As a researcher you are responsible for managing your own professional development, and ensuring that you are on the right track for achieving your goals.
There are two key tools at your disposal to help you with this.
CamRDF
The Cambridge Researcher Development Framework (CamRDF) maps out fifteen core competencies which are key to conducting professional research in an interdisciplinary and international context. This framework of skills, highly valued by employers with within and beyond academia, will help you to understand your strengths as well as the areas you want to work on.
Skills Analysis Survey
The Skills Analysis Survey is a self-assessment tool. Mapped against the CamRDF, it will help you to identify your strengths and target areas for further development. The integrated Personal Development Plan prompts the opportunity to take some time to plan out your goals for the year ahead.
This self-assessment and planning exercise is the first thing you should do as a new PhD student, and we strongly recommend revisiting it each year.
Foundational Development
It can be overwhelming to know where to start when you're a new postgraduate student. We suggest getting started with the set of introductory courses below, to make sure you have a solid foundation and help you develop an idea of where you need to focus your energy next.
Sciences, Technology & Medicine:
Starting your PhD
Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences:
Get a Head Start on your PhD
First Meetings with your Supervisor
Working with your Supervisor
Once you've completed the above, check out our Workshops and our Online Resources to see where to head next, based on your reflections from the Skills Analysis. Remember that you can always look for One-to-One Support if you're unsure about any aspect of your professional development.