Earn the Aspire Professional Development Certificate
Invest in your future and earn the Aspire Certificate, which is designed to complement your academic program by providing opportunities to develop a range of skills and competencies.
To earn the certificate, complete five workshops in at least two Aspire pillars.
Learn more details about the Aspire Professional Development Certificate.
Some of the workshops are self-directed on MyLearningSpace.
Teaching Development
Our teaching development workshops offer transferrable teaching skills and foundational teaching knowledge that can be used for both the classroom and the workplace. Learn about different pedagogies and hear from experienced staff and colleagues as they reflect on their experiences and share their knowledge.
All sessions are 90 minutes in length.
Self-paced Microsoft Stream recorded workshops:
Teaching Starts Here!
Want to spark student interest, motivation and collaboration? This workshop will identify five practical things you can do as a teacher or teaching assistant on the first day (or any day thereafter) to establish a classroom climate that invites students to get the most out of your course. Students form an impression of you and your expectations on your first day of class. This is your opportunity to learn how to rock that first impression! Didn’t connect with your students on the first day? These tips can be utilized beyond the first day as well. The strategies provided are equally helpful as ongoing tools to implement, reflect on, and revise throughout the term.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, you will be able to: Begin forming a plan for your first day teaching; Explain your excitement and concerns about teaching; prepare to the best of your ability, for a ROCKIN first day teaching.
Sessions Offered:
- September 9 at 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Click here for registration
- September 14 at 11:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click here for registration
- September 17 at 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Click here for registration
- September 22 at 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Click here for registration
- September 25 at 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Click here for registration
- October 5 at 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Click here for registration
Mode of delivery: Online
Sparkling Student Engagement
Does the room go quiet when you ask questions? Do you see blank stares when you try to get students talking? Knowing how to actively engage your students to enhance their learning is an important skill. This workshop will introduce you to some strategies to both ignite and sustain student engagement.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Explain how you come to understand Student Engagement
- Identify teaching and learning strategies you can adopt in your practice to encourage and support student engagement that:
- Is inclusive
- Is student-centred
- Will spark interest and curiosity
Sessions Offered:
- October 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Click here for registration
- October 8, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click here for registration
- October 21, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Click here for registration
- October 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Click here for registration
Mode of delivery: Online
Providing Feedback to Students
For anyone in a teaching role, recognizing how and when to provide feedback to learners can be a tricky task. Concerns about how much and the quality of the feedback provided is fundamental to students’ success. In this introductory session, participants will spend time exploring the complexity of providing guidance to learners as a TA and explore the idea of feedforward to support ongoing student development.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the purpose and functions of and identify qualities of effective feedback.
- Reflect on experiences of receiving feedback and the complexities of providing feedback to students.
- Recognize sources of, and strategies for providing constructive feedback.
- Examine the place for feedback and feedforward in your teaching work.
Sessions Offered:
- October 20, 2026 at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Click here for registration
- October 26, 2026 at 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Click here for registration
Mode of delivery: Online
Sparkling Student Engagement
Does the room go quiet when you ask questions? Do you see blank stares when you try to get students talking? Knowing how to actively engage your students to enhance their learning is an important skill. This workshop will introduce you to some strategies to both ignite and sustain student engagement.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Explain how you come to understand Student Engagement
- Identify teaching and learning strategies you can adopt in your practice to encourage and support student engagement that:
- Is inclusive
- Is student-centred
- Will spark interest and curiosity
Sessions Offered:
- November 9, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Click here for registration
- November 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Click here for registration
Mode of delivery: Online
Providing Feedback to Students
For anyone in a teaching role, recognizing how and when to provide feedback to learners can be a tricky task. Concerns about how much and the quality of the feedback provided is fundamental to students’ success. In this introductory session, participants will spend time exploring the complexity of providing guidance to learners as a TA and explore the idea of feedforward to support ongoing student development.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the purpose and functions of and identify qualities of effective feedback.
- Reflect on experiences of receiving feedback and the complexities of providing feedback to students.
- Recognize sources of, and strategies for providing constructive feedback.
- Examine the place for feedback and feedforward in your teaching work.
Sessions Offered:
- November 4, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click here for registration
- November 13, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. Click here for registration
- November 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Click here for registration
- November 25, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Click here for registration
Mode of delivery: Online
Providing Feedback to Students
For anyone in a teaching role, recognizing how and when to provide feedback to learners can be a tricky task. Concerns about how much and the quality of the feedback provided is fundamental to students’ success. In this introductory session, participants will spend time exploring the complexity of providing guidance to learners as a TA and explore the idea of feedforward to support ongoing student development.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the purpose and functions of and identify qualities of effective feedback.
