Future Smart: Essential Professional Skills for Graduate Students
What happens after graduate school?
Future Smart
The Yeates School of Graduate Studies offers a extensive program of professional skill development for graduate students, free of charge.
With an expansive selection of program partners and program offerings, the Future Smart program will complement your grad degree and help you transition to the career you want!
**NOTE: ONLINE OPTIONS AVAILABLE!
About the program
The Yeates School of Graduate Studies, in partnership with a variety of skill-development providers, offers Future Smart: Essential Professional Skills for Graduate Students. The program helps you develop essential skills that will facilitate your studies, career search, post-university transition, and success in your future career, whether you are thinking about academia, research or non-academic employment.
What you need to know
- Future Smart is a value-added program to complement your graduate degree.
- It’s free to all registered Ryerson graduate students.
- Online units: normally a maximum of four offerings may be taken online but this maximum is waived while Ryerson campus is closed due to COVID-19.
- Upon successful program completion, you will receive the YSGS Future Smart Recognition of Completion document and a notation on your transcript.
- The Future Smart program must be completed prior to graduation.
How it works
Choose workshops from the following five categories:
- Career Skills
- Communication and Personal Effectiveness
- Leadership and Social Innovation
- Research and Information Management
- Teaching and Presentation Skills
Participants choose workshops offered by our program partners under the five categories and must complete a total of seven units as follows:
- 2 units from Communication and Personal Effectiveness
- 1 unit from Career Skills
- 1 unit from Teaching and Presentation Skills
- 1 unit from Leadership and Social Innovation OR Research and Information Management
- 2 units as electives from any category
Contact Information
For more information:
Leslie Mutic
Yeates School of Graduate Studies
Ryerson University
Email: l2mutic@ryerson.ca, opens in new window
How to register
Step 1: Complete the online registration form found HERE, external link, opens in new window. Use your ryerson.ca email address. Please note, as this is a Google Doc form, using Chrome to complete this form will ensure the passport will be accessible.
Step 2: Print the passport (from the link on the registration confirmation). Enter the date of registration on your passport.
Step 3: You can take workshops (online or in-person) from any of our program partners (see 'Programs' tab). Register for a workshop and have the instructor sign your passport. For online modules, attach proof of completion to your passport.
Step 4: Once you have completed seven workshops with signatures for each workshop (no more than four workshops from any one program partner), submit your completed passport to YSGS by email (a clear scanned copy), or drop off the original (keeping a copy for yourself) to 1 Dundas St. West, 11th floor, Attention: Leslie Mutic, Future Smart Passport.
Step 5: You will be notified once your passport has been verified and you will be issued a YSGS Future Smart Recognition of Completion document and a notation will be made on your transcript.
Program partners
Ryerson Career & Co-op Centre
The Career & Co-op Centre is now offering its services virtually to students. In addition to 1:1 appointments, this includes webinars and online panels with recruiters.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER WEBINARS:
Below is a list of upcoming webinars that you can attend hosted by the Career and Co-op Centre. Choose any one that interests you and click on the name to register online and access the webinar details.
Workshop |
Date |
Time |
Location |
Where and How to Look For Work, external link, opens in new window |
Thursday, August 27, 2020 |
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM |
Online |
Virtual Interviews: How to Make a Great Impression, external link, opens in new window |
Tues, Sept 8, 2020 |
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM |
Online |
Introduction to Virtual Networking, external link, opens in new window |
Tues Sept 15, 2020 |
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM |
Online |
Graduating? Learn How to Build A Career Action Plan, external link, opens in new window |
Thurs, Sept 17, 2020 |
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM |
Online |
The Career Centre, opens in new window offers an extensive program of workshops and events, external link, opens in new window to assist students with their career development. You can also book a personal 1:1 appointment, opens in new window with a career consultant and/or a resume and online profile advisor. Please also check the Career Centre Calendar, external link, opens in new window regularly for updates.
Note: please read workshop descriptions carefully to ensure they meet your individual graduate needs, as there are sessions for both undergraduate and graduate students, and some for both. You may apply a maximum of one personal appointment to your Future Smart program.
Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching
CELT website: https://www.ryerson.ca/centre-for-excellence-in-learning-and-teaching/
The Graduate Teaching Development Program: https://www.ryerson.ca/learning-teaching/ta-ga/professional-development-program/, opens in new window
TA/GA Workshops and Events Winter 2021: https://www.ryerson.ca/learning-teaching/ta-ga/workshops/, opens in new window
Facilitating Remote Learning Workshops for TA/GAs: If you were not able to participate in the fall, or if you are starting a new TA/GA position this winter, please consider registering for these workshops. The synchronous sessions will be offered through Zoom and provide in-depth teaching development for TA/GAs:
Facilitating in Zoom for Tutorials and Labs
- January 7 from 10:30 am -12 pm
- January 13, 2021 at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Moderating Discussion Boards in D2L Brightspace
- January 7, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- January 15, 2021 at 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Providing Effective Feedback
- January 8, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- January 20, 2021 at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Equity and Inclusion in Remote Teaching
- January 8, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- January 28, 2021 at 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Register for one or more of the workshops at this link: https://www.ryerson.ca/learning-teaching/ta-ga/workshops/, opens in new window
Note, TA/GAs who complete all four TA/GA workshops will earn a digital badge in Facilitating Remote Learning from CanCred, external link, opens in new window that can be added to LinkedIn profiles to demonstrate the outcomes achieved during these workshops.
Graduate Leadership Institute (GLI)
Graduate Leadership Institute website, opens in new window
**NOTE: ONLINE OPTIONS AVAILABLE
The Graduate Leadership Institute is recognized and aligned with the Future Smart program under the “Leadership and Social Innovation” category. The leadership component explores themes such as shared vision, emotional intelligence, managing change, handling conflict, negotiation, leadership styles, resilience, strengths, motivation, personal values, life purpose, leading self, and more, with the aim to help students transform from scholars to influencers.
To earn one unit for the “Leadership and Social Innovation” category, complete ONE of the following:
- Participate in two, 45-minute GLI personal advising sessions by completing this google formContact Form, external link, opens in new window to schedule an appointment. If you are interested in earning a unit for your advising sessions, notify the director who will email a confirmation of completion for your Future Smart file. Virtual appointments are available.
- Review three GLI videos. All videos can be found on the Leadership Matters Video Series, opens in new window page, on a variety of leadership themes, and complete the following google formAction Plan, external link, opens in new window for each video. You will receive an email confirmation of your completion for your Future Smart file.
- Participate in a GLI workshop webinar (details below).
2021 (WINTER-SPRING) VIRTUAL WORKSHOP SERIES FOR GRAD STUDENTS
1) Learning to Lead: Mindset
JANUARY 26, 2021
As you head into a new year, you are also at the forefront of new challenges and opportunities. What perspective and mindset will help you face 2021 with boldness as a graduate student and leader? Join us for this interactive virtual session as we discuss foundational elements such as vision and courage that will support you in having a renewed focus for the coming year.
2) Learning to Lead: Branding
FEBRUARY 23, 2021
You may think that branding only relates to companies, products and services. Yet, whether you are aware of it or not, you have a personal brand that is being communicated to others. How intentional are you at expressing your unique image of who you are and what you do? Join this session to be more strategic about your personal branding and how this can shape your future opportunities academically and professionally.
3) Learning to Lead: A Leader's Journey
MARCH 4, 2021
The pathway towards leadership development is usually not simple and straightforward. There are often ups and downs, twists and turns along a leader’s journey. Yet this spectrum of experiences is foundational towards a leader’s growth and progress. Join this virtual interview session as Dr. Nancy Walton, YSGS’s Associate Dean of Student Affairs, shares experiences, insights and lessons from her leadership journey.
4) Learning to Lead: Growth
MARCH 23, 2021
You are about a quarter of the way into the new year. At this milestone, it is a great opportunity for reflection on your personal progress and a chance to continue a mindset for growth. This year will continue to bring more challenges and potential setbacks whether academically, professionally or personally. This session will explore what it means to develop a growth mindset and how to persist in difficulties as a graduate student and leader.
