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Colin - moving into an academic post:
Colin talks about the qualities he looks for when interviewing for academic posts, and reflects on different styles of lecturing.
Colin talks about the qualities he looks for when interviewing for academic posts, and reflects on different styles of lecturing.
Colin - what is the university like as an employer?:
Colin shares his dissatisfaction with how universities are run in an increasingly corporate manner.
Colin shares his dissatisfaction with how universities are run in an increasingly corporate manner.
Joanne - preparing for an academic career:
Joanne overviews the academic career building activities she engaged in during her PhD.
Joanne overviews the academic career building activities she engaged in during her PhD.
Katie - feelings about teaching and an academic career :
Katie describes her enjoyment of teaching and how this affected her career after the PhD.
Katie describes her enjoyment of teaching and how this affected her career after the PhD.
Laura - moving into a permanent academic contract:
Laura explains how she managed to move into a permanent academic contract. She underlines the importance of tenacity; in being prepared to hold out in short-term contracts until the permanent job comes up. She describes the interview process and her surprise at getting the job.
Laura explains how she managed to move into a permanent academic contract. She underlines the importance of tenacity; in being prepared to hold out in short-term contracts until the permanent job comes up. She describes the interview process and her surprise at getting the job.
Laura - moving into an academic post:
Laura discusses her transition into academia and describes what often feels like the arbitrary nature of the selection process for academic posts.
Laura discusses her transition into academia and describes what often feels like the arbitrary nature of the selection process for academic posts.
Lucy - moving back into academia after a commercial career:
Lucy reflects in detail on how she arrived at the decision to move back into academia after a number of years working in a commercial environment and she describes the steps she took to make this happen.
Lucy reflects in detail on how she arrived at the decision to move back into academia after a number of years working in a commercial environment and she describes the steps she took to make this happen.
Russell - academic interview experiences:
Russell recalls the preparation he undertook before academic job interviews.
Russell recalls the preparation he undertook before academic job interviews.
Russell - does your academic career live up to your expectations?:
Russell remembers how the initial struggle to secure full-time employment came as a surprise.
Russell remembers how the initial struggle to secure full-time employment came as a surprise.
Russell - when did you start to think seriously about preparing for an academic career?:
Russell recollects his naivety about competition for academic posts.
Russell recollects his naivety about competition for academic posts.
Sarah - feelings about academia:
Sarah talks about the possibility of returning to academia at some point in the future.
Sarah talks about the possibility of returning to academia at some point in the future.
11 clips
Alan - advice:
Alan offers advice for PhD students who are undecided about an academic career.
Alan offers advice for PhD students who are undecided about an academic career.
Amanda - advice:
Amanda gives advice on what to do if you are interested in working for the Foreign Office.
Amanda gives advice on what to do if you are interested in working for the Foreign Office.
Caroline - advice:
Caroline offers advice to PhD researchers wanting to enter a non-academic career and describes the skills she found most useful in enabling her to do just that.
Caroline offers advice to PhD researchers wanting to enter a non-academic career and describes the skills she found most useful in enabling her to do just that.
Christine - advice:
Christine gives advice to those who are thinking about what to do after their PhD and are not sure that they want to pursue an academic career.
Christine gives advice to those who are thinking about what to do after their PhD and are not sure that they want to pursue an academic career.
Heather - advice:
Heather suggests what kind of questions you should ask yourself before committing to becoming a freelance writer.
Heather suggests what kind of questions you should ask yourself before committing to becoming a freelance writer.
Helen - advice:
Helen suggests how others might identify and pursue a career that interests them.
Helen suggests how others might identify and pursue a career that interests them.
Joanne - advice:
Joanne offers advice for someone leaving academia in pursuit of a career in publishing.
Joanne offers advice for someone leaving academia in pursuit of a career in publishing.
Katie - advice :
Katie reflects on the value of her PhD, and the difficulties of envisaging work beyond the academic environment.
Katie reflects on the value of her PhD, and the difficulties of envisaging work beyond the academic environment.
Katie - the importance of prestige in a post-PhD job :
Katie considers what is important for her in a career.
Katie considers what is important for her in a career.
Lucy – advice:
Lucy gives advice to those hoping to apply for a postdoc. She also suggests what those in non-academic jobs should do to get back into an academia.
Lucy gives advice to those hoping to apply for a postdoc. She also suggests what those in non-academic jobs should do to get back into an academia.
Marie - having a PhD and a PGCE and working in a public school:
Marie reflects on her decision to teach in the independent sector.
Marie reflects on her decision to teach in the independent sector.
Nick - advice :
Nick suggests ways to get known in academia and the wider world of higher education.
Nick suggests ways to get known in academia and the wider world of higher education.
Robert - advice:
Robert discusses some of the benefits of working within a university setting but in a non-academic post. He also considers the possibility that there is a trade-off.
Robert discusses some of the benefits of working within a university setting but in a non-academic post. He also considers the possibility that there is a trade-off.
Russell - advice:
Russell discusses the rewards of an academic job, and the potential difficulties of securing one.
Russell discusses the rewards of an academic job, and the potential difficulties of securing one.
Sarah - advice:
Sarah talks about the importance of gaining volunteering experience whilst studying for a PhD.
Sarah talks about the importance of gaining volunteering experience whilst studying for a PhD.
Sophie - advice:
Sophie gives advice to anyone thinking of a civil service career, and reflects on the value of her PhD in her work context.
Sophie gives advice to anyone thinking of a civil service career, and reflects on the value of her PhD in her work context.
Steven - advice:
Steven offers advice to those who are uncertain that they want an academic career.
Steven offers advice to those who are uncertain that they want an academic career.
Steven - the value of broad work experience:
Steven considers the positive and negative learning that he has gained from a variety of jobs.
Steven considers the positive and negative learning that he has gained from a variety of jobs.
Tim - advice:
Tim considers what advice he would give to someone thinking about a career in HE admin rather than academia.
Tim considers what advice he would give to someone thinking about a career in HE admin rather than academia.
24 clips
Heather - being a dyslexic postgraduate:
Heather explores the challenges she faced as a dyslexic PhD researcher.
Heather explores the challenges she faced as a dyslexic PhD researcher.
