University of Manchester Careers Blog

We’re now close enough to Pathways: Career Options for Doctoral Researchers to give you advance info on the programme, panels and panellists.

We’re always wary of doing this beforehand because things change daily. Therefore, they come with a health warning that you can never absolutely predict who will turn up on the day!

So, here’s what to expect (all being well):

What: Pathways: Career Options for Doctoral Researchers (or see previous blog posts)

Where: Renold Building, North Campus, University of Manchester

Who can attend: Any University of Manchester doctoral researcher or member of research staff – registration strongly recommended (otherwise we might not have enough food!)

When: 8.30-9.00am registration; 9-9.30am Introduction; 9.30-10am Choose your sessions; Panel sessions at 10am, 11am, 12noon, 2pm and 3pm; 4pm Close

All attendees will get a pack of information on the day, but if you’d like to look at the pdfs beforehand and plan your time, here they are:

• What are the sessions about?
• Programme timetable
• Profiles of panellists
• Panellists by areas of work covered

Here’s a taster of what we’ll cover, in case you’d rather not open a pdf:

Academic roles for…..
Our panels comprise those who’ve pursued their careers within an academic context including those who have research roles and teaching positions, at all stages of progression.

Broadening your horizons – working overseas
Panellists will talk about their experiences of pursuing careers in different countries, working cultures/environments and the advantages and disadvantages in comparison with working in the UK.
Relevant to all disciplines

Commercialising research, entrepreneurship or starting a business
If you already have a business idea or simply an entrepreneurial spirit and want to find out more, this panel will discuss the processes and advantages of turning your research into something profitable.
Relevant to Engineering & Physical Sciences; Medical & Human Sciences

Going solo – consultancy, self employment & working freelance
If you like the sound of being your own boss or more flexibility about the work you do, this session is for you.  Our panellists have taken the brave step of going it alone and have lived to tell the tale.
Relevant to all disciplines

I’ve been a postdoc – here’s my story
Our panel will talk about their experiences of working in Postdoctoral roles – the highs and the lows.
Relevant to all disciplines

I’ve done things that aren’t related to my PhD – so can you!
Whether they planned to or simply have found themselves taking a ‘scenic’ career path, our panellists will talk about the positions they have held which are not related to their specific discipline of study.  A session for anyone who wants to change direction or simply wishes to find out what’s possible with any PhD.
Relevant to all disciplines

It’s OK to change your mind!
Very few people have a job for life these days. Moving between organisations, roles and sectors, are increasingly common. It is possible to change your mind no matter where you are on your career journey. If you’re feeling trapped, confused about where to go next or just want to see what’s possible, come and listen to the positive stories our panel has to share about trying new things.
Relevant to all disciplines

Marketing yourself and your PhD to employers
How do you articulate the benefits of having studied for your PhD and convince employers that you have the skills they are looking for?  Our panel will draw on their own experiences and through providing skills training to PhD students to discuss how you can ensure you give yourself the edge over other applicants.
Relevant to all disciplines

Should I stay or should I go? Options for international students who wish to work in the UK after their studies
Our panellists have all chosen to remain in the UK since finishing their PhDs. They will talk about the challenges, the opportunities and compare what working in the UK is really like.
Relevant to all disciplines

What can I do with a PhD in Humanities/Engineering & Physical, Human, Life or Medical Sciences?
More things you can do with a PhD in Humanities/Engineering & Physical Sciences…
We’ve brought together panellists who are connected by discipline area (EPS/Humanities/MHS/LS) but who’ve followed a range of different career pathways to give you just a flavour of the options available to you.  We’re sure you’ll be inspired by the wide range of pathways you could follow.

What do employers look for in PhD applicants?
From CVs and applications through to job interviews, what are recruiters looking for when they are assessing PhD candidates?  We have invited panellists with lots of collective experience of hiring PhDs who can give honest insights and share their tips and advice on how you can stand out from other applicants.
Relevant to all disciplines

Which is better – industry or academia?
Our panels will compare and contrast their experiences of working inside and outside Universities. Which have they enjoyed more? What are the benefits that each can offer? How have they moved between the two areas?
Relevant to all disciplines

You don’t have to be an academic to work in a university
Enjoy being part of a University environment but not sure you want to pursue an academic, research or teaching career?  Have you ever thought about the wide range of non-academic jobs within universities?  Come along and find out more.
Relevant to all disciplines

You don’t just have to work in academia to be a researcher
What are the opportunities to continue a research career outside Universities?  How do these roles differ? Where do you find them and how do you get them?
Relevant to all disciplines

360+ doctoral researchers have already registered – look forward to seeing you all there.