As part of the developing Workplace Xchange initiative at BCU — inspired by the That’s Me! Project — a group of four Global Majority postgraduate research students visited the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) for an engaging and insightful workplace visit.
Designed as an accessible way for PGRs to connect with regional employers, the Workplace Xchange aims to help students explore current and future opportunities for placements, internships, mentoring, and other forms of professional engagement beyond higher education. This visit offered a valuable opportunity to do exactly that — giving students the chance to hear directly from professionals working in regional policy and strategy, while also reflecting on how their own research skills could translate beyond academia.
We were warmly welcomed by Louise Bown, WMCA’s EDI Partner, who gave an excellent introduction to the organisation and the important role it plays across the region. The WMCA works in partnership with local councils, businesses and communities to drive strategic growth across the West Midlands. Its work spans areas including transport, housing, skills, employment, regeneration, investment and inclusive economic development, all with a focus on improving opportunities and outcomes for people living and working in the region.
For our PGR attendees, it was especially valuable to see how a regional public body like WMCA turns policy into practice and delivers large-scale change across multiple sectors. One of the strongest themes to emerge throughout the afternoon was the transferability of PGR researcher skills beyond higher education and academia. The visit was a timely reminder that the analytical, project management, communication, critical thinking and stakeholder engagement skills developed through doctoral research have real and meaningful value in a wide range of professional settings.
As part of the visit, the group also toured the Regional Transport Co-ordination Centre (RTCC), which plays a vital role in monitoring and coordinating transport operations across the region. The RTCC helps support the smooth running of the transport network by bringing together data, oversight and operational coordination to manage congestion, respond to incidents and improve the experience of people travelling across the West Midlands. Seeing this work in action gave attendees a fascinating insight into how research, data and decision-making intersect in a live public service environment.
The afternoon concluded with a conversation with Mahfia Watkinson, Senior Delivery Manager (Quality and Policy), who tailored the discussion to the individual interests and subject areas of each of the PGRs in attendance. This personalised approach made the session especially impactful, helping attendees to identify direct connections between their own research expertise and potential roles or opportunities within regional policy, strategy and public sector delivery.
Overall, the visit was a truly insightful and thought-provoking experience. It highlighted the unique and varied skillset that PGRs bring, while also opening the door to a broader and more exciting range of career possibilities than many may initially consider. From policy and public engagement to strategic delivery and operational innovation, the day showed just how much doctoral researchers have to offer beyond traditional academic pathways.
The That’s Me! Project team would like to thank colleagues at WMCA for such a warm and generous welcome.
PGR reflections:
“The visit to the West Midlands Combined Authority’s office was truly beyond my expectations! It was fascinating to gain insights into their daily work and see how their efforts contribute to improving the city and the lives of its citizens.”
“This event allowed me the opportunity to hear directly from policymakers about the regional government policy direction in our region and identify areas where my current research could contribute to these projects. I was also able to add new contacts to my professional network through this visit.”
For further career development information and insights, visit the That’s Me! website, explore our Employer Board, and Employer Spotlights, and check out the Beyond the Doctorate career seminar series.
