In a fast-changing environment, mastering communication skills such as public speaking, writing, and knowledge mobilization are essential for collaborating effectively, inspiring teams, adapting to new trends, and proposing innovative solutions. These skills also help to position oneself as a leader, open up career opportunities, and maximize professional or academic impact.

The second part of the Transferable Skills Program (TSP) is specially designed to help you develop these COMMUNICATION skills. The training offered will turn you into effective communicators and influential leaders, capable of successfully navigating today's complex and dynamic landscape.

Please be advised that the learning opportunities are subject to change until registration officially opens. We encourage you to check back regularly for the most up-to-date information.

Here are the learning opportunities available to you:

Learning opportunities

How to pitch

Open to all. 

An elevator pitch is a short and sweet description of an idea, program or business that you could tell someone in the time it takes to take an elevator ride!

If you want to perfect your skills on how to craft a pitch, whether it be for your own idea or how to talk about a company or organization you work for, this workshop is for you! This workshop will take you through the important elements of putting together your elevator pitch, so you will be able to tell anyone and everyone about your idea, company you work for or about yourself!

This workshop is open to all. For the schedule, please visit the Entrepreneurship Hub website.

The University of Ottawa's Entrepreneurship Hub supports and catalyzes partnerships within the university community, providing resources, programs and networks to students, graduate networks, staff, researchers and professors at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. Their mission is to foster innovation and entrepreneurship on campus and in the community, building a world-class entrepreneurial ecosystem.

To view the schedule and to register, visit the Entrepreneurship Hub website.

Writing Circle

Open to all graduate students.

Overcome procrastination and isolation with the Writing Circle.

Academic writing can be a big challenge for some students. Lack of motivation, poor time management, and lack of proper tools can lead to procrastination, isolation, stress and imposter syndrome. The Writing Cafés will help you to overcome these issues.

To eradicate beliefs that writing is a solitary task, we can view writing as a social experience by participating in group writing sessions, support groups and structured retreats. Relationships formed with others who also recognize the importance of writing help to increase motivation, maintenance of an effective writing rhythm and progress on academic projects (Murray, 2015).

In partnership with the Academic Writing Help Centre (AWHC), the Library's weekly Writing Cafés will offer graduate students a space and time to write in an environment conducive to concentration and writing. This space will enable you to break the isolation, encourage networking, and create a sense of belonging to your university community.

Writing Circle for Graduate Students

Date: January 22 to April 2, 2025
Schedule: Every two weeks; Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
Location: Morisset Library, Room MRT 604

For more information, please visit the Writing Circle website

Knowledge mobilization (two parts)

MOBILIZEU

Open to all.

Offered by the Research Impact Canada, MOBILIZEU is a course designed for faculty researchers, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, staff, alumni, and community partners who are interested in learning more about knowledge mobilization (KMb).

Interested participants can apply to participate in the 8 weeks self-directed online course with optional weekly live sessions featuring a variety of guest speakers. Taught by leading KMb professionals and researchers, participants will learn about theoretical and practical aspects of effective KMb.

MobilizeU features pre-recorded videos, background reading, live Zoom sessions and hands-on exercises.

Learn the theory, develop your skills, discuss with your peers and put what you've learned into practice! Le cours (en anglais seulement) est offert durant l’été. Limited places: first-come, first-registered basis.

To view the program and register, visit the Research Impact Canada website.

Knowledge mobilization

Open to doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows.

Knowledge mobilization involves promoting and facilitating the use of research knowledge by the people who use it, such as stakeholders, decision-makers, policy-makers, practitioners, community members, patients and others. This mobilization helps stakeholders make informed decisions about policies, programs, practices and behaviours.

Workshops: Session 101 (virtual) and Session 201 (face-to-face) offered by the University of Ottawa.

Workshop 101 is a prerequisite for Workshop 201.

Information and registration coming soon

uOGRADFLIX

Open to all master's and doctoral students.

The uOGRADflix competition is a unique opportunity to communicate your research and make it accessible for a broader audience

The uOGRADflix competition is an original initiative designed to develop and enhance communication skills. The competition invites graduate students to create a short, captivating video to explain their research in an accessible and engaging way. With its emphasis on clarity and creativity, uOGRADflix offers a unique platform for students to share their passion and research with a wide audience, while honing essential skills in science popularization and visual communication.

Take up the challenge, step out of your comfort zone and enter the uOGRADflix Competition.