5) Learning to Lead: Emotions
APRIL 20, 2021
We face many situations in life that trigger emotions within that may negatively affect us and could also be hurtful to others. The extent to which we are aware of these emotions and manage them constructively will impact our effectiveness as graduate students and leaders.
In this session, you will learn about your strengths and weaknesses in emotional intelligence and develop strategies for growth.
Time: 1:30-2:30 pm on Zoom
6) Learning to Lead: Values
MAY 18, 2021
As a graduate student, you are learning to become an academic scholar in your field. Yet, have you thought about how your core values and personal vision integrate into your research or studies? This session will explore these essential self-leadership aspects that will help shape your emerging outlook and impact.
Time: 1:30-2:30 pm on Zoom
7) Learning to Lead: Conflict
JUNE 15, 2021
In our academic and professional settings, we need to work effectively with others. Yet in our daily interactions, conflicts sometimes arise which can strain those relationships if we don’t know how to manage those situations appropriately.
In this session, you will learn different styles of handling conflict and how to negotiate discussions toward win-win outcomes.
Time: 1:30-2:30 pm on Zoom
International Student Support (ISS)
International Student Support (ISS), opens in new window works to foster a sense of belonging and community for all students who are new to Canada, as well as for those students seeking a global experience on campus.
ISS welcomes and supports newcomers to Canada, helps them connect to Ryerson’s vibrant campus community, and supports them in reaching their academic, personal, and professional goals.
The team of International Student Advisors are Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) who can help through group immigration advising, drop-in hours and one-on-one personal development appointments.
Spring 2021 Webinar for Grad Students
'Connecting Across Cultural Difference'
Presented by YSGS and International Student Support, Student Affairs. Hosted by Emma Jankowski.
Ryerson graduate students study in one of the most diverse cities in the world. With 51% of the population of Toronto born outside of Canada, cultural difference is a part of our everyday lives.
Participants in this virtual session will learn about identity, bias, and intercultural awareness and effectiveness. The objective of the session is for participants to reflect and gain a deeper understanding of themselves in order to better connect with others.
Ryerson graduate students from all disciplines are invited to attend! This session qualifies for Future Smart.
Date: May 12, 2021
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Mitacs Training: Online
NOTE: All WORKSHOPS WILL BE ONLINE for 2020-2021
Mitacs Training, external link, opens in new window provides professional development training to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows across Canada, at no charge.
The Mitacs Training program offers an interactive learning environment, with small class sizes, facilitated by leading business and industry professionals. The workshops equip you with in-demand skills that help you meet deadlines, communicate your ideas, and increase your employability.
Check the Mitacs training portal, external link, opens in new window to find upcoming workshops. These popular workshops fill up fast, so register early to secure a spot! Online courses are eligible for Future Smart credit (print the MITACS certificate of completion and attach it to your Future Smart passport).
ONLINE WORKSHOPS SPRING 2021 (live webinars)
Register for these workshops here: edge.mitacs.ca, external link, opens in new window
Project Management
Over an intense, two-day course you experience a practical opportunity to bring your project into a workshop and learn how to increase your success, using professional templates while collaborating in a supportive environment.
DATES:
- April 22 – 23, 2021: 9am – 5pm EST (both days)
- May 6 – 7, 2021: 9am – 5pm EDT (both days)
Essentials of Productive Teams
DATE: May 3 / 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST
Skills of Communication, external link, opens in new window
DATES:
- May 5 / 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST
- May 7 / 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST
Time Management, external link, opens in new window
DATE: May 19 / 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Ryerson Library
The Ryerson University Library offers workshops on various topics throughout the year as well as individual appointments, opens in new window. Some qualify for the Future Smart passport. Check the Library Workshops Schedule, opens in new window.
Writing a Data Management Plan using DMP Assistant
A data management plan (DMP) is a document that outlines what data will be created, and what you will do with that data during and after your research project. Documenting a plan for your data is good practice and an integral part of responsible data management. This workshop will go through the steps of creating a data management plan using DMP Assistant, an online tool that follows best practices in data stewardship and walks you through key questions about your data.