1 clip
Caroline - embarking on a PhD when you have a young family:
Caroline recalls the physical, emotional and financial challenges of raising a family whilst studying for a PhD.
Caroline recalls the physical, emotional and financial challenges of raising a family whilst studying for a PhD.
Liz - juggling PhD, work and parenthood:
Liz discusses the challenges of juggling a PhD with work and being a single mum.
Liz discusses the challenges of juggling a PhD with work and being a single mum.
Victor - being a mature student:
Victor reflects on the value of his life experience before the PhD.
Victor reflects on the value of his life experience before the PhD.
3 clips
Adam - career building during the PhD:
Adam describes the activities he engaged in alongside his PhD.
Adam describes the activities he engaged in alongside his PhD.
Alan - career building during the PhD:
Alan describes the various activities he undertook in preparation for an academic career, but also as a means of income when his funding ran out.
Alan describes the various activities he undertook in preparation for an academic career, but also as a means of income when his funding ran out.
Christine - career building during the PhD :
Christine briefly reflects on the experiences and opportunities she had during her PhD which fed into her subsequent career.
Christine briefly reflects on the experiences and opportunities she had during her PhD which fed into her subsequent career.
Heather - career building during the PhD:
Heather discusses how the PhD process and her extracurricular activities equipped her for a non-academic career.
Heather discusses how the PhD process and her extracurricular activities equipped her for a non-academic career.
Helen - career building during the PhD :
Helen recalls the teaching and work experience she undertook during her PhD.
Helen recalls the teaching and work experience she undertook during her PhD.
Joanne - career building during the PhD:
Joanne recalls her attitude to career planning during her PhD and considers how she might have done things differently.
Joanne recalls her attitude to career planning during her PhD and considers how she might have done things differently.
Katie - career building during the PhD :
Katie recalls the activities she undertook during the PhD, and explains her approach to managing her career.
Katie recalls the activities she undertook during the PhD, and explains her approach to managing her career.
Laura - career building during the PhD:
Laura explains what she did to build her career during the PhD.
Laura explains what she did to build her career during the PhD.
Lucy - career building during the PhD:
Lucy talks about what she did to develop her career whilst studying for a PhD.
Lucy talks about what she did to develop her career whilst studying for a PhD.
Marie - career building during the PhD:
Marie gives a brief overview of the career related activities she engaged in during her PhD.
Marie gives a brief overview of the career related activities she engaged in during her PhD.
Marie - did you do any paid work during the PhD?:
Marie describes her work with young people prior to entering teaching.
Marie describes her work with young people prior to entering teaching.
Mark - career building during the PhD:
Mark describes how he juggled lots of business interests whilst studying for his PhD.
Mark describes how he juggled lots of business interests whilst studying for his PhD.
Nick - career building during the PhD:
Nick reflects on the opportunities which arose during his PhD and had an impact on his subsequent career.
Nick reflects on the opportunities which arose during his PhD and had an impact on his subsequent career.
Robert - career building during the PhD:
Robert recalls writing for the student newspaper, and applying for jobs in publishing, academia and research support roles while finishing his PhD.
Robert recalls writing for the student newspaper, and applying for jobs in publishing, academia and research support roles while finishing his PhD.
Russell - career building during the PhD:
Russell admits to a general lack of career preparation, with the exception of his graduate teaching assistantship position.
Russell admits to a general lack of career preparation, with the exception of his graduate teaching assistantship position.
Russell - did you do any paid work during the PhD?:
Russell explains why he didn’t seek any paid work during his PhD.
Russell explains why he didn’t seek any paid work during his PhD.
Russell - role of a supervisor:
Russell recalls how his supervisor encouraged him to publish articles and helped him to continue teaching after completing his PhD.
Russell recalls how his supervisor encouraged him to publish articles and helped him to continue teaching after completing his PhD.
Sarah - career building during the PhD:
Sarah discusses the career building activities she engaged in during her PhD.
Sarah discusses the career building activities she engaged in during her PhD.
Steven - career building during the PhD:
Steven recalls the career-related activities he undertook during his PhD.
Steven recalls the career-related activities he undertook during his PhD.
Susan - career building during the PhD:
Susan summarises the activities she participated in, in order to strengthen her CV for an academic job.
Susan summarises the activities she participated in, in order to strengthen her CV for an academic job.
Tim - career building during the PhD:
Tim reviews the career-related activities he engaged in during and after his PhD.
Tim reviews the career-related activities he engaged in during and after his PhD.
21 clips
Amanda - connections between your PhD and your current role:
Amanda reflects on the links between her PhD and her current work, both of which have required a love of languages and exploring cultures.
Amanda reflects on the links between her PhD and her current work, both of which have required a love of languages and exploring cultures.
Chris - connections between your PhD and your current role:
Chris identifies several continuities and some discontinuities between his PhD study and his current work at the National Audit Office.
Chris identifies several continuities and some discontinuities between his PhD study and his current work at the National Audit Office.
Helen - connections between your PhD and your current role :
Helen considers the relationship between her PhD and her subsequent career.
Helen considers the relationship between her PhD and her subsequent career.
Joanne - connections between your Phd and your current role:
Joanne explores the connections between her PhD and her current job. She reflects on the attitudes of her employer, colleagues and clients to her PhD and identifies what it is about the PhD that equips her for her job.
Joanne explores the connections between her PhD and her current job. She reflects on the attitudes of her employer, colleagues and clients to her PhD and identifies what it is about the PhD that equips her for her job.
Katie - has the PhD equipped you for the different roles that you have had?:
Katie examines the skills she feels she gained from her PhD and where she has subsequently used them.
Katie examines the skills she feels she gained from her PhD and where she has subsequently used them.
Liz - continuities between your PhD and your job:
Liz talks about the continuity between her PhD subject and her current role.
Liz talks about the continuity between her PhD subject and her current role.
Marie - connections between your PhD and your current role:
Marie considers the links between her PhD and teaching history in a school.
Marie considers the links between her PhD and teaching history in a school.
Sophie - connections between your PhD and your current role:
Sophie reflects on the particular PhD skills that serve her well in her current role as a clerk in the House of Commons.
Sophie reflects on the particular PhD skills that serve her well in her current role as a clerk in the House of Commons.
