Learning & Development - Human Resources

Development Planning

Before exploring any learning development options, make sure to have an individual development plan. As you develop your plan, consider the following:

What are my areas for development? Do I want to strengthen skills or acquire new skills?
What am I interested in learning about that will support me in my current role? What learning should I consider to support a move to a different role?
Of the six McMaster Core Leadership Capabilities, which leadership capability am I most interested in developing?

In developing your plan, we suggest a variety of development activities including:

Community Involvement

Activities to explore:

Internal Organization Volunteer Opportunities
External Community Volunteer Opportunities
Committee Work (team, department or university level)
- examples: team social committees, McMaster employee committees, pension and job evaluation committees
Participate in, Coach or Lead an Athletic/ Recreational Teams
Participate in or Lead an Arts/ Cultural Group

Education Training

Options to explore:

Internal Leadership Programs
- examples: Personal Leaders, Knowledge Leaders, Strategic Leaders
Internal programming
- examples: Continuing Education, MacPherson Institute, DeGroote Executive Education, Employment Equity Training, Health Sciences Faculty Development
External Programs (related to role/ subject matter expertise)
eLearning/Self Study
- examples: LinkedIn Learning
Workshops/ Conferences
- examples: Inspiring from Within Employee Conference
Industry/ Technical training
Professional Designations/Certifications
Health and Safety

On-The-Job Experience

Activities to explore:

Onboarding activities
- examples: New to Organization and/or Role
Practical operational experiences
- examples: budgeting, strategic planning
Special cross-functional/ unit assignments
Project work (team/ department/ university)
Leading team, department and project group meetings
Internal and external event management
Job shadowing/ rotations

Growing Relationships

Activities to explore:

Networking (Individual/ Group Events)
Mentoring (Peer Mentor/ Mentee)
Coaching (Self/ Peer, Open to coaching and actively practises)
Communities of Practice (Internal and External)
Assessments (Personality, Skill, Competency, Leadership)
Professional Association memberships
Social media profiles
- examples: LinkedIn

Educational Assistance Options

Tuition Assistance and Bursary Benefits Learn More

TMG Professional Development Allowance (MPDA) Learn More

Librarian Professional Development Allowance (LPDA) Learn More

Faculty Professional Development Allowance (PDA) Learn More

Staff and Faculty Development

The following learning and development options are sponsored by and offered by Organizational Development for the development of all staff and faculty at McMaster.

Leadership Development Learn More about Leading at McMaster

Everyone is a leader in their own role! Maximize your leadership capability through our leadership development programs for:

Inclusive Excellence Leadership Program Learn More

This is a professional development series designed to equip people leaders to action EDI priorities through their leadership practice. This program is open to academic and non-academic people leaders.

Employment Equity Training Learn More

Explore equity, diversity and inclusion training offerings for staff, faculty, and students at McMaster University.

Essentials Programs – Learning for Professionals Learn More

The Essentials courses and programs are offered to eligible McMaster employees to support ongoing professional development on key skills. View this recent information session video (12min) to learn more.

Employee Development Conference (IFW) Learn More

This annual conference offers employees the opportunity for professional development, networking with colleagues, and a chance to support their personal well-being.

Wellness Education Learn More

Learn about McMaster’s Healthy Workplace programs which are offered year round to support your holistic wellness.

Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) Learn More

With a comprehensive menu of well-being programs and services to match your individual needs and goals, our EFAP can help you define and maintain your personal well-being through education, development, motivation and direct intervention.