This workshop is taught by Nora Mulvaney, research data management and engineering librarian.
This workshop is eligible for Future Smart.
Note: It is recommended that you sign up for a free DMP Assistant account before the session in order to participate in practice exercises.
Date: April 15, 2021
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Financial Literacy Workshop Series (FinLit)
Future Smart category: personal effectiveness
Ryerson University Library offers the FinLit series, a free financial literacy workshop series open to all Ryerson students.
Do you know what credit ratings are? Can’t figure out which bank account is best for you?
There’s no doubt about it – tuition, budgeting and personal finances can be intimidating. The reality is that the more you know and the sooner you know it, the better you’ll be able to understand your own personal finances and prepare for your future.
This series is on hold.
Student Learning Support (SLS)
Ryerson's Student Learning Support (SLS) offers programs designed for graduate students to assist in developing graduate-focused academic skills:
- individual assistance (a maximum of one can be applied to Future Smart)
- workshops
- group sessions
- dissertation coaching
- dissertation retreats
- graduate write-a-thon
- online resources
*Please note that "Writing Support" on the SLS website is geared toward undergraduate students. Please refer to "Graduate Student Support" for graduate student offerings. Not all offerings qualify for Future Smart.
SLS website: https://www.ryerson.ca/studentlearningsupport/graduate-student-support/, opens in new window
Location: in the Student Learning Centre, 4th floor, 341 Yonge St. (at Gould)
Special Topics
You can apply other workshops/seminars/events towards your Future Smart passport. If your department or the university is offering a workshop that you would like to apply towards your Future Smart passport please email l2mutic@ryerson.ca, opens in new window beforehand with the details. If approved, you may apply the unit toward completion of your passport.
Also check the Special Topics tab on this website frequently as it is updated throughout the year.
**NEW** GRADSkills Series
You’ve made it to grad school! Now what? Grad school can be a stressful and demanding experience as you balance academic progress and build professional relationships that will serve you into your future career.
GRADSkills is a new workshop series to help build your toolbox as a graduate student in competencies such as conflict resolution, solution-focused dialogue, giving and receiving feedback and navigating professional relationships.
Students can take part in any or all workshops. Students who complete all four workshops will earn a digital badge. Completion of each workshop is eligible for Future Smart.
1) January 27, 2021: Navigating the student-supervisor working relationship: Strategies and skills
2) February 10, 2021: Conflict resolution: developing skills and competencies
3) March 3, 2021: Solution-focused dialogue
4) March 31, 2021: Giving and Receiving Feedback
GRAD Breather Winter Series
De-stress with YSGS! Join your fellow grad students for a series of 30-minute, mindfulness practice sessions. Each session aims to create spaces for mindful breathing and centering techniques. Through these techniques, you can work to strengthen your sense of presence in your personal, academic and professional lives. Attend one, two, three, four or all five!
Note: attending two sessions is eligible for one unit in the Future Smart program, in the Communication and Personal Effectiveness category. Only one unit from GRAD Breather can be used for Future Smart. See dates below.
TIME: 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Session 1: Practicing mindfulness - Jan. 26
Session 2: Explorations in mindfulness - Feb. 9
Session 3: Mindfulness in everyday life - Feb. 25
Session 4: Mindfulness and the self - Mar. 9
Session 5: Mindfulness to support well-being - Mar. 25
W2021 GRADTalks:
The Next Step: Your Life & Career Post Pandemic
Please join the Yeates School of Graduate Studies, opens in new window and fellow grad student colleagues for a session on the "post-pandemic pivot."
Over the past year, we’ve heard a lot about “pivoting” for both institutions and individuals. This GRADTalks session will explore what pivoting can and should mean for you, as a graduate student engaged in planning your career and future, in a time of uncertainty.
How can pivoting allow you to not just survive, but thrive? Join us and find out! This session will also provide information on virtual career planning.
