Paving the Pathway: Exploring Student Engagement and Satisfaction With Professional Development Resources in Doctoral Education

• In Event: Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: Innovative Dialogue in Doctoral Education

Abstract

Over the last two decades, doctoral education has changed, expanding to offer students a diverse array of activities in addition to intensive research training. One area of increasing importance is the professional development that students receive while enrolled in their doctoral programs. Currently, limited research examines the primary drivers of the student experience, including the cumulative processes that prepare students academically and professionally for what lies beyond graduation. The proposed study describes the attempts of two universities to understand the professional development experiences of doctoral students to identify gaps and build resources. Specifically, we seek to understand how best to determine which professional development opportunities are adequately supported through disciplines/program, and what areas could benefit from a centralized resource.

Authors

• Craig Anne Heflinger, Vanderbilt University/ Peabody College

• Bernadette Doykos, University of Southern Maine

• Lynne Pepall, Tufts University