Connecting your research journey to skill development
Your graduate research journey and skill development work together to help you plan, build, and showcase the skills that drive your research and career success.
While the graduate research journey helps you navigate key stages of your candidature, the Graduate Researcher Development Framework (GRDF) provides the foundation to develop and showcase the skills you need to thrive as a researcher, leader, and collaborator - ready for careers in academia, industry, and beyond.
Within the framework there are four core skill domains:
Within these core domains are 30 skills that we believe will best prepare graduate researchers for the future.
The knowledge, skills and strategies to conceptualise, analyse and deliver fresh perspectives and creative solutions to global challenges.
Knowledge and research strategies
- discipline knowledge
- scholarly communication
- research design and analysis
Innovation, creativity and discovery
- analytical and critical thinking
- creative thinking and problem solving
- commercialisation and entrepreneuship
Digital and technology
- digital and AI literacy
- data management
- data sciences
The personal qualities to self-manage, build effective relationships, develop networks and target opportunities relevant to personal aspirations.
Self-management
- resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility
- self-awareness and accountability
- collaboration and managing relationships
Career development
- career management
- liaising and networking
- reputation and esteem
The knowledge and skills to plan and execute ethical and sustainable projects with integrity and professionalism.
Project planning and delivery
- research strategy and planning
- sourcing and applying for funding
- management of financial and material resources
Responsible research
- health, safety and sustainability
- research integrity and ethics
- data governance, IP and copyright
The leadership and communication skills to influence ideas, disseminate information and drive solutions to cultural, social and environmental challenges
Communication and information exchange
- publication
- teaching and training
- public communication or research
Leadership and social influence
- consilience/multidisciplinary engagement
- impact and engagement
- ethical leadership
Global citizenship and civic responsibility
- environmental awareness
- equity and diversity
- social and cultural awareness
To support you on your development journey, the Graduate Researcher Development Program (GRDP) provides a practical, hands-on approach to applying the GRDF. It helps you assess, plan, and track your skills development across your research journey and apply the 30 core skills.
Through the GRDP, you can:
- identify your skills gaps
- set personal development goals
- document your progress
- build a portfolio that showcases your growing capabilities and gives you a competitive edge
Together, the graduate research journey, GRDF and GRDP give you a complete approach to development - helping you recognise your capabilities, take advantage of opportunities, and communicate your strengths to future employers and collaborators.
Level 2, 16 Wally's Walk
Macquarie University NSW 2109