Build Your Professional Skills & Competencies
Your degree program will provide you with many opportunities to develop skills, knowledge, and experience, but chances are you will need to develop additional skills to stand out as a qualified job candidate. There are lots of ways you can acquire and build your skills and competencies. First, read job postings from your career areas of interest to learn what employers are looking for in job candidates. This will help you determine which new skills to acquire or current ones you can highlight.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) identifies eight competencies that employers typically seek in job candidates and the National Postdoc Association (NPA) identifies six core competencies.
- Career & Self Development
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Equity & Inclusion
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Technology
- Discipline-specific conceptual knowledge
- Research skill development
- Communication skills
- Professionalism
- Leadership and management skills
- Responsible conduct of research
Below you will find a sampling of courses and trainings, most are UConn-based, that are organized within broader clusters of professional skills and competencies. Some are free and some are not. Always do your research to determine if you are comfortable with a particular program, cost, format, etc.
A Sampling of Resources & Trainings to Build Skills & Competencies:
Accessing the following courses and trainings will expand your knowledge and skills in a variety of topics related to business skills including the ability to interpret data, build collaborative relationships, and prioritize and delegate work.
The list was last curated during the 2021-2022 academic year.
UConn School of Business Certificate and Advanced Certificate Programs
https://grad.business.uconn.edu/academics/certificates/
UConn Department of Public Policy Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management
https://dpp.uconn.edu/nonprofit-management-certificate/
Business Administration Courses
https://www.edx.org/learn/business-administration
UConn’s Advanced Business Certificate in Accounting Analytics
UConn’s Graduate Online Learning Certificate Programs
https://gradcatalog.uconn.edu/certificates/
UConn’s Advanced Business Certificate in Project Management
UConn’s Graduate Online Learning Certificate Programs
https://gradcatalog.uconn.edu/certificates/
GEU member Graduate Assistants (GA), Teaching Assistants (TA), or Research Assistants (RA) are employees of the University and can access professional development programming through UConn’s HR Department https://hr.uconn.edu/career-professional-development/. Sessions are added to the HR site annually. Some trainings are free, and others have a fee. There are often in-person, remote, and hybrid offerings.
While there are many opportunities presented here, it is by no means an exhaustive list. Several websites, including LinkedIn Learning, edX, Class Central, and Saylor Academy offer many additional learning opportunities.
Accessing the following courses and trainings will expand your knowledge and skills in a variety of topics related to communication including clearly and effectively exchanging information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.
The list was last curated during the 2021-2022 academic year.
Professional Writing Online Course
https://learn.saylor.org/course/view.php?id=56
Crisis Communication Online Course
https://learn.saylor.org/course/view.php?id=22
Communicating Strategically
https://www.edx.org/course/communicating-strategically-3#!
Digital Branding and Engagement
https://www.edx.org/course/digital-branding-and-engagement
State of CT In-Service Training
Developing Workplace Communication & Conflict Resolution Skills
UConn’s Learning@Work Leadership Development & Customer Service Programs
https://hr.uconn.edu/leadership-development-programs/
GEU member Graduate Assistants (GA), Teaching Assistants (TA), or Research Assistants (RA) are employees of the University and can access professional development programming through UConn’s HR Department https://hr.uconn.edu/career-professional-development/. Sessions are added to the HR site annually. Some trainings are free, and others have a fee. There are often in-person, remote, and hybrid offerings.
While there are many opportunities presented here, it is by no means an exhaustive list. Several websites, including LinkedIn Learning, edX, Class Central, and Saylor Academy offer many additional learning opportunities.
Accessing the following courses and trainings will expand your knowledge and skills in a variety of topics related to handling conflict in the workplace.
The list was last curated during the 2021-2022 academic year.
UConn’s Management Support and Development Programs
https://hr.uconn.edu/mgmt_sup_program/
Promoting Workplace Civility
UConn’s Management Support and Development Programs
https://hr.uconn.edu/mgmt_sup_program/
State of CT In-Service Training
GEU member Graduate Assistants (GA), Teaching Assistants (TA), or Research Assistants (RA) are employees of the University and can access professional development programming through UConn’s HR Department https://hr.uconn.edu/career-professional-development/. Sessions are added to the HR site annually. Some trainings are free, and others have a fee. There are often in-person, remote, and hybrid offerings.
