SMOOTHING THE TRANSITION: DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION AND ASSESSMENT OF A 'PREPARING FUTURE PROFESSIONALS' COURSE FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

摘要

It is important that graduate students become citizen scholars in our knowledge-based economy. Beyond the development of their technical and research expertise, graduate students must be prepared for diverse career opportunities and be able to respond to the many challenges facing the world. Graduate schools serve an important role in the professional development of graduate students. Recognizing the important role that graduate education serves in preparing students for diverse careers beyond academia, a professional development course for graduate students was designed, implemented and assessed. Preparing Future Professionals is a doctoral-level course that facilitates the transition of doctoral students to careers in business, government, and non-profit organizations. PFP is a mentorship course designed to support doctoral students in their exploration of diverse professional environments and to understand their roles and responsibilities as global citizens.