8 clips
Katie - coping with uncertainty and transition:
Katie describes how she approaches new environments.
Katie describes how she approaches new environments.
Liz - coping with uncertainty and transition:
Liz explains how she has coped with uncertainty.
Liz explains how she has coped with uncertainty.
Russell - coping with uncertainty during and after the PhD:
Russell talks about the moments of intellectual insecurity he experienced during the PhD, his financial worries whilst searching for academic jobs.
Russell talks about the moments of intellectual insecurity he experienced during the PhD, his financial worries whilst searching for academic jobs.
Russell - what options did you consider?:
Russell discusses the alternative careers that he explored, such as school teaching and journalism.
Russell discusses the alternative careers that he explored, such as school teaching and journalism.
4 clips
Caroline - deciding against an academic career:
Caroline reflects on the gradual way in which a series of lifestyle choices steadily led her into a non-academic career.
Caroline reflects on the gradual way in which a series of lifestyle choices steadily led her into a non-academic career.
Chris - deciding against an academic career:
Chris reviews the factors, including his experience of teaching, which discouraged him from pursuing an academic career.
Chris reviews the factors, including his experience of teaching, which discouraged him from pursuing an academic career.
Christine - deciding against an academic career :
Christine recalls applying for research fellowships and other academic posts at the end of her PhD.
Christine recalls applying for research fellowships and other academic posts at the end of her PhD.
Heather - deciding against an academic career:
Heather explains why she decided against an academic career.
Heather explains why she decided against an academic career.
Helen - deciding against an academic career :
Helen recalls her teaching experiences and how they shaped her ideas about academic careers.
Helen recalls her teaching experiences and how they shaped her ideas about academic careers.
Jack - deciding against an academic career:
Jack explains how he regards his PhD in retrospect and he recalls how he came to the realisation that academic research was not where his passion lay.
Jack explains how he regards his PhD in retrospect and he recalls how he came to the realisation that academic research was not where his passion lay.
John - deciding against an academic career:
John explains how and why his aspirations about an academic career changed.
John explains how and why his aspirations about an academic career changed.
John - moving out of academia:
John describes his move away from the idea of a lectureship and the process through which he identified the type of work and culture that would suit him best.
John describes his move away from the idea of a lectureship and the process through which he identified the type of work and culture that would suit him best.
Liz - deciding against an academic career:
Liz explains why she decided against pursuing an academic career and considers any regrets she might have.
Liz explains why she decided against pursuing an academic career and considers any regrets she might have.
Robert - ambivalence about working in HE but in an non-academic post:
Robert talks about his decision to take a non-academic post and the reactions of others.
Robert talks about his decision to take a non-academic post and the reactions of others.
Robert - deciding against an academic career:
Robert talks in detail about what happened towards the end of his PhD to put him off the idea of pursuing an academic career.
Robert talks in detail about what happened towards the end of his PhD to put him off the idea of pursuing an academic career.
Sophie - deciding against an academic career:
Sophie explains why she moved out of academia, and reflects on her feelings then and now.
Sophie explains why she moved out of academia, and reflects on her feelings then and now.
Steven - academic identity in a non-academic role in HE:
Steven reflects on his past and present feelings about moving into a management role in HE rather than pursuing an academic career.
Steven reflects on his past and present feelings about moving into a management role in HE rather than pursuing an academic career.
Tim - working in a non-academic role in HE:
Tim reflects on the value of his role in HE and his ambivalence about not having an academic career.
Tim reflects on the value of his role in HE and his ambivalence about not having an academic career.
14 clips
Adam - technical author:
Adam explains his role as a technical author and its relation to his undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Adam explains his role as a technical author and its relation to his undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Alan - lecturer:
Alan describes the varied aspects of his work as lecturer, and considers the differences between working in Oxbridge and in other universities.
Alan describes the varied aspects of his work as lecturer, and considers the differences between working in Oxbridge and in other universities.
Amanda - diplomat:
Amanda discusses her day to day working life as a diplomat in depth, looking back to recent roles and forward to the future.
Amanda discusses her day to day working life as a diplomat in depth, looking back to recent roles and forward to the future.
Amanda - working in the public sector :
Amanda gives a flavour of what it is like to work in the public sector.
Amanda gives a flavour of what it is like to work in the public sector.
Caroline - property management:
Caroline gives an overview of her current role, working for her family-run property company, and describes the highs, lows and challenges that running such a business can present.
Caroline gives an overview of her current role, working for her family-run property company, and describes the highs, lows and challenges that running such a business can present.
Chris - moving into your current role:
Chris reflects at length on his changing ambitions and his transition from PhD research to a satisfying non-academic job, and gives advice on interview preparation and talking cogently about the PhD.
Chris reflects at length on his changing ambitions and his transition from PhD research to a satisfying non-academic job, and gives advice on interview preparation and talking cogently about the PhD.
Chris - senior analyst, National Audit Office:
Chris describes his work as a senior analyst at the National Audit Office, and how he combines this with a writing career.
Chris describes his work as a senior analyst at the National Audit Office, and how he combines this with a writing career.
Christine - public events programme director :
Christine describes her current role, directing the public events programme at a major arts charity.
Christine describes her current role, directing the public events programme at a major arts charity.
Colin - lecturer and reader in media and popular culture:
Colin describes his varied workload as an academic, and the changes he has witnessed in his physical and cultural working environment.
Colin describes his varied workload as an academic, and the changes he has witnessed in his physical and cultural working environment.
Helen - deputy director of the Research Council's office in Beijing:
Helen describes what her current work role involves.
Helen describes what her current work role involves.
Joanne - commissioning editor:
Joanne describes her current role as a commissioning editor for an academic press and goes into detail about her work environment and culture and what a typical day might involve.
Joanne describes her current role as a commissioning editor for an academic press and goes into detail about her work environment and culture and what a typical day might involve.
John - learning technologist:
John describes his role as a learning technologist in a research-intensive university.
John describes his role as a learning technologist in a research-intensive university.
Katie - full-time mum, free-lance writer, HR manager, primary school teacher:
Katie discusses her current role, how it has evolved and how it may develop in the future.
Katie discusses her current role, how it has evolved and how it may develop in the future.
Laura - lecturer in history:
Laura gives a flavour of her current role as well as providing a general sense of what the life of an academic can be like.
