Free courses to help graduate students build professional skills

A series of courses offered free on the University of Windsor campus in late September are designed to train graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in essential interpersonal, project management and entrepreneurial skills required for them to succeed in their future careers.

Mitacs Step logoMITACS Step is Canada’s only comprehensive program providing business-ready skills to up and coming researchers. All of the Windsor workshops are offered in McPherson Lounge, Alumni Hall. Attendees are required to sign in 30 minutes prior to the start of each session.

Find more information and register by clicking through the title of each workshop:

Business Conduct Excellence & Dining Etiquette
Monday, September 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., lunch provided

How you handle yourself in a meeting says a lot about you.  Learn the elements of etiquette and conduct that will give you the comfort and confidence needed to succeed in any meeting.

The Art of Powerful Conversation
Monday, September 26, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., lunch provided

Although we communicate in many ways every day, few of us are consistently effective. Assumptions, old patterns, and unhealthy paradigms can sabotage our efforts for clear, respectful communication. Learn how to determine your own personal assumptions, to avoid them and to navigate difficult conversations.

Practice Your Presentation Skills
Tuesday, September 27, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., breakfast and lunch provided

People who present well in front of groups are far more likely to succeed at captivating, persuading and inspiring others, and are generally perceived as better leaders. In this one-day workshop, theory is introduced in short bursts, and participants spend the majority of time practicing their presentation skills and receiving onsite feedback.

Effective Networking
Wednesday, September 28, 9 a.m. to noon

This workshop is designed to provide insight and interaction along with the know how to build and stabilize their business relationships through effective networking. Participants will leave with the tools they need to succeed in their research internships.

Proactive & Practical Communication
Wednesday, September 28, 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Fine-tune your ability to work within teams in academia and industry. Take this opportunity to experience first-hand the power of effective communication, whether it be communicating your research through presentation or working within teams.

Foundations of Project Management
Thursday, September 29, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., breakfast and lunch provided

This one-day workshop provides an overview of the full four-day program and allows the students a brief hands-on experience of two key concepts: building productive relationships and an interactive team approach to creating project plans.

Materials will be provided for each of these workshops. A valid credit card is required to complete and secure your registration. There is a $50 charge for no-shows and late cancellations; otherwise, the workshops are free.