach to answering essay exam questions. Exam writing strategies can be applied to any discipline. No registration required.
Partner: Study for Success
Date: March 17, 2026
Time:Ìý11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý±õ²Ô-±è±ð°ù²õ´Ç²Ô
Location: Rowe building, room 5001
Presenters: Jaclyn Chambers Page, Scott MacPherson
Flummoxed by Fair Dealing? Puzzled by public domain? Curious aboutÌýCreative Commons licences? Pop into ourÌýÌýand ask about any copyright concerns that have been keeping you up at night!Ìý
Please note: copyright information sharedÌýin these sessionsÌýisÌýnot intended as legal adviceÌýand is provided as guidance for the use of works for educational and research purposes at AV¾ãÀÖ²¿.
Partner: Libraries and Copyright Office
Date: March 18, 2026
Time:Ìý10:00 to 11:00 a.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý°¿²Ô±ô¾±ne
Do you need to deliver an oral presentation for class? Are you having trouble organizing your talk? Are you nervous about presenting to a group? This workshop will give you tips on choosing your topic, organizing your material, using visual aids, and delivering your presentation. No registration required.
Partner: Study for Success
Date: March 19, 2026
Time:Ìý11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. AT
Pillars: Communication, Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý°¿²Ô±ô¾±ne
Do you highlight your text so much it glows? Are your textbooks still in their original plastic cover? And how are you managing your 500-page reader? This workshop will show you how to read with purpose and help you to use your course textbook/reader to study more effectively. No registration required.
Partner: Study for Success
Date: March 23, 2026
Time:Ìý2:00 to 3:00 p.m. AT
Pillars: Communication, Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý°¿²Ô±ô¾±ne
Presenters: Jaclyn Chambers Page, Scott MacPherson
Flummoxed by Fair Dealing? Puzzled by public domain? Curious aboutÌýCreative Commons licences? Pop into ourÌýÌýand ask about any copyright concerns that have been keeping you up at night!Ìý
Please note: copyright information sharedÌýin these sessionsÌýisÌýnot intended as legal adviceÌýand is provided as guidance for the use of works for educational and research purposes at AV¾ãÀÖ²¿.
Partner: Libraries and Copyright Office
Date: March 25, 2026
Time:Ìý10:00 to 11:00 a.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý°¿²Ô±ô¾±ne
Do you need some strategies on how to prepare for tests and exams? This workshop will help you develop a systematic approach to answering essay exam questions. Exam writing strategies can be applied to any discipline. No registration required.
Partner: Study for Success
Date: March 25, 2026
Time:Ìý5:30 to 6:30 p.m. AT
Pillars: Communication, Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý°¿²Ô±ô¾±ne
The labour market is changing at a rapid pace and it can feel daunting to even the most educated and experienced job seekers. Attend this session focused on helping grad students buildÌýhope, resilience, and confidence as you prepare to launch your career.ÌýThe session will include exploration of values and goal setting that will help move you in the direction of a successful future!Ìý
±Ê²¹°ù³Ù²Ô±ð°ù:ÌýBissett Student Success Centre Academic Advising and Career Services
Date: March 26, 2026
Time:Ìý1:00 to 2:00 p.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence, Health & Wellbeing
Type:Ìý°¿²Ô±ô¾±ne
This workshop introduces teaching assistants (TAs) to everyday equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) practices that are practical, grounded, and doable. Rather than viewing EDIA as an add-on, participants will explore how small, intentional choices in communication, facilitation, and assessment can meaningfully shape students’ learning experiences. Through brief case-based scenarios drawn from real teaching contexts, TAs will discuss how to respond to common challenges such as classroom dynamics. We will conclude with concrete pedagogical strategies that TAs can immediately apply in their tutorials, labs, and grading, including inclusive facilitation moves, accessible lesson planning tips, and approaches to fostering welcoming and supportive learning environments.
Students who are not currently TAs are also welcome to attend, as the workshop offers valuable preparation for future teaching roles and careers in academia.
Partner: Centre for Learning and Teaching
Date: March 26, 2026
Time:Ìý2:00 to 3:00 p.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý°¿²Ô±ô¾±ne via Teams (link will be sent after registration)
Do you feel that you have an overwhelming number of tasks to complete? Would you like to learn how to be able to make effective and realistic daily and weekly goals? Come learn how goals affect our motivation, priorities, and success! No registration required.
Partner: Study for Success
Date: March 27, 2026
Time:Ìý10:30 to 11:30 a.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence, Health & Wellbeing
Type:Ìý°¿²Ô±ô¾±ne
This event aims to bring graduate students together, helping them build community and learn more about AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ resources.
In addition to enjoying time with friends, meeting new people, singing, playing games, and eating delicious food, there will also be prizes!
