Career Planning Beyond Academia
Are you a postdoc who is unsure about what comes after academia, or are set on exploring non-academic career opportunities?
This career planning programme is designed to help you clarify your career direction, leverage your unique skillset, and build a professional network.
Through guided workshops, peer discussions, and practical activities, you’ll explore career options, gain insights into job market realities, and develop skills to present your experience and attributes to potential employers.
This course is a collaboration between Researcher Development and Careers and Enteprise. It runs as 5-6 sessions spaced over 4-5 months.
Select the CPD-Training button in the purple box to register.
NB: you have to book on to each of the six sessions separately in the CPD-Training system.
To register, follow the link to the CPD-Training page and complete the 'Registration Form'
After the form is complete, please remember to register for all the sessions you can attend separately on the CPD-Training System - before the date specified. You will be confirmed on the programme within a fortnight before it runs.
DATES
- October 25-February 26 Run (IN-PERSON Mile End Campus)
Wednesdays 22 October 25, 19 November 25,
10 December 25, 14 January 26,
11 February 26, and 25 February 26
REGISTER BY: 26 September; places confirmed by 07 October
- Run 2: TBC (likely online)
- Introduction & Career Landscape Overview
Gain insight into various career paths available post-PhD, outside academia, and identify those that align with their strengths and values -
Skills & Strengths Mapping
Recognise and articulate skills gained during their postdoc experience and understand how to apply these to diverse career contexts -
Networking & Mentorship
Develop actionable networking skills, including strategies for connecting with professionals, finding mentors, and expanding your professional support networks -
Career Transitions & Job Market Realities
Understand job market realities, identify potential roles of interest, and develop a preparation plan for transitioning to new career paths -
Personal Branding & Visibility
Create a strong personal brand, optimise online professional profiles, and build a visibility strategy to connect with potential employers or collaborators -
Career Action Plan & Program Reflection
Create a step-by-step career plan with achievable goals and actionable next steps to pursue your chosen career direction.
Running time: 3-hour sessions
By the end of the programme, you’ll leave with:
- a personalised career action plan
- confidence in communicating your value to the job market
- having reflected on your readiness to leave academia
- strategies to make a successful transition beyond academia
Thank you for your support through your course. I have received an offer for the job I mentioned during our last session!— FMD Postdoc, Career Planning Beyond Academia Pilot
