Boost: career development retreats

When you are juggling the multiple demands of a research project, it can be difficult to prioritise career development activities. Or even just to have the space and perspective to think clearly about what you want from your next move.

Our postdoc career retreats allow you to step back from your usual work distractions to fully focus on what you want to do next and then to make tangible progress towards it.

You’ll emerge with increased career clarity, motivation and confidence and an enhanced network, which we know is crucial in exploring postdoc career opportunities. You’ll also have ticked some things off your career to-do list (like actually updating that LinkedIn profile…) and have a clear plan of the next steps.

Our retreats take place off-campus – in April and May - and on campus in June. You’ll be working with others in a similar situation, as well as having an expert career coach on hand to give you one-to-one advice and feedback. We know people like to work in different ways, or may be in different places in their career thinking, and therefore we are offering two slightly different formats, as below.

16 April 2024 (9.15am-4.15pm)

The day will include:

· An interactive workshop on translating and selling your research skills, with protected time to apply this to enhance your CV, applications, cover letter or online profile and get feedback. You are welcome to bring examples of job adverts that are of interest, to think about how to tailor your message.

· Employer-networking and opportunity to engage with employer or peer-led mock interviews, to really hone your interview technique and ability to confidently talk about your strengths and experience, as well as navigate the whole process - challenges like negotiating an offer and working conditions, or knowing what you want to ask at the end of the interview!

· Career action planning and development of strategies to keep up your motivation and ensure you find the time to make progress on your goals on the return.

This series of masterclasses have been made possible thanks to the Research England Enhancing Research Culture funding.

Elizabeth Adams, Researcher Career Coach

A learning and development consultant with 15 years’ experience and strengths in coaching, innovation and entrepreneurial leadership, Elizabeth has worked across multiple sectors, including Higher Education, nuclear, pharma and charity. She has a PhD in Chemistry, an ILM Level 5 Coaching qualification and is a Chartered Manager.

Elizabeth has a passion to develop the UK’s research culture and has significant experience working with postdoctoral researchers, in both one-to-one and group career coaching and leadership development. She was a member of the national writing team for the 2019 Concordat for the Career Development of Researchers and brings a strong understanding of how support at individual, team and organisational level can embed a culture of creativity, innovation and collaboration.

Elizabeth is also a cycling coach and leader, with a focus of promoting inclusion in cycling, the outdoors and adventure.

When I started, my career didn’t have a clear direction, and I was struggling with self-confidence issues. Elizabeth gave me the tools to find within myself the answers I was looking for. She showed me the power of actively listening to others, gave me great practical advice to stay focused on my goal, reminded me to take care of myself when things seem difficult and many great tips to face job hunting outside academia. I feel confident now, I have a plan and made up my mind on what to do next.

Postdoc participating in a University Career development programme