- Reflect on experiences of receiving feedback and the complexities of providing feedback to students.
- Recognize sources of, and strategies for providing constructive feedback.
- Examine the place for feedback and feedforward in your teaching work.
Sessions Offered:
- December 1, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Click here for registration
Mode of delivery: Online
Professionalization and Communication
In any academic or professional environment, strong communication and leadership skills are critical. Perfect your writing and oral presentation skills with help from specialists in the field.
On-going self-paced learning on MyLearningSpace:
- Planning a Literature Review
- Academic Integrity Module
First, register for the workshop in MyLS by selecting "Self Registration," then select the workshop Library Research Workshops link and select "Register" in MyLS as in the example highlighted below:
Writing Scholarship Proposals
In this 90-minute workshop, you will develop the tools to write effective scholarship proposals. Working from samples of winning graduate student proposals (from OGS, SSHRC, and NSERC grants), we will examine common features of successful research statements, and you will learn how to apply these writing strategies in your own proposal. This workshop is targeted to MA and PhD students in all disciplines. The Zoom link for the workshop is included below. The Zoom link will also be emailed to all registered participants prior to the workshop. You can register for the workshop on the Student Success Portal.
Skills Acquired: Professionalization and Communication
Facilitator: Elliot Worsfold
Session offered:
- Sept. 21, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. Zoom link for Sept 21 session
Writing Literature Reviews
Graduate students are often tasked with writing a literature review during their coursework or graduate studies. This workshop will provide MA and PhD students with strategies on how to organize, structure, and write a literature review. We will also discuss how to frame your literature review around a research gap or scholarly problem. The Zoom link for the workshop is included below. The Zoom link will also be emailed to all registered participants prior to the workshop. You can register for the workshop on the Student Success Portal.
Skills Acquired: Professionalization and Communication
Facilitator: Elliot Worsfold
Session Offered:
- Sept. 28, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Zoom link for Sept 28 session
Writing Literature Reviews
Graduate students are often tasked with writing a literature review during their coursework or graduate studies. This workshop will provide MA and PhD students with strategies on how to organize, structure, and write a literature review. We will also discuss how to frame your literature review around a research gap or scholarly problem. The Zoom link for the workshop is included below. The Zoom link will also be emailed to all registered participants prior to the workshop. You can register for the workshop on the Student Success Portal.
Skills Acquired: Professionalization and Communication
Facilitator: Elliot Worsfold
Session offered:
- Oct. 6, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Zoom link for Oct 6 session
Writing Reflection Papers
In this ASPIRE workshop, students will develop strategies to write critical reflection papers. The workshop will demonstrate how writers can connect their personal experiences to academic theories, concepts, and readings. By the end of the workshop, students will have a better understanding how to structure their thoughts and overcome common challenges associated with writing reflection papers. The Zoom link for the workshop is included below. The Zoom link will also be emailed to all registered participants prior to the workshop. You can register for the workshop on the Student Success Portal.
Skills Acquired: Professionalization and Communication
Facilitator: Elliot Worsfold
Sessions Offered:
- Oct. 21, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Zoom link for Oct 21 session
Writing Scholarship Proposals(SSHRC/NSERC/OGS)
In this 90-minute workshop, you will develop the tools to write effective scholarship proposals. Working from samples of winning graduate student proposals (from OGS, SSHRC, and NSERC grants), we will examine common features of successful research statements, and you will learn how to apply these writing strategies in your own proposal. This workshop is targeted to MA and PhD students in all disciplines. The Zoom link for the workshop is included below. The Zoom link will also be emailed to all registered participants prior to the workshop. You can register for the workshop on the Student Success Portal.
Skills Acquired: Professionalization and Communication
Facilitator: Elliot Worsfold
Sessions Offered:
Nov. 3 at 12:00 p.m. Zoom link for Nov 3 Session
Career
Move successfully into your next career phase. ASPIRE workshops, run by Career Centre professionals, can help you to market your transferable skills, build your resumé, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile, and network and interview with confidence, among many other skills.
All sessions are virtual on Zoom.
Career Planning Workshop
Whether you have clear ideas about your career path or are still wondering what is next for you, this workshop will allow participants to learn how to gather relevant information, insights, and resources to explore opportunities and how to develop a plan to get there.
This session will introduce practical strategies and resources to assist you in conducting the necessary self-reflection and research to identify ideal work environments, optimal job satisfiers and realistic goals for pursuing an academic or post-academic career.
Skills Acquired: Explore career options, clarify career goals, identify strengths and values, and create an action plan for career success.
