Professional competencies include the ability to communicate your research and its implications to others, through presentations at conferences, submission of applications to SSHRC or communication through the media. All of which are essential component of preparing to become a PhD candidate. To communicate my academic journey, demonstrate my professional competencies and active professional engagement at a scholarly level I chose artefacts that have contributed to my development as a graduate student, and validate my professional engagements connected to education for older adults. Each artefact challenged my analytical skills, my critical thinking and my communication abilities plus provided new opportunities for academic growth.