Laura gives a flavour of her current role as well as providing a general sense of what the life of an academic can be like.
Liz - curator:
Liz gives an insight into her current role as a Curator within a commercial environment. She describes her day to day activities and responsibilities and her working environment.
Liz gives an insight into her current role as a Curator within a commercial environment. She describes her day to day activities and responsibilities and her working environment.
Liz - moving into current role:
Liz explains how she moved into her current role as a curator, including the application and interview process.
Liz explains how she moved into her current role as a curator, including the application and interview process.
Lois - director of teaching and learning in an HEI:
Lois talks about how she came into her role and describes what she does on a day to day basis. She identifies the things she enjoys most about her work as well as the challenges.
Lois talks about how she came into her role and describes what she does on a day to day basis. She identifies the things she enjoys most about her work as well as the challenges.
Lucy - research fellow:
Lucy shares some insights into her current role as a Research Fellow.
Lucy shares some insights into her current role as a Research Fellow.
Marie - history teacher:
Marie describes her work and life as a teacher at a well-known boarding school.
Marie describes her work and life as a teacher at a well-known boarding school.
Mark - programme director for an NGO:
Mark describes his current role as a director within an NGO.
Mark describes his current role as a director within an NGO.
Nick - professor of english and creative writing:
Nick describes his work environment and compares it with his experience of writing his PhD. He describes his typical day, his teaching, admin and creative writing responsibilities and his style of working.
Nick describes his work environment and compares it with his experience of writing his PhD. He describes his typical day, his teaching, admin and creative writing responsibilities and his style of working.
Robert - research funding manager:
Robert describes his work as a research funding manager in a post-92 university, and how having a PhD has helped in this role.
Robert describes his work as a research funding manager in a post-92 university, and how having a PhD has helped in this role.
Russell - lecturer and Reader in history:
Russell describes his current role as a lecturer/reader in history. He talks about his work environment and practices and his future plans.
Russell describes his current role as a lecturer/reader in history. He talks about his work environment and practices and his future plans.
Sarah - freelance writer:
Sarah gives a detailed insight into her current role as a freelance writer and describes the qualities needed to undertake this kind of work.
Sarah gives a detailed insight into her current role as a freelance writer and describes the qualities needed to undertake this kind of work.
Sophie - Parliamentary clerk:
Sophie describes her work as a clerk in the House of Commons and how she came to be doing it.
Sophie describes her work as a clerk in the House of Commons and how she came to be doing it.
Sophie - pros and cons of working in the public sector:
Sophie gives her views on the advantages and disadvantages of working in the public sector.
Sophie gives her views on the advantages and disadvantages of working in the public sector.
Steven - manager of an HE academy subject centre:
Steven describes his role as manager of a Higher Education Academy subject centre and how it relates to his PhD subject and experience.
Steven describes his role as manager of a Higher Education Academy subject centre and how it relates to his PhD subject and experience.
Tim - research support officer:
Tim describes his role as a research support officer in HE, highlighting the advantages, but also the dilemmas of working in a university setting but in a non-academic role. He also considers the value of his PhD, both personally and professionally.
Tim describes his role as a research support officer in HE, highlighting the advantages, but also the dilemmas of working in a university setting but in a non-academic role. He also considers the value of his PhD, both personally and professionally.
Victor - academic researcher:
Victor describes his current work environment, and research postion, in a university archaeology department.
Victor describes his current work environment, and research postion, in a university archaeology department.
31 clips
Adam - did you anticipate an academic career?:
Adam reflects on his changing ambitions in relation to an academic career.
Adam reflects on his changing ambitions in relation to an academic career.
Alan - did you anticipate an academic career?:
Alan recollects his expectations of an academic career.
Alan recollects his expectations of an academic career.
Caroline - did you anticipate an academic career?:
Caroline explains why she didn’t necessarily expect to pursue an academic career after completing her PhD.
Caroline explains why she didn’t necessarily expect to pursue an academic career after completing her PhD.
Christine - did you anticipate an academic career?:
Christine considers how her ideas about careers evolved during her PhD.
Christine considers how her ideas about careers evolved during her PhD.
Colin - did you anticipate an academic career?:
Colin recalls his reasons for embarking on a PhD and how he was recruited to it.
Colin recalls his reasons for embarking on a PhD and how he was recruited to it.
Katie - did you anticipate an academic career?:
Katie briefly sums up her earlier attitude to the possibility of an academic career.
Katie briefly sums up her earlier attitude to the possibility of an academic career.
Lois - did you anticipate an academic career?:
Lois describes what it's like to work in academia, and why she loves it.
Lois describes what it's like to work in academia, and why she loves it.
Lucy - did you anticipate an academic career?:
Lucy explains why she anticipated an academic career when she finished her PhD.
Lucy explains why she anticipated an academic career when she finished her PhD.
Marie - did you anticipate an academic career?:
Marie captures her own and her supervisor’s expectations.
Marie captures her own and her supervisor’s expectations.
Mark - did you anticipate an academic career?:
Mark recalls his transition from academia to the commercial sector and the reasons for this change.
Mark recalls his transition from academia to the commercial sector and the reasons for this change.
Nick - did you anticipate an academic career? :
Nick discusses the evolution of his ideas and his philosophy on how careers are made.
Nick discusses the evolution of his ideas and his philosophy on how careers are made.
Robert - did you anticipate an academic career?:
Robert looks back at the expectations and assumptions he had about an academic career.
Robert looks back at the expectations and assumptions he had about an academic career.
Susan - did you anticipate an academic career?:
Susan considered an academic career incremental stages.
Susan considered an academic career incremental stages.
Tim - did you anticipate an academic career after PhD:
Tim recalls looking forward to an academic career, but with realistic expectations.
Tim recalls looking forward to an academic career, but with realistic expectations.
Victor - did you anticipate an academic career?:
Victor talks about the advantages of project work in academia.
Victor talks about the advantages of project work in academia.
15 clips
Helen - did you ever think about giving up? :
Helen recalls moments where she thought seriously about not finishing the PhD.
Helen recalls moments where she thought seriously about not finishing the PhD.
Marie - did you ever think about giving up?:
Marie accounts for her determination to complete her PhD.
