Navigating Academic Careers and Challenges Post-PhD
Explore the diverse and challenging academic career paths post-PhD, covering the characteristics, challenges, and personal wellbeing aspects faced by early-career researchers. Learn valuable insights and strategies to overcome obstacles and thrive in the academic world.
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Academic careers and welfare: Navigating the post-PhD years DR CHARLOTTE MATHIESON, UNIVERSITY OF SURREY C.MATHIESON@SURREY.AC.UK @CEMATHIESON WWW.CHARLOTTEMATHIESON.WORDPRESS.COM
My early career path 2007-10: PhD, University of Warwick (viva 2011) Jan 2011 Oct 2012: hourly-paid teaching, marking, invigilation, academic writing, 1-1 tuition, short term research fellowship, research assistant, work on University ECR projects, freelance proofreading, etc Oct 2012 Sept 2013: 0.6 FTE project fellow Institute of Advanced Study, University of Warwick Sept 2013 Sept 2015: 2 years further in IAS post, full-time Sept 2015 July 2016: 10-month teaching fellowship, Newcastle University August 2016 present: Lecturer in English Literature, University of Surrey
Characteristics of early career paths There is no typical path A period of precarity is common, and increasingly longer Multiple, short-term contracts across institutions (simultaneously/successively) typical Most jobs teaching-focused; ECR fellowships available but harder to come by
Challenges of early career paths: academic Time for research and career development; work-life balance Money living costs, funding for conferences Uncertainty of precarity will contract be maintained/extended, where will I be in X weeks Planning academic (and personal) life developing a career plan Balancing competing demands of long-term goals vs short-term needs
Challenges of early career paths: academic Feeling adrift no consistent supervisor/ mentor Relocation: costly, time-consuming, (re)building networks Rejection, rejection, rejection
Challenges of early career paths: personal wellbeing Imposter syndrome Isolation and loneliness Anxiety, panic attacks Sleep disruption/deprivation Depression Physical health impact Exacerbation of previous/existing mental health problems Reduced capacity for dealing with life events bereavement, supporting family and friends
Overcoming challenges: personal strategies Look after yourself: exercise, eat well Have down-time Socialise: make time for family and friends Pursue other interests and hobbies Seek professional help counselling/ mental health services
Overcoming challenges: academic strategies Take control of what you can: have a plan Make it flexible and accommodating Prioritise and strategise Keep the long-term in sight Job applications: Help and get help from others (peers/more experienced) Have a rejection strategy
Overcoming challenges: academic support Build up peer-support networks: moral support, application advice, welcoming new colleagues Online networks: ECR community online invaluable Mentors: seek more experienced mentors to help strategise and give direction
Key messages It s not just you; it isn t personal Take control of the things you can Look after yourself and others Don t put your mental health and wellbeing on hold
c.mathieson@surrey.ac.uk @cemathieson www.charlottemathieson.wordpress.com
