Thinking about an academic career after your PhD? Curious about how teaching fits into that picture, and why it matters more than you might expect?
This interactive session is designed for HDR students who want to better understand how academic careers really work inside universities. We’ll explore the different pathways into academic roles, what universities look for in early-career academics, and how teaching experience can strengthen your employability, confidence, and professional profile alongside your research.
You’ll gain practical insights into how teaching contributes to academic identity and career progression, how to get started with teaching opportunities, and how to talk about your teaching experience in ways that make sense to selection panels. Whether you see teaching as a core part of your future role or a strategic complement to your research, this session will help you make informed choices and position yourself well for what comes next.
Come along to demystify academic careers, ask honest questions, and start building the kind of experience that opens doors.
Presented by Professor Deanne Gannaway, Director Teaching and Learning, Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation, UQ.
About Career planning
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).
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
- Is an academic career right for you?
- Non Academic Careers for PhD Holders
- 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