This course is designed to deliver a variety of high-quality professional development trainings to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Even if you are not a graduate student, the contents of this course can benefit you on your academic and professional journey. This course covers critical professional development competencies including communication, networking, career planning and strategizing, collaboration, teamwork, inclusivity, sharing your contributions to your field, and self-awareness. Learners will gain skills in a wide array of topics taught by experts across several institutions of higher education in Colorado.



Recommended experience
What you'll learn
How to find and pursue appropriate professional opportunities
How to appropriately and respectfully interact with others
How and where to disseminate contributions
Skills you'll gain
Details to know

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November 2025
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There are 5 modules in this course
Whether you intend to pursue a career in research or private industry, communication and networking are essential to building the relationships necessary to advance your career. In this module we will cover strategies for communicating research, utilizing LinkedIn to facilitate professional connections, and gaining information through interviewing.
What's included
20 videos5 readings7 assignments2 discussion prompts1 plugin
Your professional journey may follow a clear path, but it also may not. Knowing your strengths, weaknesses, and interests is key to everything from building professional relationships and writing a CV or Resume. In this module you will learn strategies to plan and explore career paths and write a CV or resume to showcase your career achievements.
What's included
11 videos1 reading3 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt
Each individual brings their own experiences and perspectives. In this module, you will explore how to build inclusive and effective teams by understanding different cultural perspectives and communication styles. You will learn strategies for managing and resolving conflicts productively, as well as approaches to conducting culturally responsive qualitative research. These skills will help you foster respectful, equitable collaborations in diverse professional and academic settings.
What's included
20 videos5 assignments
Research is iterative. Understanding how your work fits into a larger conversation is a critical skill for your career. This module will cover the basics of intellectual property, collecting and organizing relevant literature, and managing data in a way that ensures long-term usability. A solid foundation in these skills will enable you to better use and share the products of your work, expanding its potential impact.
What's included
15 videos7 readings7 assignments1 plugin
Navigating graduate school and professional life requires resilience, self-awareness, and effective strategies for personal growth. This module explores the impact of impostor syndrome, distinguishing it from self-doubt, and identifying triggers that contribute to feelings of inadequacy. Through reflection and targeted strategies, students will learn to challenge negative thought patterns and build confidence in academic and professional settings. Additionally, participants will assess their personal accountability styles and examine how their responses to expectations shape motivation and productivity. By integrating reflection techniques and habit-tracking strategies, students will develop a personalized approach to accountability, fostering holistic wellness and long-term success.
What's included
8 videos6 readings2 assignments1 peer review
Instructors


Offered by
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Status: Free TrialUniversity of Minnesota
Status: Free TrialUniversity of Minnesota
Status: Free TrialKennesaw State University
Status: Free TrialThe State University of New York
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Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
More questions
Financial aid available,
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