The event will take place on March 27th at 6:30 PM on the Studley Campus.
More details about the exact location will be shared a few days before the event with those who register.
Choose your favorite song, invite your friends, and don’t worry about dinner — we’ve got you covered!
Registration is limited, so sign-up early--we will email if you are placed on the wait list.Ìý
Partner: Together@Dal: Grad Edition, Health and Wellness, International Centre
Date: March 27, 2026
Time:Ìý6:30 p.m. AT
Pillars: Health & Wellbeing
Type:Ìý±õ²Ô-±è±ð°ù²õ´Ç²Ô (location will be shared a few days before the event with those who register)
Get Focused: Concentration and Memorization
Do you have trouble concentrating? Do you wish you would remember more of what you read? This workshop will identify and discuss strategies that will help make it easier for you to process, understand, and remember class material. No registration required.
Partner: Study for Success
Date: March 30, 2026
Time:Ìý9:30 to 10:30 a.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý±õ²Ô-±è±ð°ù²õ´Ç²Ô
Location: Mona Campbell building, room 1201
Do you need help understanding how test questions are designed? Do you need some tips on how to prepare for tests and exams? This workshop will help you develop a systematic approach to taking multiple choice exams. Exam writing strategies can be applied to any discipline. No registration required.
Partner: Study for Success
Date: March 31, 2026
Time:Ìý1:30 to 2:30 p.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý°¿²Ô±ô¾±²Ô±ð
Do you feel unmotivated? Are you having difficulty getting tasks started or following-through on goals? Would you like to learn strategies that can help build your motivation to get things done? This workshop will help you recognize your areas for potential growth and give you practical tips to help improve your motivation skills. No registration required.
Partner: Study for Success
Date: April 2, 2026
Time:Ìý12:00 to 1:00 p.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý°¿²Ô±ô¾±²Ô±ð
Ever wonder if you are capturing the key points of a lecture, figuring out what's important and what isn't? Do you understand the concepts presented in lectures? Do you know how to take effective notes in class? This workshop will help you understand the importance of lectures and help you develop a systematic approach to note taking. No registration required.
Partner: Study for Success
Date: April 7, 2026
Time:Ìý6:00 to 7:00 p.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence, Communication
Type: Online
Do you need some strategies on how to prepare for tests and exams? This workshop will help you develop a systematic approach to answering essay exam questions. Exam writing strategies can be applied to any discipline. No registration required.
Partner: Study for Success
Date: April 8, 2026
Time:Ìý11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý°¿²Ô±ô¾±²Ô±ð
If you are trying to find a balance with your school, work, and life commitments, you won't want to miss out on this! This workshop will provide you with practical tips to help you manage your time well, set goals, and eliminate procrastination. No registration required.
Partner: Study for Success
Date: April 9, 2026
Time:Ìý9:30 to 10:30 a.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý°¿²Ô±ô¾±ne
Do you think working in a group is a nightmare but you have to participate in a group project? This workshop will help you work effectively in a team environment by teaching you about group roles, good communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and how to avoid (and solve) common group work problems. No registration required.
Partner: Study for Success
Date: April 10, 2026
Time:Ìý11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. AT
Pillars: Career Intelligence
Type:Ìý±õ²Ô-±è±ð°ù²õ´Ç²Ô
Location: Mona Campbell building, room 1107
Participate in the Dal GradPD certificate program
To help you navigate your PD journey, we have created a free certificate program to recognize your efforts and help you identify the opportunities you need to take you where you want to go.
What you’ll do during the certificate program:
Individual development plan (IDP) workshop:ÌýIn this session, you’ll explore the skills and experiences you need to achieve your professional goals and map your plan to get there. IDP workshops will be held every month, so don't worry if you missed an earlier session. An asynchronous video of the IDP workshop is also available in the Dal GradPD Brightspace.
Pillars workshops:ÌýParticipate inÌýtwo hours of workshops from each of the DalÌýGradPDÌýpillars: Communication, Career Intelligence, Health and Wellbeing, and Leadership. You can select from options provided by DalÌýGradPDÌýpartners or find other opportunities you think will best suit your goals.Ìý
Experiential learning:ÌýTake onÌýfour hours of hands-on experience from each pillar. Write a blog, go to a networking event, practice a time management strategy, organize an event – the possibilities are vast and the experiences priceless.Ìý
Professional identity workshop: Wrap up the certificate with this session that will empower you to articulate the value of the skills you've gained at graduate school to prospective employers.Ìý
WhenÌýdone, you’ll receive a certificate signed by the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and recognition on your transcripts. More importantly, you’ll have developed a plan for where you want to go with your career and assembled the professional and personal skills you need to get there.Ìý
