Review these skills, consider if you have already developed the skill enough for your future career plans, expect to develop the skill as part of your program, or need to find additional resources to support developing the skill.

1. Understand and adopt the norms relating to scholarship in my field
2. Understand and adopt the norms relating to authorship and presentation in my field
3. Master the subject-matter knowledge relevant to scholars in my field
4. Participate in key experiential training needed for scholarly readiness in my field
5. Understand accepted research methods in my field
6. Become familiar with relevant interdisciplinary research and scholarship
7. Understand and navigate research funding structures
8. Understand and navigate the American university system
9. Adhere to all safety guideline and procedures in all relevant environments (on- or off-campus)
10. Master the technical skills necessary to complete research in my field

• Online and Asynchronous Training Content

• Seven Secrets of Highly Successful Graduate Students and Postdocs with Hugh Kearns (link requires UCD login)
  
  Preparing for the Qualifying Exam (audio-only recording of live workshop)

  Graduate Studies Advice for Qualifying Exams
  
  DataLab Workshop Archive
  
  Visit our YouTube Channel for more.

• Courses and Programs
• Courses in Departments/Groups – Many departments and graduate groups offer courses to introduce graduate students in the disciplinary norms of their program of study. These courses may also cover other aspects of professionalism such as preparing for conferences, creating posters and presentations, instruction in teaching and grading, and the many other activities graduate students need to master in order to be successful in their programs and future careers.
• Community Building and Activities

• Building community is essential to success.  Consider participating in the following activities:

  Graduate Student Association Meet and network with new and continuing graduate students through the GSA. Also, take the opportunity to build your leadership skills and give back to your graduate community by serving as a representative or an officer.
  Graduate Student Constituency and Community Groups There are many graduate student groups representing diverse communities and interests on campus.
  Postdoctoral Scholars Association (PSA) The Postdoctoral Scholars Association (PSA) provides resources, information and representation for postdoctoral scholars on the UC Davis campus. The PSA also strives to create a stronger sense of community through an e-mail listserv, website and social activities.
  Chancellor's Graduate & Professional Student Advisory Board The CGPSA board was established to facilitate direct communication between the Chancellor and graduate and professional students at the University of California, Davis. The board informs students about activities within the Offices of the Chancellor and provides comprehensive recommendations to the Chancellor about graduate and professional student needs. The purpose of the Chancellor’s Graduate and Professional Student Advisory Board is to advise the Office of the Chancellor and advocate on behalf of graduate and professional students.

• Additional Resources
• - Campus Graduate Student Resource Guide
• Professional Development Timeline

• Early in your Graduate Career - Review the Graduate Student Orientation training - Attend Holistic U diversity orientation - Take required courses and those that complement your research - Form your research committee - Meet with your academic advisor or principal investigator (PI) to discuss goals and plans

  Midway through your Graduate Career - Apply for travel grants through Graduate Studies and the Graduate Student Association to attend conferences - Create a portfolio of your skills and competencies - Seek mentors beyond your department - Finalize your research committee - Get involved with Graduate (GSA) and Postdoctoral (PSA) Student Associations

  Later in your Graduate Career - Finalize your research results - Prepare for your defense - Take Professionalism courses offered through your department, the university, or professional organizations

  Throughout your Graduate Career - Schedule regular meetings with your major professor to discuss progress and obstacles - Attend GradPathways workshops and events to complement your academic and professional growth - Develop competence in your degree program