This specialization helps graduate students, postdocs, and advanced degree holders take a strategic approach to professional development and career planning. Through four focused courses—on Individual Development Plans (IDPs), transferable skills, networking, and communicating with diverse audiences—you’ll build the mindset and tools needed to grow your career with purpose. Whether you’re pursuing academia, industry, or something in between, you’ll gain the confidence and clarity to navigate your next steps.
Accelerate: Professional Development with an Advanced Degree Specialization
Accelerate: Professional Development with an Advanced Degree Specialization
Take Control of Your Professional Development. Learn strategic planning, networking, communication, and more
Included with 
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Beginner level
Recommended experience
1 month at 5 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Beginner level
Recommended experience
1 month at 5 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
What you'll learn
Create a strategic Individual Development Plan (IDP) to align your skills, goals, and values.
Identify and communicate your transferable skills for academic and non-academic career paths.
Build meaningful professional connections and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Overview
Skills you'll gain
- Project Management
- Collaboration
- Storytelling
- Professional Development
- Self-Awareness
- Communication
- Persuasive Communication
- Verbal Communication Skills
- Planning
- Public Speaking
- Communication Strategies
- Goal Setting
- Empathy
- Strategic Planning
- Leadership
- Professional Networking
- Time Management
- Intercultural Competence
- Smart Goals
- Cultural Diversity
What’s included
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Taught in English
Recently updated!
June 2025
27 practice exercises
Advance your subject-matter expertise
- Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
- Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
- Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
- Earn a career certificate from University of Minnesota
Specialization - 4 course series
What you'll learn
Skills you'll gain
Goal Setting, Accountability, Timelines, Personal Development, Strategic Thinking, Professional Development, Constructive Feedback, Time Management, Strategic Planning, Action Oriented, Mentorship, Self-Awareness, Planning, Adaptability, and Smart Goals
What you'll learn
Skills you'll gain
Leadership, Project Management, Goal Setting, Adaptability, Collaboration, Intercultural Competence, Personal Development, Self-Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Professional Development, Communication Strategies, and Cultural Diversity
What you'll learn
Understand the importance of networking in academic and career growth.
Learn strategies for building and maintaining a professional network tailored to your academic and career goals.
Create a personal networking plan that aligns with your academic and professional goals.
Skills you'll gain
Professional Networking, General Networking, Stress Management, Relationship Building, Interviewing Skills, Public Speaking, Emotional Intelligence, Professional Development, Communication Strategies, Smart Goals, Verbal Communication Skills, Rapport Building, and Communication
What you'll learn
Skills you'll gain
Communication Strategies, Communication, Verbal Communication Skills, Persuasive Communication, Public Speaking, Non-Verbal Communication, Cultural Diversity, Diversity Awareness, Empathy, and Storytelling
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor
University of Minnesota
4 Courses1,180 learners
Offered by
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Frequently asked questions
We recommend that you take one week to complete each course, so it would take a month to complete this Specialization at a comfortable pace.
This specialization is designed for graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and advanced degree holders across disciplines. No prior knowledge of career development frameworks is required—just a desire to take a strategic approach to your professional growth.
We recommend starting with the Individual Development Plan (IDP) course, as it provides a foundation for the rest of the specialization. However, the other courses can be taken in any order based on your interests and goals.
More questions
Financial aid available,