Guest Speaker: Julia Hanigsberg, President & CEO, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Facilitators:
- Wilson Leung, PhD, Director, Graduate Leadership Institute, opens in new window, YSGS
- Wincy Li, MA, Career Education Specialist, YSGS
DATE: March 10, 2021
Skills categories
Career Skills
This category includes soft skills such as networking and business etiquette, and hard skills such as converting your CV to a resumé, work-search strategies and using social media and branding in your job search.
Communication and Personal Effectiveness
This category covers both oral and written communications, including a variety of interpersonal skills such as listening, assertiveness, influence, persuasion, empathy, and diplomacy and non-verbal communication. Personal effectiveness also promotes self-awareness to assist in evaluating strengths and weaknesses, self-reflection, and setting appropriate personal and professional goals. It also includes topics covering personal well-being.
Leadership and Social Innovation
Under this category, students can explore leadership and/or social innovation.
Leadership includes themes such as shared vision, emotional intelligence, managing change, handling conflict, negotiation, leadership styles, resilience, strengths, motivation, personal values, life purpose, leading self, and more, with the goal of helping students transform from scholars to influencers.
Social innovation begins with recognizing the dignity and capacity for self-determination of people who have been impacted adversely by social structures and power; and seeking novel and transformative solution to social problems and conditions in partnership with those living in marginalized or disadvantaged circumstances. Students are encouraged to drive and lead change.
Research and Information Management
This category covers research, organizational and project management skills, as well as managing the environment in which research is being done for seeking, understanding and adapting new knowledge. Intellectual property issues and ethics fall under this category.
Teaching and Presentation Skills
This area covers classroom teaching along with planning effective tutorials, group facilitation and any situation requiring the need to explain complex concepts related to a discipline. These courses assist in the ability to provide clear and explicit instructions facilitating others’ understanding and learning.
Special topics
Check back often! This page is updated periodically. Bring your Future Smart Passport to be signed at these events or attach confirmation of attendance to your passport.
Events 2020-2021
Grad Networking Through Informational Interviews
(Future Smart Category: Career Skills)
When: Sep. 29, 2020
Time: 1-2 p.m. on Zoom
Hosted by the Faculty of Communication & Design / FCAD Careers
NOTE: THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR FCAD GRAD STUDENTS ONLY.
Learn the benefits of having informational interviews with professionals in the industry, how to reach out to the individuals you are interested in learning more from, how to structure the meeting, and what questions you may want to consider asking.
Finding Your Creativity
(Future Smart Category: Communication & Personal Effectiveness)
When: Sep. 30, 2020
Time: 4-5 p.m. on Zoom
Hosted by the Faculty of Communication & Design
NOTE: THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR FCAD STUDENTS ONLY.
In this interactive workshop hosted by Dr. David Gauntlett, you will discover how to find creative ways to approach everyday activities and overcome creative blocks.
Imposter Syndrome Workshop
(Future Smart Category: Communication & Personal Effectiveness)
When: Sep. 30, 2020
Time: 1:30-3:00 p.m. on Zoom
Hosted by the Faculty of Science
Ever worry that you will be discovered as a fraud? Maybe you’ve felt undeserving of recognition or praise, despite evidence that you’re skilled and quite successful. You may be experiencing a psychological phenomenon known as “Impostor Syndrome.” Join members from the RCCC and Centre of Student Development to discuss how to recognize what impostor syndrome is and learn tips to help you feel more confident.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS WORKHOP IS FOR FACULTY OF SCIENCE STUDENTS ONLY
Past Events 2019-2020
GRADTalks Spring 2020: It's Your Career—Take Charge!
(Future Smart Category: Career Skills)
When: March 10, 2020
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies
Jack Layton Leadership School (2-day event)
(Future Smart Categories: Communication & Personal Effectiveness; Leadership & Social Innovation)
When: February 20-21, 2020
Hosted by the Jack Layton Leadership School
GRAD Contests Awards Reception
(Future Smart Category: Career Skills-Networking)
When: Feb. 6, 2020
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies
GRADTalks Fall 2019: Building Resilience
(Future Smart Category: Communication & Personal Effectiveness)
When: November 4, 2019
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies
GRADShowcase 2019
(Future Smart Categories: various)
When: August 27, 2019
Co-sponsored by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies
Past Events 2018-2019
GRADTalks Winter 2019: Leadership Skills—From Scholar to Influencer
(Future Smart Category: Communication & Personal Effectiveness)
When: February 28, 2019
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies
Jack Layton Leadership School (2-day event)
(Future Smart Category: Communication & Personal Effectiveness)
When: February 22-23, 2019
Hosted by the Jack Layton Leadership School
GRAD Contests Awards Reception
(Future Smart Category: Career Skills-Networking)
When: Feb. 7, 2019
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies
PhD@Work: Maximize Your Career Readiness!
