Growing in Leadership: Examining Professional Development Reflections and Their Impact on Doctoral Students

For this study, the researchers examined the professional development reflections written by five graduate students who took part in a two-year leadership-based program situated at a university in the United States. Data collection consisted of monthly written reflections gathered after each month in the program from September 2023 to May 2024, as well as Google Form surveys from fall 2023 and spring 2024. Open coding was utilized and findings showed four main reflection themes and the impact these monthly professional development tasks had on student learning and growth. Future research modifications will also be detailed.