Marie accounts for her determination to complete her PhD.
Mark - did you ever think about giving up?:
Mark explains why giving up his PhD study was never an option.
Mark explains why giving up his PhD study was never an option.
3 clips
Katie - do you have any continuing interest in the area of your PhD research? :
Katie sums up her current attitude to her PhD research.
Katie sums up her current attitude to her PhD research.
1 clip
Marie - do you have any regrets about doing the PhD?:
Marie looks back at the value of her PhD experience.
Marie looks back at the value of her PhD experience.
1 clip
Marie - does the work that you do reflect the things that motivate you in life?:
Marie considers how her work and environment suit her.
Marie considers how her work and environment suit her.
1 clip
Amanda - employer attitudes to the PhD :
Amanda considers both how her employers and colleagues view her PhD, and the value it has for her.
Amanda considers both how her employers and colleagues view her PhD, and the value it has for her.
Liz - employer attitudes to the PhD:
Liz talks about how her PhD is regarded by her friends and her employer.
Liz talks about how her PhD is regarded by her friends and her employer.
Marie - employer attitude to the PhD:
Marie explains the value of her PhD to her employer and how it is viewed by her colleagues.
Marie explains the value of her PhD to her employer and how it is viewed by her colleagues.
Nick - employer attitudes to the PhD :
Nick talks about how he found work after his PhD and how it evolved into a permanent post.
Nick talks about how he found work after his PhD and how it evolved into a permanent post.
Robert - employer attitudes to the PhD:
Robert discusses the assumptions that people have about the PhD.
Robert discusses the assumptions that people have about the PhD.
5 clips
Adam - expectations of where the PhD might lead:
Adam recalls his changing attitude, during his postdoctoral study, towards the possibility of an academic career.
Adam recalls his changing attitude, during his postdoctoral study, towards the possibility of an academic career.
Caroline - expectations of where the PhD might lead:
Caroline describes her expectations of life beyond the PhD and the personal transitions involved.
Caroline describes her expectations of life beyond the PhD and the personal transitions involved.
Heather - expectations of where the PhD might lead:
Heather considers how her career path revealed itself to her.
Heather considers how her career path revealed itself to her.
Helen - expectations of where the PhD might lead :
Helen reflects on how her career-thinking evolved during the PhD.
Helen reflects on how her career-thinking evolved during the PhD.
Jack - did you have any expecations of where the PhD might lead?:
Jack outlines his reasons for doing a PhD.
Jack outlines his reasons for doing a PhD.
Joanne - expectations of where the PhD might lead:
Joanne contemplates where she expected her PhD to lead.
Joanne contemplates where she expected her PhD to lead.
Katie - expectations of where the PhD might lead :
Katie reflects on her own and others’ expectations of her career after the PhD.
Katie reflects on her own and others’ expectations of her career after the PhD.
Lois - expectations of where the PhD might lead:
Lois describes where she expected her PhD to lead.
Lois describes where she expected her PhD to lead.
Marie - expectations of where the PhD might lead:
Marie discusses how her expectations changed during her PhD.
Marie discusses how her expectations changed during her PhD.
Robert - expectations of where the PhD might lead:
Robert discusses how he saw an academic career as a natural next step, but then considered his other options.
Robert discusses how he saw an academic career as a natural next step, but then considered his other options.
Russell - expectations of where the PhD might lead:
Russell talks about encouraging his own students to think earlier and more broadly about careers after their PhD than he did.
Russell talks about encouraging his own students to think earlier and more broadly about careers after their PhD than he did.
Steven - expectations of where PhD might lead:
Steven remembers his views of where a PhD might lead and his supervisor’s role in helping him look beyond an academic career.
Steven remembers his views of where a PhD might lead and his supervisor’s role in helping him look beyond an academic career.
Victor - expectations of where the PhD might lead:
Victor reflects on the unexpected path his career has taken.
Victor reflects on the unexpected path his career has taken.
13 clips
Marie - family and friends' attitudes to the PhD:
Marie comments on how family and friends’ felt about her PhD.
Marie comments on how family and friends’ felt about her PhD.
Russell - did friends and family encourage you to do the PhD?:
Russell recalls the supportive attitudes of friends and family.
Russell recalls the supportive attitudes of friends and family.
2 clips
Alan - finishing up and moving on:
Alan recalls interviews for academic jobs, his doubts about his eligibility for Oxbridge posts, and his early experiences in his current role as a college lecturer there.
Alan recalls interviews for academic jobs, his doubts about his eligibility for Oxbridge posts, and his early experiences in his current role as a college lecturer there.
Amanda - finishing up and moving on:
Amanda recalls the ideas she had about careers during her PhD, and the process of finishing up and applying for the fast stream civil service.
Amanda recalls the ideas she had about careers during her PhD, and the process of finishing up and applying for the fast stream civil service.
Caroline - finishing up and moving on:
Caroline talks about the skills she acquired during her PhD and how these were transferable to a career in business.
Caroline talks about the skills she acquired during her PhD and how these were transferable to a career in business.
Christine - finishing up and moving on :
Christine recollects the period of time after submitting the PhD, and moving into a new career.
Christine recollects the period of time after submitting the PhD, and moving into a new career.
Colin - finishing up and moving on:
Colin discusses his difficulties in finding an appropriate post, working part-time, and the different selection criteria for academic posts now.
Colin discusses his difficulties in finding an appropriate post, working part-time, and the different selection criteria for academic posts now.
Heather - finishing up and moving on:
Heather recalls the period during which she finished her PhD and gradually established her career as a freelance writer.
Heather recalls the period during which she finished her PhD and gradually established her career as a freelance writer.
Helen - finishing up and moving on :
Helen reviews the work she did during and after her PhD, and her subsequent career path.
Helen reviews the work she did during and after her PhD, and her subsequent career path.
Joanne - finishing up and moving on:
Joanne recounts finishing her PhD, reconsidering the possibility of pursuing an academic career path and then deciding that a job in academic publishing was ultimately more appealing than academia itself.
Joanne recounts finishing her PhD, reconsidering the possibility of pursuing an academic career path and then deciding that a job in academic publishing was ultimately more appealing than academia itself.
