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A bespoke, pilot programme designed exclusively for postdocs/research staff in the Department of Engineering and sponsored by the Head of Department and the Director of Research. Participants were selected through an application process and needed to gain the support of their academic supervisor/PI.

 

 

A series of careers-themed events specifically for postdocs, using former postdocs, who have made various career transitions, as positive role models.

Recently there has been growing interest in an alternate business model, social enterprise. This is a different way of doing business that trades for a social purpose whereby the social or environmental aims of the business are of equal importance to its commercial activities. Consequently the skills required for running a successful social enterprise combine those typical of enterprise activities generally with a strong motivation and passion for social improvement. We have found that this aspect is useful in engaging researchers because at the heart of social enterprise is a strong commitment to achieving a better society, a motivation that resonates with that which typically drives the research agenda and researchers themselves. This collaborative project with Vitae has been successful in developing written and associated video materials to explore enterprise skills with early career researchers. There are plans to disseminate the resources via Vitae as part of the ongoing move to produce development resources that are freely available to HEIs as part of the research skills development agenda, this is likely to be in January 2011.

Tailored for a Post-Graduate only environment the training workshops cover the main areas of teaching and learning. The workshops can be taken individually or as part of the School's integrated Certificate in Learning and Teaching (CILT). CILT is HEA accredited and supports the development of an academic career. CILT is structured as two 30 credit medium-level modules, and the full certificate is an award bearing Certificate of the University of London.

This interactive workshop will allow researchers to gain a better understanding of themselves and others, allowing them to reflect upon what is important to them in their life and help with career decision making. Benefits include improved skills in managing change, working effectively in teams, resolving conflict, career decision making and even improved communication within personal relationships. Researchers will be required to complete an on-line questionnaire before attending the session.

Research staff and students have access to specialist careers guidance, information and training services provided by the Centre for Career Development in collaboration with the Graduate School and Professional Development.