Identifying training aims

You may find it helpful to first think about your training and development early on in your doctorate although it is something that you should continue to revisit. The Researcher Development Framework is a useful place to start to get you thinking about areas that you would like to address. Spend some time thinking through your various training needs and ask yourself the following questions.

• Do I need to address any gaps in my subject knowledge?
• Do I need to learn or refresh any discipline-specific skills?
• In order to complete my project do I need to learn any generic skills such as how to use new IT packages or languages?
• What transferable skills do I need to work on?
  • Time management?
  • Project management?
  • Networking skills?
  • Writing skills?
  • Inter-personal skills, (e.g. how to deal with my supervisor effectively?)
• Do I need to learn anything to help me make the transition beyond my doctorate?

Once you have identified the skills that you want to develop, arrange a meeting with your main supervisor to discuss your training needs. Ask your supervisor to provide details of skills that she or he thinks are important to help you complete your doctorate. Use the Professional Development Planner to help you identify what you need to develop in more detail.

It is important that you make your training aims 'SMARTE' (see Setting objectives).