Katie - finishing up and moving on :
Katie recalls applying for corporate graduate jobs as a PhD researcher, her experience on a graduate training scheme in human resources, and her decision to move into primary school teaching.
Katie recalls applying for corporate graduate jobs as a PhD researcher, her experience on a graduate training scheme in human resources, and her decision to move into primary school teaching.
Liz - finishing up and moving on:
Liz talks about the final stages of her PhD and the experience of looking for a job within the heritage sector.
Liz talks about the final stages of her PhD and the experience of looking for a job within the heritage sector.
Lois - finishing up and moving on:
Lois explores the period of transition between finshing her PhD and moving into a job.
Lois explores the period of transition between finshing her PhD and moving into a job.
Lucy - finishing up and moving on:
Lucy explains why she decided to go through the graduate milk-round process towards the end of the PhD and how she moved into and then out of jobs with a multi-national IT company, before returning to academia.
Lucy explains why she decided to go through the graduate milk-round process towards the end of the PhD and how she moved into and then out of jobs with a multi-national IT company, before returning to academia.
Marie - finishing up and moving on:
Marie recalls in detail the process of applying for jobs while finishing her PhD.
Marie recalls in detail the process of applying for jobs while finishing her PhD.
Mark - finishing up and moving on:
Mark recollects finishing his PhD, starting a business, relocating to London, and job hunting.
Mark recollects finishing his PhD, starting a business, relocating to London, and job hunting.
Nick - finishing up and moving on:
Nick talks through the chronology of finishing his PhD, finding temporary teaching posts, applying for jobs and finally securing a permanent contract.
Nick talks through the chronology of finishing his PhD, finding temporary teaching posts, applying for jobs and finally securing a permanent contract.
Robert - finishing up and moving on:
Robert recalls the sometimes disheartening experience of applying for academic posts towards the end of his PhD. He explains his ultimate change of direction, into a non-academic post.
Robert recalls the sometimes disheartening experience of applying for academic posts towards the end of his PhD. He explains his ultimate change of direction, into a non-academic post.
Russell - finishing up and moving on:
Russell revisits the stress of the final year of his PhD, when time and money were running out. He also recalls the manoeuvring he had to do for several years afterwards in order to secure academic work.
Russell revisits the stress of the final year of his PhD, when time and money were running out. He also recalls the manoeuvring he had to do for several years afterwards in order to secure academic work.
Sarah - finishing up and moving on:
Sarah discusses the moment when she finished her PhD and the frustrations she faced when trying to move on. She describes how she later gave up her job in order to go freelance.
Sarah discusses the moment when she finished her PhD and the frustrations she faced when trying to move on. She describes how she later gave up her job in order to go freelance.
Sophie - finishing up and moving on:
Sophie recounts how she started considering potential careers at the start of her final year, and describes the process by which she came to be a parliamentary clerk.
Sophie recounts how she started considering potential careers at the start of her final year, and describes the process by which she came to be a parliamentary clerk.
Steven - finishing up and moving on:
Steven talks about learning about himself and his preferred type of work through various part-time and short-term jobs, and further training, and how he has developed his current role.
Steven talks about learning about himself and his preferred type of work through various part-time and short-term jobs, and further training, and how he has developed his current role.
Susan - finishing up and moving on:
Susan describes balancing a job with completing her PhD; the obstacles she faced and her aspirations for an academic post. Susan articulates her sense of having an academic identity and talks about the academic skills training role she currently works in.
Susan describes balancing a job with completing her PhD; the obstacles she faced and her aspirations for an academic post. Susan articulates her sense of having an academic identity and talks about the academic skills training role she currently works in.
Tim - finishing up and moving on:
Tim reflects in detail on looking for relevant employment; interview experiences and first jobs; and on his gradual acceptance that he would not have an academic career.
Tim reflects in detail on looking for relevant employment; interview experiences and first jobs; and on his gradual acceptance that he would not have an academic career.
Victor - finishing up and moving on:
Victors recalls making the transition into a series of contracts after completing his PhD.
Victors recalls making the transition into a series of contracts after completing his PhD.
24 clips
2 clips
Katie - inspiration and influences :
Katie talks about support networks, family opinions of the different work she has done, and her own agency in those choices.
Katie talks about support networks, family opinions of the different work she has done, and her own agency in those choices.
Nick - inspiration and influences :
Nick talks about the circumstances and the personal philosophy which influenced his decisions and aspirations.
Nick talks about the circumstances and the personal philosophy which influenced his decisions and aspirations.
Russell - what or who influenced your decisions:
Russell tells how his supervisor encouraged him to publish after his PhD.
Russell tells how his supervisor encouraged him to publish after his PhD.
4 clips
Chris - how affected are you by the prestige of the PhD?:
Chris explains when and why he uses his title.
Chris explains when and why he uses his title.
Chris - the meaning of the PhD:
Chris talks about his attitude to his thesis and his area of PhD research.
Chris talks about his attitude to his thesis and his area of PhD research.
Christine - the meaning of the PhD :
Christine reflects on what the PhD means to her and why she chooses not to use her title at work.
Christine reflects on what the PhD means to her and why she chooses not to use her title at work.
Heather - the meaning of the PhD:
Heather reflects on what the PhD means to her and considers the bearing it has on her self-perception and identity.
Heather reflects on what the PhD means to her and considers the bearing it has on her self-perception and identity.
Helen - the meaning of the PhD:
Helen contemplates what the PhD means to her, and her colleagues attitudes to it.
Helen contemplates what the PhD means to her, and her colleagues attitudes to it.
John - the meaning of the PhD:
John considers whether the PhD affects his identity and how it influences the way he does his job.
John considers whether the PhD affects his identity and how it influences the way he does his job.
Laura - the meaning of the PhD:
Laura talks about the bearing that different means of funding a PhD can be perceived to have on the final product. She describes the value of PhD researchers, beyond the financial value they bring to the university.
Laura talks about the bearing that different means of funding a PhD can be perceived to have on the final product. She describes the value of PhD researchers, beyond the financial value they bring to the university.
Mark - the meaning of the PhD:
Mark reflects on what the PhD means to him and how it is perceived at work.
Mark reflects on what the PhD means to him and how it is perceived at work.
Nick - the meaning of the PhD:
Nick explores the range of meanings the PhD has for him and for others in his life.