(Future Smart Category: Career Skills)
When: Jan. 31, 2019
Hosted by the Career & Co-op Centre and Faculty of Arts
Graduate Research and Writing Institute (1-day event)
(Future Smart Categories: Various)
When: Nov. 23, 2018
Hosted by Student Learning Support
GRADTalks Fall 2018: Communication Skills—Expressing Yourself
(Future Smart Categories: Communication & Personal Effectiveness; Career Skills)
When: October 17, 2018
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies
GRADShowcase 2018
(Future Smart Categories: Various)
When: Aug. 28, 2018
Co-sponsored by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies
Past Events 2017-2018
GRADTalks Winter 2018: Growing Your Network
(Future Smart Category: Career Skills)
When: March 1, 2018
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies
Community Transformation Cafe: Women's Leadership
(Future Smart Category: Career Skills)
When: 3 sessions: Feb. 27 / Mar. 6 / Mar. 13, 2018
Hosted by the Faculty of Community Services
GRAD Community Transformation Cafe Workshop
(Future Smart Category: Career Skills-Networking)
When: Feb. 15, 2018
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies and Faculty of Community Services
GRAD Contests Awards Reception
(Future Smart Category: Career Skills-Networking)
When: Feb. 6, 2018
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies and Office of Social Innovation
GRADTalks Fall 2017: Charting Your Career Journey
(Future Smart Category: Career Skills)
When: Oct. 17, 2017
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies
Graduate Wellness Workshop Series-Fall 2017
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies, Student Learning Support and the Centre for Student Development and Counselling. (Future Smart Category: Communication & Personal Effectiveness)
- Finding Self-Confidence: Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
When: Oct. 13, 2017 - Postponing Procrastination
When: Oct. 26, 2017 - Thesis Anonymous
Share challenges and learn tips in this one-off support group
When: Nov. 10, 2017
GRADShowcase 2017
(Future Smart Category: Various)
When: Aug. 29, 2017
Co-sponsored by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies
Past Events 2016-2017
Graduate Wellness Workshop Series
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies, Student Learning Support and the Centre for Student Development and Counselling. (Future Smart Category: Communication and Personal Effectiveness)
- Balancing Healthy Relationships and Graduate School: Learning how to manage conflict in your relationship
When: Friday, March 3, 2017 - Finding Self-Confidence: Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
When: Friday, March 17, 2017 - Revitalizing your Graduate Experience: Managing your time and energy better
When: Friday, April 7, 2017
GRADTalks Winter 2017: Achieving GRAD Balance
(Future Smart Category: Communication and Personal Effectiveness)
When: Feb. 28, 2017
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies
Get Going Workshops
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies, Student Learning Support and the Centre for Student Development and Counselling. (Future Smart Category: Communication and Personal Effectiveness)
1. Fueling Up: Stress, Sleep and Emotional Well-Being
When: Monday, November 21, 2016
2. Get Talking: Managing Stress Effectively
When: Tuesday, November 8, 2016
3. Postpone Procrastination Workshop
When: Oct. 27, 2016
GRADTalks Fall 2016: Professional Skills: Tools for Success after Grad School
(Future Smart Category: Career Skills)
When: Oct. 25, 2016
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies
Past Events 2015-2016
Build a Career with LinkedIn
(Future Smart Category: Career Skills)
When: May 26, 2016
Co-hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies and the Ryerson Career Centre
Grad Day at the Digital Media Experience Lab
(Future Smart Category: Career Skills)
When: April 7, 2016
Co-hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies and the Ryerson Library
Graduate Write-a-Thon (SLS)
(Future Smart Category: various)
When: April 15, 2016
GRADTalks Winter 2016: Beyond the PhD: Career Pathways for Graduate Success
(Future Smart Category: Career Skills)
When: Feb. 24, 2016
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies
Imagining Canada's Future Video Launch
(Future Smart Category: Career Skills/Networking)
When: Nov. 24, 2015
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies
GRADTalks Fall 2015: Secrets of a Successful Student-Supervisor Relationship
(Future Smart Category: Career Skills)
When: Oct. 27, 2015
