Professional development

The Graduate School at Virginia Commonwealth University provides courses and programs to help graduate students achieve their career and professional goals. 

Preparing Future Faculty Program

The Preparing Future Faculty Program offers a series of short courses and professional development opportunities for graduate students interested in pursuing careers in higher education.

Leaders and Entrepreneurs Academy

The Leaders and Entrepreneurs Academy for Professional Development offers a series of short courses and experiences to assist graduate students seeking careers in industry, nonprofit organizations, health care, public service and government.

Graduate Credential of Completion in Qualitative Research

To meet growing demand for well-trained qualitative researchers, both nationally and internationally, the VCU Graduate Credential of Completion in Qualitative Research recognizes doctoral students who pursue an advanced course of study in qualitative research methods.

The GCCQR requires that VCU doctoral students in good standing complete 12 hours of course work in qualitative research methods, including a 3-credit introductory course and 9 credits of an advanced course. This is a great opportunity for doctoral students who plan to do a qualitative or mixed-methods dissertation.

Define your career goals

The American Association for the Advancement of Science offers a free tool for students to use to assist you in creating development plans to determine your career goals. myIDP is web-based and tailored to meet the needs of Ph.D. students. It offers exercises to identify your skills and interests, pathways to help match your identified skills and interests with careers, goal setting and resources to guide you along the way.