Nick explores the range of meanings the PhD has for him and for others in his life.
Robert - the meaning of the PhD:
Robert shares his feelings of satisfaction in achieving his PhD and he reflects on what the PhD means to him now and how it affects his sense of self and identity, since he is working in a university, but not in an academic post.
Robert shares his feelings of satisfaction in achieving his PhD and he reflects on what the PhD means to him now and how it affects his sense of self and identity, since he is working in a university, but not in an academic post.
Sarah - the meaning of the PhD:
Sarah talks about what her PhD means to her and how she has used it to her advantage in the world of work.
Sarah talks about what her PhD means to her and how she has used it to her advantage in the world of work.
Susan - the meaning of the PhD:
Susan highlights the skills and confidence that studying for and completing a PhD have equipped her with.
Susan highlights the skills and confidence that studying for and completing a PhD have equipped her with.
22 clips
Amanda - networking:
Amanda explains the inside perspective she gained from talking to people with direct experience of the work she was interested in.
Amanda explains the inside perspective she gained from talking to people with direct experience of the work she was interested in.
Joanne - networking:
Joanne talks about her attitude to networking, both during her PhD and now.
Joanne talks about her attitude to networking, both during her PhD and now.
Lois - networking:
Lois explains the strategy she employed for networking within her field.
Lois explains the strategy she employed for networking within her field.
Nick - networking:
Nick recounts the transition between undergraduate and postgraduate work as a mature student, and how his propensity for networking was evident very early on. He intimates that this built his confidence which in turn helped him to get his first paper published.
Nick recounts the transition between undergraduate and postgraduate work as a mature student, and how his propensity for networking was evident very early on. He intimates that this built his confidence which in turn helped him to get his first paper published.
Russell - networking:
Russell considers that the benefits of networking for the sake of one's career are worth any initial sense of discomfort.
Russell considers that the benefits of networking for the sake of one's career are worth any initial sense of discomfort.
7 clips
Adam - background to the PhD :
Adam discusses the difficult path from third-class degree to being accepted to read for a PhD.
Adam discusses the difficult path from third-class degree to being accepted to read for a PhD.
Alan - background to the PhD:
Alan outlines the background to his PhD, including his reasons for staying on at the same institution.
Alan outlines the background to his PhD, including his reasons for staying on at the same institution.
Amanda - background to the PhD:
Amanda outlines the academic career path leading to her PhD.
Amanda outlines the academic career path leading to her PhD.
Caroline - background to the PhD:
Caroline describes how, as a mature student with broad life experience, she came to embark on a PhD.
Caroline describes how, as a mature student with broad life experience, she came to embark on a PhD.
Chris - background to the PhD:
Chris outlines the time-frame of his PhD and the uncertainties surrounding the issue of funding.
Chris outlines the time-frame of his PhD and the uncertainties surrounding the issue of funding.
Christine - background to the PhD :
Christine sketches the background to her PhD, and her previous work experience.
Christine sketches the background to her PhD, and her previous work experience.
Joanne - background to the PhD:
Joanne provides some background details to her life before and during the PhD.
Joanne provides some background details to her life before and during the PhD.
John - background to PhD:
John outlines the funding he received and the timeframe in which he completed his PhD.
John outlines the funding he received and the timeframe in which he completed his PhD.
Liz - background to the PhD:
Liz explains what obstacles she had to overcome in order to study a PhD.
Liz explains what obstacles she had to overcome in order to study a PhD.
Lucy - background to the PhD:
Lucy summarises the obstacles she overcame before beginning her PhD.
Lucy summarises the obstacles she overcame before beginning her PhD.
Marie - background to the PhD:
Marie talks about when and how she came to embark on a PhD after some time managing a sandwich shop and a brief spell in the Police Force.
Marie talks about when and how she came to embark on a PhD after some time managing a sandwich shop and a brief spell in the Police Force.
Mark - background to the PhD:
Mark talks about starting his PhD, how long it took and how he funded his study.
Mark talks about starting his PhD, how long it took and how he funded his study.
Nick - background to the PhD :
Nick reviews his prior career, his motivations for starting a PhD as a mature student, and activities he did alongside it.
Nick reviews his prior career, his motivations for starting a PhD as a mature student, and activities he did alongside it.
Russell - background to the PhD:
Russell provides some background to his PhD and the work he did before embarking on it.
Russell provides some background to his PhD and the work he did before embarking on it.
Russell - obstacles to doing a PhD:
Russell outlines the financial implications of undertaking a PhD
Russell outlines the financial implications of undertaking a PhD
Sarah - background to the PhD:
Sarah explains the background to her chosen PhD subject and how she managed to secure funding via a number of part-time jobs.
Sarah explains the background to her chosen PhD subject and how she managed to secure funding via a number of part-time jobs.
Sophie - background to the PhD:
Sophie talks about her transitions into and out of her PhD, and the factors that influenced her decisions.
Sophie talks about her transitions into and out of her PhD, and the factors that influenced her decisions.
Steven - background to the PhD:
Steven talks about his education and employment before his PhD.
Steven talks about his education and employment before his PhD.
Susan - background to the PhD:
Susan describes her educational background prior to embarking on the PhD.
Susan describes her educational background prior to embarking on the PhD.
28 clips
Alan - PhD topic:
Alan explains the relationship between his PhD in Spanish literature, and his Masters' research.
Alan explains the relationship between his PhD in Spanish literature, and his Masters' research.
20 clips
Adam - reasons for doing a PhD:
Adam outlines his reasons for going into higher education and for going on to do a PhD.
Adam outlines his reasons for going into higher education and for going on to do a PhD.
Katie - reasons for doing a PhD :
Katie recollects what motivated her to continue on to the PhD
Katie recollects what motivated her to continue on to the PhD
Laura - reasons for doing a PhD:
Laura explains dual explanations for her desire to do the PhD.
Laura explains dual explanations for her desire to do the PhD.
Robert - reasons for doing a PhD:
Robert identifies the different motivating factors that led to the PhD.
Robert identifies the different motivating factors that led to the PhD.
Russell - reasons for doing a PhD:
Russell recollects how his experiences of working outside HE made him want to return to academia.
Russell recollects how his experiences of working outside HE made him want to return to academia.