Facilitator: Hiral Joshi, Career Centre
Sessions Offered:
- Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click here to register
Mode of delivery: Online
P4E Job Fair
Networking can increase your chances of securing interviews and landing the job you want. Attend P4E Job Fair to connect with employers from a wide range of industries who are recruiting students and alumni for full-time, summer, and co-op opportunities.
Sessions Offered:
- Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, 09:30 p.m. to 03:30 p.m. Click here to register
Location:
- RIM Park, Waterloo (Free transportation from all campuses)
Mode of delivery: In-person
Network with Confidence Workshop
In this workshop, you'll learn how to confidently navigate networking events and recruiting sessions, transforming each encounter into a valuable connection. We'll review the essentials of a high-quality elevator pitch to ensure you make a powerful first impression. Plus, you'll learn how to leverage informational interviews to expand your network effectively. With these game-changing tips, you'll be ready to seize any opportunity and make every connection count.
Skills Acquired: Learn strategies to build meaningful professional relationships, strengthen networking skills, and confidently engage with employers and alumni.
Facilitator: Hiral Joshi, Career Centre
Sessions Offered:
- Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click here to register
Mode of delivery: Online
LinkedIn Workshop
In today's professional context, an online presence is essential. Participants in this workshop will learn about tools and strategies to build your LinkedIn profile, represent yourself professionally, maximize your career research and build your online networks.
Skills Acquired: Develop a professional LinkedIn profile, build your online presence, and learn strategies to connect with recruiters and industry professionals.
Facilitator: Hiral Joshi, Career Centre
Sessions offered: Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click here to register
Mode of delivery: Online
Resumé and Cover Letter Writing
Have you updated your resumé lately? What are employers looking for in resumés and cover letters? Do you have to target your resumé? Do you even need a cover letter? Participants in this workshop will learn tools and strategies to present relevant qualifications effectively and connect skills, experiences and abilities to a target job.
Skills Acquired: Learn how to create targeted resumes and cover letters that effectively showcase your skills, experiences, and accomplishments.
Facilitator: Hiral Joshi, Career Centre
Sessions Offered: Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 1 p.m. Click here to register
Mode of delivery: Online
CV Writing for Graduate Students
Interested in a career in academia or research? Participants will learn the unique purpose, format and guidelines for creating an effective Curriculum Vitae (CV), as well as clarify the main distinctions between a resumé and a CV.
Skills Acquired: Understand the purpose of an academic CV and learn how to effectively present your education, research, teaching, publications, and academic achievements.
Facilitator: Hiral Joshi, Career Centre
Sessions Offered: Friday, Oct.30, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click here to register
Mode of delivery: Online
Unlock your Competencies
Can you identify what competencies you have and what employers are seeking? Align your skills with your career goals in this workshop. You will be able to identify and assess your personal competencies, identify areas for development and learn how to showcase the value of your experiences to an employer.
Learning Objectives: Identify and articulate transferable skills and competencies gained through academic, work, and extracurricular experiences for career success.
Facilitator: Hiral Joshi, Career Centre
Sessions Offered: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click here to register
Mode of delivery: Online
Job Search Strategies
Did you know that most jobs are filled before they are posted? Employers hire people through people. Participants in this workshop will learn how to tap into the hidden job market using effective research and networking techniques.
Learning Objectives: Discover effective job search techniques, explore hidden job markets, tailor applications, and develop a strategic approach to finding opportunities.
Facilitator: Hiral Joshi, Career Centre
Sessions offered: Friday, Nov 13, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.pm. Click here to register
Mode of delivery: Online
Thrive in the Workplace
In this workshop, we'll explore strategies to help you thrive: navigating policies, procedures, and unwritten rules, managing expectations, and building meaningful professional connections. Our checklists will help you prepare. By asking the right questions and fully understanding your responsibilities, you'll hit the ground running and start adding value to your new team immediately.
Learning Objectives: Develop workplace communication, professionalism, collaboration, adaptability, and strategies for long-term career success and workplace well-being.
Facilitator: Hiral Joshi, Career Centre
Sessions offered: Friday, Nov 20, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Click here to register
Mode of delivery: Online
Research
Research is a huge component of many Masters, PhD and Postdoctoral Fellow programs. Workshops in our research pillar can help you to complete the work that you are doing at Laurier and help prepare you for future research opportunities. Through workshops ranging from how to develop a research question, to managing your data, our research experts will teach you how to translate your technical work for non-specialist audiences.
Self-paced MyLearningSpace modules:
Students must self-register for "Libary Reserach Workshops" on MyLearning Space to gain access to these courses.
