Demonstrating project management skills

Managing your graduate research project provides great opportunities to develop skills that can support both your study and employability.

Most of the tasks, tools and structures you are already involved in as part of your graduate research can be expressed in the language of formal project management as it is understood by a broad range of employers. If you can articulate your skills using this language, it can give you an edge in job applications.

Use Project Management language

This video introduces some basic concepts in project management as they apply to a graduate research project, without going into specialised approaches such as ‘Agile’ or ‘Waterfall’. As you watch, think of examples where you've demonstrated these skills in your own work.

Video: Demonstrating Project Management skills

Monitor your progress

Review the graduate research examination criteria.

Then, review your research or thesis progress so far:

  • To what extent has your work demonstrated each of the criteria?
  • How can you improve each aspect further in the next stage of your research?

Final tip

Managing a graduate research project involves not only disciplinary and technical knowledge about your topic but also a high level of planning, organising and relationship-building skills. To set you up for success, use planners and timetables to help you monitor your progress, maintain regular communication with your supervisor, and build a sustainable routine that centralises your wellbeing.

For more information and support in your writing, explore Academic Skills Graduate Research services