While there are many opportunities presented here, it is by no means an exhaustive list. Several websites, including LinkedIn Learning, edX, Class Central, and Saylor Academy offer many additional learning opportunities.
Accessing the following resources and trainings will expand your knowledge and skills in a variety of topics related to equity and inclusion in and beyond the University.
The list was last curated during the 2021-2022 academic year.
UConn Diversity Equity, Inclusion and Justice
https://diversity.uconn.edu/resources/ and https://diversity.uconn.edu/trainings-and-workshops/
While these links lead to many resources, it is by no means an exhaustive list. Several websites, including LinkedIn Learning, edX, Class Central, and Saylor Academy offer many additional learning opportunities.
Accessing the following courses and trainings will expand your knowledge and skills in a variety of topics related to leadership and management including emotional intelligence, leading diverse groups, and acting in accordance with the interests of the larger community.
The list was last curated during the 2021-2022 academic year.
UConn Department of Public Policy Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Public Management
https://dpp.uconn.edu/leadership-public-management-certificate/
UConn’s Executive Leadership Program
UConn’s Graduate Online Learning Certificate Programs
https://gradcatalog.uconn.edu/certificates/
Inclusive Leadership Training: Become a Successful Leader
https://www.edx.org/course/becoming-a-successful-leader-inclusive-leadershi-2
Inclusive Leadership Training: Leading with Effective Communication
https://www.edx.org/course/leading-with-effective-communication-inclusive-lea
Effective Leadership Skills for Women
Connecticut Employees Union Independent (CEUI) In-Service Training
https://hr.uconn.edu/ceui-in-service-training-registration-request/
Leadership Certificate Series
UConn’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-assistance-program/
Interaction & Leadership Program
UConn’s Learning@Work Leadership Development & Customer Service Programs
https://hr.uconn.edu/leadership-development-programs/
State of CT In-Service Training
GEU member Graduate Assistants (GA), Teaching Assistants (TA), or Research Assistants (RA) are employees of the University and can access professional development programming through UConn’s HR Department https://hr.uconn.edu/career-professional-development/. Sessions are added to the HR site annually. Some trainings are free, and others have a fee. There are often in-person, remote, and hybrid offerings.
While there are many opportunities presented here, it is by no means an exhaustive list. Several websites, including LinkedIn Learning, edX, Class Central, and Saylor Academy offer many additional learning opportunities.
Accessing the following courses and trainings will expand your knowledge and skills in a variety of topics related to managing employees.
The list was last curated during the 2021-2022 academic year.
Managing Employees and Building Teams
Connecticut Employees Union Independent (CEUI) In-Service Training
https://hr.uconn.edu/ceui-in-service-training-registration-request/
Supervisor Essential Program
UConn’s Learning@Work Leadership Development & Customer Service Programs
https://hr.uconn.edu/leadership-development-programs/
Supervisor Excellence How to Effectively Delegate Tasks & Responsibilities
UConn’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-assistance-program/
Discrimination and Harassment Prevention
UConn’s Management Support & Development Programs
https://hr.uconn.edu/mgmt_sup_program/
State of CT In-Service Training
GEU member Graduate Assistants (GA), Teaching Assistants (TA), or Research Assistants (RA) are employees of the University and can access professional development programming through UConn’s HR Department https://hr.uconn.edu/career-professional-development/. Sessions are added to the HR site annually. Some trainings are free, and others have a fee. There are often in-person, remote, and hybrid offerings.
While there are many opportunities presented here, it is by no means an exhaustive list. Several websites, including LinkedIn Learning, edX, Class Central, and Saylor Academy offer many additional learning opportunities.
Accessing the following courses and trainings will expand your knowledge and skills in a variety of topics related to personal growth. Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and outside of one’s organization.
The list was last curated during the 2021-2022 academic year.
