When looking to move from study to employment, it is important to evaluate who you really are, what you stand for, where your research fits in and how you might align your professional career with your core identity. In other words, you need to define your personal brand.
Being clear about this can help you identify and use your strengths to communicate your value to a future employer or to increase the impact of your research in the broader community.
This interactive workshop will help you define your unique personal brand and develop strategies - especially using LinkedIn - to communicate this to others.
Students said:
Really enjoyed writing my positioning statement, learning how to overcome some of those typical interview remarks of 'overqualified', and learning how to use LinkedIn most effectively.
It was valuable to learn how to make the most of your PhD outside of academia.
I learned that I have control over how I am perceived and how attractive I could be for industry.
Presented by speakers from Trevor-Roberts. This privately owned has 20 years of experience in career transition and management for professionals as well as talent management.
About Career planning
Book an appointment with the Graduate School's HDR Careers Advisor
Many research students intend to follow an academic career path on completion of their degree. But what does an academic career really look like? And, if you knew what to expect, would you still wish to pursue that path?
Researchers work in all facets of government, industry, NGOs and universities. Understanding the diverse range of career options available will allow you to reflect on the 'fit' between academia and your own strengths and interests.
It is important to start considering your options and plan for your post-HDR career during your studies so you are well prepared to transition to the workplace as a PhD or MPhil qualified individual. The Graduate School supports you in this process through the Career Development Framework (CDF) as well as with a dedicated HDR Careers Advisor who specialises in advising HDR candidates. The Careers Advisor is available for appointments to discuss career options, CV development, interview techniques and other career-related topics. These appointments are designed to complement the existing suite of career-related workshops which are already offered as part of the CDF.
Useful links
- The 'What Next?' video: Career planning during your PhD: A PhD by itself is rarely enough to launch a career these days, whether in academia or anywhere else. So what else should PhD students do, apart from working on their thesis, to become employable? The 'What Next?' Video offers practical advice for becoming employable.
- 50x PhD career success stories in non-academic positions
- The Versatile PhD: Career Finder
- Cheeky Scientist Radio: Leverage Your PhD To Transition Into A Meaningful, High-Paying Career.
- Is an academic career right for you?
- Non Academic Careers for PhD Holders
- CDF's Career Control Online: 8-week self-paced online course run twice a year
- Wide-ranging list of Propel your career into life sciences webinar series from Life Sciences Queensland, of which UQ is a member. Signing up is free for members. Webinars run from October 2020 to July 2021. Topics include understanding career opportunities and planning for careers in the biosciences and medical sector, intellectual property, commercialisation, science communication, and government policy and advocacy.
- UK's Vitae for early career researchers. Sign up for an account using your UQ email and get access to the member's area. For instance, see sample CVs and career desintations. Be aware that these are very UK-centric.
- Edwin Trevor-Roberts YouTube channel