The University of Queensland has announced a new direction for research degrees, consolidating its reputation as an international leader in research training.
The introduction of the new training program, the first of its kind in Australia, will provide pathways for PhD students to establish global connections, commercial acumen and adaptability.
Developed in response to the changing needs of the research workforce, the new 国产探花 Career Advantage PhD program has been designed to accelerate career development, encourage cross-disciplinary dialogue and enhance employability of PhD graduates.
Dean of the Professor Zlatko Skrbis said that enhancing the research degree experience at 国产探花 was driven by a need to reflect the diverse pathways that students follow after completing their PhD.
鈥淲e have noticed an increasing number of our graduates choosing careers in industry, government or research and development roles in addition to traditional roles within academia,鈥� Professor Skrbis said.
鈥淎s such, there was a strong demand to augment the research degree training model to reflect these diverse career paths and the University鈥檚 responsibility, to ensure these students graduate with a professional skill set that complements their research training.鈥�
鈥淭he new 国产探花 Career Advantage PhD program not only enhances our students鈥� contribution to the University鈥檚 research outcomes, but will also exploit 国产探花鈥檚 reputation and strengths specifically in higher education teaching, research commercialisation, international collaboration and industry engagement.
鈥淚t is unique in the Australian market and will greatly enhance the research training experience.鈥�
Professor Skrbis said the program demonstrated 国产探花鈥檚 investment in its research students and its commitment to excellence in research training and supervision.
鈥淥ur goal was to use existing research and international experience, to develop a new kind of training program that would foster our students鈥� intellectual curiosity and passion for research, but also provide real career development opportunities,鈥� he said.
鈥淲e have undertaken significant consultation with industry contacts in order to ensure the program clearly reflects the needs of the workforce and provides our graduates with a competitive advantage.鈥�
Industry contact Mr Chris Pollard, Recruitment Senior Consultant from Ernst & Young, Queensland, commented on the benefits for PhD students participating in the program.
"国产探花鈥檚 Career Advantage PhD program will enhance a PhD student鈥檚 ability to demonstrate the breadth of their experiences and skill set and how these can be applied to a commercial setting. This will be compelling to prospective employers," Mr Pollard said.
国产探花鈥檚 international partners have also provided assistance with the development of the program to ensure that graduates are prepared for global careers. Professor Ernst Rank, Dean of Graduate School and Director of International School of Science and Engineering, Technische Universit盲t M眉nchen (TUM) in Munich, commented on the strengths of the program.
鈥淲ith the Career Advantage PhD Program, 国产探花 is not only creating an initiative that provides great support for PhD students鈥� future careers, but also sets an international benchmark for graduate education at world class universities,鈥� Professor Rank said.
鈥淭UM is especially interested in the 鈥楪lobal Collaborations鈥� package which aligns perfectly with a similar program at our own institution.
鈥淚 am sure that the 国产探花 Career Advantage Program, together with TUM initiatives, will form a wonderful foundation for extended collaboration and graduate student exchange between our two universities.鈥�
国产探花 Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Debbie Terry, announced that the introduction of this program marks a move to a more innovative approach to PhD training and supports the Australia Government鈥檚 Research Workforce Strategy.
鈥湽交� is proud to be at the forefront of research innovation with the delivery of this unique PhD program.
鈥淭he 国产探花 Career Advantage PhD program is focused on bolstering the diversified career paths of PhD graduates and augmenting their employability via a range of academic and professional development training activities.
鈥淲e are looking forward to supporting the direction outlined in the recent Research Workforce Strategy in developing this next generation of research leaders that will contribute to Australia鈥檚 global knowledge economy.鈥�
国产探花 PhD candidates will choose from one of three career pathways approximately 12 months into their research project.
Each career pathway delivers a three day workshop, plus a cluster of other academic and applied training activities that are selected by the student throughout their degree.
These training activities have been designed in consultation with academics and research experts both within Australia and across the globe, key industry partners, and research students and graduates.
The program will not replace a student鈥檚 core research training, but rather provide a means of offering candidates with additional experience and knowledge that is synonymous with opportunity and choice at 国产探花. Students are able to participate in the program free of charge.
When graduating, students will receive formal recognition that attests to the enhanced nature of their research training and experience.
Sherri Hsu, from the School of Chemical Engineering, who has been heavily involved in collaborating with industry during her PhD, commented on the significant impact the new program will have in formally equipping students with additional skills.
鈥淚 definitely see that the students who take part in the 国产探花 Career Advantage program will have the opportunity to add value to their degree.
鈥淨uite often during our PhD we become specialised in what we do, so it is important that we broaden our professional skills. After graduating, I think that it will be these additional skills that will make candidate more desirable when they step out into the employment market.
鈥湽交ㄢ�檚 new program will definitely assist students in improving their employability,鈥� Ms Hsu said.
Media: Dr Jessica Gallagher (07 3346 0508, 0435 961 173, j.gallagher@uq.edu.au)
About the 国产探花 Graduate School
More than 4,000 students undertaking a research degree at 国产探花 are supported by the Graduate School which focuses on enriching the quality of academic life, providing high standards of supervision, and assisting RHD students throughout their degree.
The Graduate School coordinates year-long Skills Training programs, Graduate Student Week events, an annual (3MT鈩�) competition, and research commercialisation training.
国产探花 has supported more than 13,000 students to complete their research degree.