Balancing Time, Priorities & Productivity
Connecticut Employees Union Independent (CEUI) In-Service Training
https://hr.uconn.edu/ceui-in-service-training-registration-request/
Managing Stress of the Time and Competing Priorities
UConn’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-assistance-program/
While there are a couple of opportunities presented here, it is by no means an exhaustive list. Several websites, including LinkedIn Learning, edX, Class Central, and Saylor Academy offer many additional learning opportunities.
GEU member Graduate Assistants (GA), Teaching Assistants (TA), or Research Assistants (RA) are employees of the University and can access professional development programming through UConn’s HR Department https://hr.uconn.edu/career-professional-development/. Sessions are added to the HR site annually. Some trainings are free, and others have a fee. There are often in-person, remote, and hybrid offerings.
Accessing the following courses and trainings will expand your knowledge and skills in a variety of topics related to professionalism, understanding and demonstrating effective work habits, and acting in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
The list was last curated during the 2021-2022 academic year.
State of CT In-Service Training
Graduate Assistants (GA), Teaching Assistants (TA), or Research Assistants (RA) are considered employees of the University and can access professional development programming through UConn’s HR Department https://hr.uconn.edu/career-professional-development/. Sessions are added to the HR site annually. Some trainings are free, and others have a fee. There are often in-person, remote, and hybrid offerings.
While there are a couple of opportunities presented here, it is by no means an exhaustive list. Several websites, including LinkedIn Learning, edX, Class Central, and Saylor Academy offer many additional learning opportunities.
Accessing the following courses and trainings will expand your knowledge and skills in a variety of topics related to project management, including establishing priorities, effective planning, and managing priorities.
The list was last curated during the 2021-2022 academic year.
Balancing Time, Priorities & Productivity
Connecticut Employees Union Independent (CEUI) In-Service Training
https://hr.uconn.edu/ceui-in-service-training-registration-request/
State of CT In-Service Training
GEU member Graduate Assistants (GA), Teaching Assistants (TA), or Research Assistants (RA) are employees of the University and can access professional development programming through UConn’s HR Department https://hr.uconn.edu/career-professional-development/. Sessions are added to the HR site annually. Some trainings are free, and others have a fee. There are often in-person, remote, and hybrid offerings.
While there are a few opportunities presented here, it is by no means an exhaustive list. Several websites, including LinkedIn Learning, edX, Class Central, and Saylor Academy offer many additional learning opportunities.
Accessing the following courses and trainings will expand your knowledge and skills in a variety of topics related to teamwork. Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.
The list was last curated during the 2021-2022 academic year.
State of CT In-Service Training
GEU member Graduate Assistants (GA), Teaching Assistants (TA), or Research Assistants (RA) are employees of the University and can access professional development programming through UConn’s HR Department https://hr.uconn.edu/career-professional-development/. Sessions are added to the HR site annually. Some trainings are free, and others have a fee. There are often in-person, remote, and hybrid offerings.
While there are a few opportunities presented here, it is by no means an exhaustive list. Several websites, including LinkedIn Learning, edX, Class Central, and Saylor Academy offer many additional learning opportunities.
Accessing the following courses and trainings will expand your knowledge and skills in a variety of topics related to technology. Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.
The list was last curated during the 2021-2022 academic year.
State of CT In-Service Training
GEU member Graduate Assistants (GA), Teaching Assistants (TA), or Research Assistants (RA) are employees of the University and can access professional development programming through UConn’s HR Department https://hr.uconn.edu/career-professional-development/. Sessions are added to the HR site annually. Some trainings are free, and others have a fee. There are often in-person, remote, and hybrid offerings.
While there are many opportunities presented here, it is by no means an exhaustive list. Several websites, including LinkedIn Learning, edX, Class Central, and Saylor Academy offer many additional learning opportunities.
Additional Resources:
Center for Excellence in Teaching
If you have never taught, or you would like to sharpen your existing teaching skills, consider enrolling in various workshops offered at the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
UConn eCampus
Explore UConn eCampus for all online courses, post baccalaureate certificates, graduate certificates, and graduate programs at the University of Connecticut.
InterSECT Job Simulations
InterSECT is an online platform that allows PhD-level scientists and humanists, regardless of professional stage, to explore future career options through true-to-life simulation exercises.