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies
GRADCafe and Open House
(FutureSmart Category: Career Skills/Networking)
When: Sep. 15, 2015
Hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies
Past Events 2014-2015
RA Training Workshop
(Future Smart Category: Research and Information Management)
When: November 20-21, 2014
Stress: Surviving to Thriving Workshop
(Future Smart Category: Communication and Personal Effectiveness)
When: Tuesday, November 11, 2014
KM/KT Workshop Series:
Using Media for Knowledge Dissemination
(Future Smart Category: Research & Information Management/Career Skills)
When: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014
RU a Leader? Student Leadership Conference, Fall 2014
(Future Smart category: Communication and Personal Effectiveness)
Dates: October 24-25, 2014
Tacos and Trademarks
(Future Smart Category: Career Skills)
When: Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014
Book Publishing Workshop
(Future Smart category: Career Skills)
When: Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the Future Smart program?
Future Smart is a professional skills development program for graduate students, offered free of charge by the Yeates School of Graduate Studies.
2. How can Future Smart help my graduate journey?
The program complements your graduate degree and can help facilitate your studies, career search, post-university transition and success in your future career, whether you are considering academic, research or industry employment.
3. How does the program work?
- Register for the program, external link, opens in new window and print your Future Smart passport.
- Bring your Future Smart passport to be signed when you attend a workshop provided by one of our program providers.
- Once you have attended seven workshops (from four skills categories), you will receive a document of completion, and a notation on your transcript
Note: some units are offered online as well. Print out the certificate of completion for online courses and attached it to your passport.
4. What are the five skills categories?
Career Skills
This category includes soft skills such as networking and business etiquette, and hard skills such as converting your CV to a resumé, work-search strategies, and using social media and branding in your job search.
Communication and Personal Effectiveness
This category covers both oral and written communications, including a variety of interpersonal skills such as listening, assertiveness, influence, persuasion, empathy, diplomacy and non-verbal communication. Personal effectiveness also promotes self-awareness to assist in evaluating strengths and weaknesses, self-reflection, and setting appropriate personal and professional goals. It also includes topics covering personal well-being.
Leadership and Social Innovation
Under this category, students can explore leadership and/or social innovation.
Leadership includes themes such as shared vision, emotional intelligence, managing change, handling conflict, negotiation, leadership styles, resilience, strengths, motivation, personal values, life purpose, leading self, and more, with the goal of helping students transform from scholars to influencers.
Social innovation begins with recognizing the dignity and capacity for self-determination of people who have been impacted adversely by social structures and power; and seeking novel and transformative solution to social problems and conditions in partnership with those living in marginalized or disadvantaged circumstances. Students are encouraged to drive and lead change.
Research and Information Management
This category covers research, organizational and project management skills, as well as managing the environment in which research is being done for seeking, understanding and adapting new knowledge. Intellectual property issues and ethics fall under this category.
Teaching and Presentation Skills
This category covers classroom teaching along with planning effective tutorials, group facilitation and any situation requiring the need to explain complex concepts. These courses assist in the ability to provide clear and explicit instructions facilitating others’ understanding and learning.
5. Who are the Future Smart program partners?
- Career & Co-op Centre
- Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching
- Student Learning Support (SLS)
- Ryerson Library
- Mitacs Training
- Office of Social Innovation
- Yeates School of Graduate Studies
- YSGS Graduate Leadership Institute
6. Who can I contact for more information?
Leslie Mutic @ l2mutic@ryerson.ca