An academic career tends to be the preferred choice for PhD graduates but what academic career paths are there and how do you navigate them?
Academic career paths can be as varied as the people pursuing them; post-doc, professor, sessional lecturer, and more. This workshop will therefore tackle the theme by introducing the job market and broad career pathways for academics before focusing on specific ideas, tools and techniques that help you identify which of these options would be the best fit for your strengths and preferences.
You will walk away with a concrete plan for your approach and next steps in your career development, including building the mentor network to help you pursue your preferred choice.
Students said: "The session forces me sit down and consider seriously what I can do and should do now to plan my post PhD career. It was really helpful." and "It was valuable for making me think and write down what I would like to achieve in the next 5 years and how should I go about achieving the goals."
About the presenter
Dr Kerstin Fritsches is a former research fellow in neuroscience who spent the majority of her 12-year research career on soft money, with first-hand experience of the challenges facing early career researchers and a strong track record in postdoc affairs and career development. A lack of effective career training for PhDs led Kerstin to found PostdocTraining in 2011, to bridge a gap in professional development by delivering support tailored specifically for early career researchers.
PostdocTraining delivers career development support and mentoring for researchers worldwide and Kerstin is a sought-after workshop facilitator on topics such as career planning and research leadership both in Europe and Australia.
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