About our Postgraduate Professional Development Program

updated 15th July 2008

Membership

There are two ways that you can become a member of the FFI CRC postgraduate professional development program. The first way is to apply for, and be successful in receiving, a scholarship from the CRC. The second way is to apply to become an Associate student of the program. If you are currently undertaking a PhD and believe your PhD project has aims consistant with the CRC's aims and objectives you can apply to become an member of the program. Provided your project is endorsed by the relevant Research Program leader you will be iinvited to join our group. Associate members have exactly the same entitlements as scholarship holders (outlined below) in this program.

Activities

A CRC scholarship is more than just an attractive stipend and operating allowance. The FFI CRC has a comprehensive professional development program that provides our postgraduates to a range of additional benefits: leadership training, internships, fully supported annual postgraduate meetings as well as access to travel assistance to attend events around the world to showcase CRC work.

There are five key activity areas in the program.

Recruiting.

General recruiting activities will be complemented by targeted recruiting for specific projects identified by Program teams. PhD researchers will, where possible, be embedded in larger project teams to develop teamwork and communication skills. (see our Scholarship page for more details)

Networking.

Annual meetings are critical for establishing 'connections' among the postgraduate group, exposing them to FFI research occuring outside the their own discipline area and providing opportunities to engage with senior CRC key researchers. Meetings will be planned to maximise opportunities to engage scientists not only within, but outside the CRC and timed, where possible, to coincide with other planned CRC activities. The location of these events will vary from year to year depending on logistical opportunities.

Participation in accredited/non accredited training.

The provision of both accredited and non-accredited training opportunities will assist postgraduates in preparation for employment beyond their involvement with the CRC. Non-accredited training such as scientific writing courses, statistics etc. will be complimented by individual units of competency from other Training packages. These activities will be recognised by  ‘Statements of Attainment’  that articulate into other (larger) VET qualifications under the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF

 In addition to a workshop for all students at the annual postgradute meeting, one workshop will be held at each of the four universities throughout the year. 

Access to travel awards.

There will be provision for assistance for postgraduates to attend international and national conferences to present work as representatives of the CRC. International awards are up to $2500 while awards for National events are up to $1500.

Applications for these awards are accepted at any time.

Click here to download an application form.

Internship program

The CRC is currently in the process of establishing an internship program for our postgraduate group. Opportunities will be provided for postgraduates to participate in internships within industry. This will provide two key benefits. Firstly,  PGs will gain real life experience in a work setting, and secondly, it provides opportunities for PGs to establish linkages to outside organisations that may lead to future employment in the sector.

The professional development program has been operating successfully under the flag of the CRC for Plant~based Management of Dryland Salinity for 6 years and was a significant feature of that CRC. If you would like to speak to a past student of the program for a testimonial contact the Education Manager.

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