Career Development
Researching the labour market and your career options post PhD
Tuesday 02 December 2025, 13:00-14:30, Online
The first half of the session outlines the array of career paths doctoral researchers pursue with a PhD. Both career paths in and outside of academia will be covered, from the very conventional, to the non-linear avenues. The second half of the session invites participants to evaluate sources of labour market intelligence and learn how this can contribute to career planning. The internet is full of copious amounts of information about the labour market, but it can be challenging to decipher the fact from the fiction. This workshop explores how participants can do this using a memorable framework.
This workshop aligns with the Vitae Researcher Development Framework descriptors:
1.1 Development Focused; 2.3 Information and Data Literacy
Focusing on your current career identity and creating a CV to reflect this
Wednesday 11 February 2026, 11:00-12:30, Online
This session invites participants to focus on their current career identity through visual exercises. CV writing will also be covered to encourage participants to find work experience in and outside of academia whilst completing their doctoral research. Using mood boards and CV examples, participants will articulate their current career identity in both a creative and practical way. Attendees will be encouraged to update their CVs in their own time and are welcome to book a follow-up one-to-one careers consultation to discuss their updated version.
This workshop aligns with the Vitae Researcher Development Framework descriptors:
1.1 Development Focused; 1.7 Reflexive; 4.1 Communication
Paths to Glory: Academic Career Success
Wednesday 25 March 2026, 14:00-16:00, In Person, Regent Street
Moving from doctoral researcher status to working in HE can be simple: the lab or department simply make room for you and your research. Or you can take a longer route, where you need to demonstrate to another institution that you are the person who can make a difference for them. This session/workshop explains how to get there, what the steps are in securing a position in modern HE, what alternatives there can be and how to find yourself selected. Prof. Gregory Sporton has been the recruiting manager for more than 100 jobs in the past 10 years, has sat on panels for recruits at all levels, and interviewed more than 500 academics. In this session, he shares his experience of the other side of the table, the dynamics of the hiring side, and how to present yourself at all stages (and even deal with the disappointment of not being chosen). This session/workshop is aimed at those looking to start or extend their careers in academia, with insights on CVs, interview technique, negotiations and the resilience required to secure the next job and your path to glory!
This workshop aligns with the Vitae Researcher Development Framework descriptors:
1.1 Development Focused; 1.2 Strategic; 1.6 Adaptable; 4.1 Communication
Career Resources
The Careers and Employability Team provide dedicated support for doctoral researchers with careers and employability-related matters. One-to-one appointments are available and can be booked through the CareerZone Platform
Zone29 is your gateway to all our work-related programmes, opportunities and experiences.
This video summarises how to navigate CareerZone (previously called Engage):