A plan needs a framework
The McGill IDF (Individual Development Framework) comprises 21 categories organized into 7 themes know to be important for students' success and wellbeing. All of the SKILLSETS events are tagged according to this framework in order to help you easily identify the offerings that best align with your interests and goals. Click here to learn more about how the IDF was created.
You can use the framework as a navigation tool to find SKILLSETS offerings that best fit your academic, profession, and personal needs and interests. Along with each category below, you will find a brief description and a link to the associated workshops. Resource PDFs are also included to further your understanding of the individual Graduate Skills Development Framework categories.
Themes and Categories
Lead projects
Beyond an ability to work well with others (see below), successfully leading projects requires strategic planning, behaving professional and ethically, as well as obtaining and managing project funds.
► Finances & funding
► Ethical & professional conduct
► Project & time management
Upcoming offerings
- Project & Time Management
- Finances & Funding
Work with others
This theme includes using your interpersonal skills to collaborate successfully with diverse people and teams, lead and inspire others, empathize with and advocate for others, build an understanding of global and local context, or manage relationships.
► Equity, diversity & inclusion
► Global & local engagement
► Leadership
► Teamwork & interpersonal
Upcoming offerings
Communicate ideas
Frequently cited as a top skill in demand by employers, this theme encompasses your ability to articulate your ideas and knowledge to diverse groups through teaching, presenting, and writing.
► Public speaking
► Teaching
► Writing
Upcoming offerings
- Teaching
- Writing
- Public Speaking
Solve problems
Developing solutions to challenging problems involves analytical and critical reasoning, ideating creative options, and a willingness to work with ambiguity.
► Analytical & critical reasoning
► Entrepreneurship
► Innovation & creativity
Upcoming offerings
- Graduate Supervision
Expand expertise
Sometimes described as “hard skills” because they are more easily measured, this theme reflects your subject matter expertise and your ability to use specific tools, approaches, and technology (e.g. laboratory techniques or qualitative research approaches).
► Subject knowledge
► Tools & technology
Upcoming offerings
- Subject Knowledge
- Tools & Technology
Be well
Although it is listed as a distinct theme in this framework, wellness actually cuts across all of the themes. Having self-awareness and resilience, along with a healthy lifestyle, will help you to be successful in all of the categories within the framework.
► Healthy living
► Resilience
► Self-knowledge
Upcoming offerings
Plan career
This theme involves understanding your career preferences, exploring options and developing a network, and ultimately learning how to articulate your strengths to prospective employers.
► Career knowledge
► Applying & interviewing
► Networking & job search
Upcoming offerings
Unsure about which areas to focus on?
Create an Individual Development Plan (IDP)! The IDP is a tool that helps students identify and plan their goals. To find out more, check out myPath.