Touches on the Elephant: Professional Development for

Graduate Students

Pathways to Success – February 13-14 2012

intelligencestrength

hard workpatience

persistencecouragewisdom

gregariousaffectionateprotectiveexpressive

playfulsensitive

loyalgentlecaringjoyful

long livedlong memories

complex social groups

matriarchalsense of humour

Play

Humour

Joy

The Elephant and the Blind Men

like a wall, a spear, a snake, a tree, a fan, a rope

• The truth can be understood in a number of different ways

• There may be legitimacy in what someone else says or believes

• Truth is relative, no one owns truth in its entirety• It is possible to live in harmony with people who

hold different understandings of the world• Each of us reaches out to grasp the world in which

we live and tries to make sense of it from our own perspective

Professional Development

How do I succeed?

What do I do with my

degree?

State of the Art of Professional Development

• There is a wide variety of professional development opportunities and experiences

• Academic units understand and approach professional development in a variety of ways

• Academic supervisors and departments provide the majority of professional development support

• Majority of support focuses on academic aspects• Majority of support is directed toward doctoral students• Graduate students express interest in practical and career-related

learning• Students don’t pursue professional development because the

credentials are not recognized in their discipline• Students do not recognize the relevance of professional

development as part of their education

Domains of Learning• Disciplinary and Academic Knowledge• Integrity and Ethical Conduct• Intellectual and Creative Capacity• Knowledge Mobilization and Translation• Leadership and Personal Effectiveness• Teaching and Learning Preparation• Research and Project Management• Global Citizenship and Civic Engagement• Career Development

What will I do with my Degree?

How do I succeed as a Graduate Student?

What is my “touch” on the elephant?

Questions?