Alumni Professional Development Academy

What is critical thinking? Why does it matter? How does it help us become more skillful problem solvers?

The challenge for the aspiring critical thinker is to take the conceptual framework for critical thinking and apply it productively to real-life situations. Doing so with skill and confidence takes time, practice, and perseverance. In addition, to realize the full value of critical thinking, we must learn how to reason critically in a field or discipline, be it sociology, psychology, business, law, technology, or journalism.

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This course examines how one can become a more creative person. By stimulating creativity through various techniques (mind-mapping, DO-IT, SCAMPER, right and left brain thinking), participants learn to tap into their personal creativity and apply it to organizational challenges.

One of the most important traits among creative people is their belief that they are, in fact, creative. Therefore, before continuing, open your mind and think of yourself as a creative person from the start.

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This course looks at spurring creativity and innovation in teams and organizations. Drawing on the latest academic thinking, it outlines the key factors for creative teams. Further, the course focuses on tools and techniques designed to yield more productive thinking in collective settings. Participants learn about a number of targeted tools (including brainstorming, Discussion 66, and Provocation) to generate fresh thinking in smaller group settings and in their organizations.

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This course focuses on teaching you how to brand yourself professionally. What is brand? And how do you maintain your personal brand? The assignments in this course discuss the value of personal branding, the way to craft your personal brand statement, and finally, the best methods for communicating your personal brand to clients, employers, and other industry professionals.

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Networking has become a significant part of the professional process, altering the way both entrepreneurs and organizations do business. This course will help you to improve your personal and professional networking skills by providing best practices and effective tips and techniques.

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 Public speaking is one of the most common anxiety-inducing experiences. Whether delivering a speech in front of a large audience or having a direct conversation with one or two other people, we often allow stress and nerves to impede our ability to deliver a clear message. This course is designed to help learners understand the causes and signs of speaking anxiety and learn practical ways to address their speaking fears.

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