Beyond the Doctorate: A Careers Series for Postgraduate Researchers
This seminar series is designed to guide you through career planning and development. Whether you're exploring opportunities in academia, the non-profit sector, or entrepreneurship, at home or abroad, you'll gain valuable insights and practical tips to navigate the job market.
Upcoming seminars:
Beyond the Doctorate - In Conversation: Adventures beyond the doctorate
Date: Monday 19th May 2025
Time: 12:00-13:00
Location: Online
In the format of a live interview, two global majority alumni will join us to talk and reflect on navigating their pathways out of the doctorate. Using the notion of the ‘squiggly career’ as a starting point, we consider the non-linearity of career trajectories and journey across the pathways, routes, obstacles, and the lived experiences along the way. Our interviewees will share their tips and challenges of reconciling their values, aspirations, and realities along with answering your own questions.
Beyond the Doctorate - How to Apply for a Post-doc
Date: Friday 20 June
Time: 6-7PM
Location: Online
Securing a postdoctoral position can be a pivotal step for researchers looking to advance their academic careers. This panel discussion will offer valuable insights into the post-doc application process, covering key topics such as identifying research interests, contacting potential advisors, preparing a strong application, and crafting a compelling research proposal. Panellists will also discuss strategies for securing fellowship funding and grants. Drawing from both applicant and hiring perspectives, they will share practical advice on standing out in a competitive field.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the post-doc landscape and strategies for building a successful research career.
Beyond the Doctorate - Breaking into Blockchain
Date: Tuesday 22 July
Time: 2-3PM
Location: Online
Blockchain is more than cryptocurrency, it's a foundation for the next wave of digital innovation. In this session, Laurentiu Nae, a software engineer and blockchain developer and advisor, demystifies how blockchain works and explores the exciting career pathways it unlocks.
Date: Friday 19 September
Time: 2-3PM
Location: Online
This session explores the opportunities and challenges PhD graduates face when transitioning from academia to industry. Led by an experienced Talent Specialist from a multinational company, the discussion will provide insights into industry hiring perspectives and processes, the value PhDs bring to businesses, and common barriers in the recruitment process. Key topics include career paths for PhDs across sectors, application strategies, interview preparation, and international hiring considerations such as visa sponsorship. The session will also address unique challenges faced by candidates from global majority backgrounds with real life case studies and offer practical guidance on leveraging academic expertise for a successful industry career.
Beyond the Doctorate - Networking Skills and Promoting yourself
Date: Monday 11 August
Time: 12-1PM
Location: Online
This session will look at how networking can support students in their employment search and in developing a network of contacts. The session will explore how to look for networking events, what to expect and how to act to develop successful and meaningful relationships. It will also look at how LinkedIn can be used as a tool to network and build connections to help identify future opportunities. Participants will be able to create a clear plan of how to approach networking events confidently, how to engage with LinkedIn in a successful way, including what to include in their profile and posting content. You will get a real-life example of an entrepreneur from the global majority who uses networking events and LinkedIn to support her professional development.
Past events:
Launch of Beyond the Doctorate: A Careers Series for Postgraduate Researchers
Beyond the Doctorate - Mastering Interview Skills for Career Success
Professor Marcia Wilson (Pro-Vice Chancellor, Education, BCU) and Dr Melanie-Marie Haywood (Director, Education Development Service, BCU) presented the March edition of the That's Me! Beyond the Doctorate: A Career Series for Postgraduate Researchers.
The Brilliant Club Information Event
A webinar was hosted by The Brilliant Club to provide more information about what becoming a tutor involves, including a Q&A from a current tutor.
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