Research Skills required by PhD students G1: Appreciate the need for and show commitment to continued professional development

Check this skill

By the time students complete a PhD, they should be able to answer ‘Yes’ to most of these questions.

• Do you have clear plans for your future career?
• Have you taken action to explore a broad range of possibilities?
• Have you identified the key elements of your aspirations, and what are your main priorities?
• Can you explain what it means to become an 'independent researcher'?
• Can you outline the role that continued professional development plays in a research career?
• Do you have an up-to-date record of your:
  
  • education and training?
  • employment history and work experience?
  • transferable skills, with examples?

Evidence of this skill

These are examples of documents you can collect. Each implies a piece or work, which may be a good way for you to develop this skill.

• *The progress file including the updated development plan.
• An up-to-date CV
• A list of your priorities in choosing a career direction.
• A record of work undertaken to broaden your career horizons - such as work shadowing.
• A log of internet exploration of career development opportunities.

This page is based upon material produced by The Open University’s research school to support doctoral students.