Tim - reasons for doing a PhD:
Tim remembers the interest that led him to embark on a PhD and queries whether it was the best motivation.
Tim remembers the interest that led him to embark on a PhD and queries whether it was the best motivation.
21 clips
Adam - do you have any regrets about leaving academia?:
Adam discusses his ongoing interest in his subject.
Adam discusses his ongoing interest in his subject.
Christine - do you have any regrets about leaving academia?:
Christine explores the differences between academia and her current role and considers whether or not she misses academia.
Christine explores the differences between academia and her current role and considers whether or not she misses academia.
Joanne - do you have any regrets about leaving academia?:
Joanne explains why she chose not to pursue a career in academia and reflects on why this was the right decision for her. She offers some advice to those about to embark on a PhD.
Joanne explains why she chose not to pursue a career in academia and reflects on why this was the right decision for her. She offers some advice to those about to embark on a PhD.
Katie - do you have any regrets about leaving academia?:
Katie has no regrets about leaving academia
Katie has no regrets about leaving academia
Marie - do you have any regrets about leaving academia?:
Marie reflects on leaving academia behind.
Marie reflects on leaving academia behind.
Robert - do you have any regrets about leaving academia?:
Robert reflects on why he didn't pursue an academic career.
Robert reflects on why he didn't pursue an academic career.
6 clips
Alan - teaching outside of your PhD research interests:
Alan recounts the initial challenge of teaching a broad Oxbridge syllabus.
Alan recounts the initial challenge of teaching a broad Oxbridge syllabus.
Caroline - teaching during the PhD:
Caroline recalls the experience of lecturing whilst studying for her PhD part-time.
Caroline recalls the experience of lecturing whilst studying for her PhD part-time.
Joanne - paid work and teaching during the PhD:
Joanne explains how she funded her PhD with a temporary job.
Joanne explains how she funded her PhD with a temporary job.
Katie - teaching during the PhD :
Katie explores her pleasure in teaching during and since the PhD.
Katie explores her pleasure in teaching during and since the PhD.
Lois - teaching:
Lois outlines her teaching experience and explains how she felt about teaching during her PhD.
Lois outlines her teaching experience and explains how she felt about teaching during her PhD.
Marie - teaching during the PhD:
Marie explains how she gained teaching experience during her PhD.
Marie explains how she gained teaching experience during her PhD.
Russell - experiences of teaching:
Russell recollects how it took him a while to feel comfortable with teaching.
Russell recollects how it took him a while to feel comfortable with teaching.
Russell - securing part-time teaching:
Russell briefly explains how he accumulated teaching experience during his PhD.
Russell briefly explains how he accumulated teaching experience during his PhD.
9 clips
Helen - how does the desire to have children affect career decisions?:
Helen discusses tensions between work and family life.
Helen discusses tensions between work and family life.
Katie - how does the desire to have children affect career decisions?:
Katie looks at how family and career have influenced each other.
Katie looks at how family and career have influenced each other.
Russell - what or who influenced your decisions:
Russell tells how his supervisor encouraged him to publish after his PhD.
Russell tells how his supervisor encouraged him to publish after his PhD.
3 clips
Caroline - PhD experience:
Caroline summarises her PhD experience as positive and rewarding.
Caroline summarises her PhD experience as positive and rewarding.
Heather - PhD experience:
Heather reflects on her PhD experience. She identies aspects of it that she found rewarding and those which were frustrating.
Heather reflects on her PhD experience. She identies aspects of it that she found rewarding and those which were frustrating.
John - PhD experience:
John shares his experience of doing a PhD, and particularly the challenge of completing his thesis while working as a lecturer.
John shares his experience of doing a PhD, and particularly the challenge of completing his thesis while working as a lecturer.
Lois - PhD experience:
Lois describes her PhD experience, including life outside of writing her thesis, and she recalls the kind of supervision she received.
Lois describes her PhD experience, including life outside of writing her thesis, and she recalls the kind of supervision she received.
Robert - PhD experience:
Robert describes the ups and downs experienced during his PhD, and how he kept going.
Robert describes the ups and downs experienced during his PhD, and how he kept going.
Russell - PhD experience:
Russell feels that his PhD was worthwhile because it made an academic career possible, and was enjoyable in itself, though stressful too.
Russell feels that his PhD was worthwhile because it made an academic career possible, and was enjoyable in itself, though stressful too.
Russell - would you have done anything differently?:
Russell considers a few things he might do, if he had his PhD time over again.
Russell considers a few things he might do, if he had his PhD time over again.
Sophie - PhD experience:
Sophie considers her PhD experience in relation to her expectations.
Sophie considers her PhD experience in relation to her expectations.
Steven - Phd experience:
Steven talks about the general experience and legacy of studying for his PhD.
Steven talks about the general experience and legacy of studying for his PhD.
Susan - PhD experience:
Susan recounts the experience of studying for a PhD, including the highs, lows and lessons learned from the process.
Susan recounts the experience of studying for a PhD, including the highs, lows and lessons learned from the process.
Tim - PhD experience:
Tim describes his PhD experience in relation to his expectations of it.
Tim describes his PhD experience in relation to his expectations of it.
20 clips
Adam - where do you see your career going from here?:
Adam considers his next career step and possible new directions.
Adam considers his next career step and possible new directions.
Chris - where do you see your career going from here?:
Chris looks ahead to continuing in a career which allows him to be a professional writer as well.
Chris looks ahead to continuing in a career which allows him to be a professional writer as well.
Helen - where do you see your career going from here? :
Helen shares her thoughts about her future career.
Helen shares her thoughts about her future career.
Lucy - where do you see your career going from here?:
Lucy explains why she wants to stay within academia.
Lucy explains why she wants to stay within academia.
Robert - where do you see your career going from here?:
Robert contemplates the options open to him now, both within the field he works in and beyond it in something more related to his PhD.
Robert contemplates the options open to him now, both within the field he works in and beyond it in something more related to his PhD.
Sarah - where do you see your career going from here?:
Sarah thinks about what she might do in the future.
Sarah thinks about what she might do in the future.
Tim - where do you see your career going from here?:
Tim reflects on his potential career progression and ambitions.
Tim reflects on his potential career progression and ambitions.
9 clips
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