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PhD: a preparation for a research career? ‘More? Or less?

Marie Curie Conference: MC 2 Putting the knowledge based society into practice Future for research(er) careers Dr Janet Metcalfe, UK GRAD Programme www.grad.ac.uk. PhD: a preparation for a research career? ‘More? Or less?.

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PhD: a preparation for a research career? ‘More? Or less?

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  1. Marie Curie Conference: MC2Putting the knowledge based society into practiceFuture for research(er) careersDr Janet Metcalfe, UK GRAD Programmewww.grad.ac.uk

  2. PhD: a preparation for a research career?‘More? Or less? PhDs do not prepare people adequately for careers in business or academia • in particular, there is insufficient access to training in interpersonal and communication skills, management and commercial awareness Sir Gareth Roberts, SET for Success, 2001

  3. Less than a preparation for a research career... 2003 Study: PhD career paths 6-8 years on [50% private sector / 35% academia / 15% public sector] • Skills that could have been given more emphasis: • project management: 32% (24%) • leadership: 23% (14%) • financial management 23% (18%) • time management: 21% (19%) • teamwork and communication: 19% • organisation and planning (13%)

  4. More than a preparation for a research career... As well as their technical skills and knowledge... • An ability to work autonomously • Independence of thought • Research trained intellect • Problem solving skills • Communication skills • Ability to manage upwards • Experience of teaching/coaching • A high level of maturity www.grad.ac.uk/jss

  5. Improving the employability of researchers Employability is different from employment • Being employed means having a job • Being employable means having the qualities for maintaining employment, planning for progression and managing the next career step

  6. Careers in research or researcher careers? • Almost all astronomy PhD researchers want to achieve a career in astronomy • 33% of astronomy PhD researchers achieve a postdoctoral position • 20% achieve a career in astronomy in the medium term • Unusual to get permanent appointment before 35-40, but no permanent post by 40, then unlikely to get one ‘Catch 22’ [Royal Astronomical Society report on careers in astronomy, 2006]

  7. UK initiatives to improve researchers’ employability • UK GRAD Programme - self awareness & empowerment • UKHERD - supporting research staff development • Roberts’ recommendations (SET for Success) • skills and career development • RCUK Joint Skills Statement - skills and competencies • QAA Code of Practice for research degrees • Continued professional development • personal development planning & learning needs analysis

  8. Recommendations to improve the employability of researchers • National bodies • Implement the European Charter and code for Researchers • Universities • Recognise the PhD as a ‘programme’ of study and inform all of the responsibilities of the university, supervisors and ESRs • Provide training for supervisors/PIs • Take responsibility for ensuring the ‘employability’ of ECRs • Introduce a ‘mentor’ system for ECRs MCFA event, Euroscience Forum

  9. Recommendations to improve the employability of researchers • Academics • Agree ‘terms of engagement’ with ECRs • Recognise the need for continued professional development • Researchers • Take personal responsibility for your development • Create and use your collective voice “Never doubt that a small group of committed individuals can change the world - In fact it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead, Anthropologist

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