Empowering Postgraduate Confidence: Coaching Beyond Academia
That’s Me! in Conversation with Ana Indi Amona
At Birmingham City University, the That’s Me! project celebrates inclusive partnerships that help Global Majority postgraduate researchers (PGRs) thrive beyond traditional academic pathways. Our first Talent XChange event — held on 30th September 2025 at The Old Library in Digbeth, Birmingham — brought together employers, coaches and community leaders who share a commitment to supporting diverse doctoral talent.
One of those contributors was Ana Indi Amona, a Personal and Career Confidence Coach and founder of Rainha Noir Coaching, who joined the event to help PGRs explore new possibilities for their future careers.
Coaching Confidence and Clarity
Ana:
At Rainha Noir Coaching, I work with women who are ready to build real confidence and overcome the inner and outer barriers that hold them back. Life and study can be demanding — and confidence often suffers as a result.
For postgraduate researchers, there’s an added challenge. Many are unsure about what comes next after their PhD. Some assume academia is their only path, while others struggle to translate their expertise into new opportunities. I wanted to offer a space at the Talent XChange where they could pause, reflect, and start to envision the possibilities ahead.
The Value of the Talent XChange
Ana:
The event was incredibly well organised and diverse, and it created an open space for genuine dialogue. What struck me most was how many attendees had never really considered their career options beyond research.
The meeting sprints were especially effective. The one-to-one conversations gave students uninterrupted time to think and talk freely — without feeling judged or influenced by others’ opinions. Those few minutes of focused coaching gave them breathing space to reflect on what they really want to do, what possibilities are available, and how they might begin working towards those goals.
Shifting Assumptions About PGR Careers
Ana:
Before the event, I hadn’t coached postgraduate researchers before. I assumed they already had a clear sense of direction — that they didn’t need career coaching. But that was an assumption, and it turned out to be wrong.
Many of the researchers I spoke with found value in having a sounding board — someone to help them think beyond academia and build confidence in exploring different options. Some even reached out afterwards to say that our conversation had prompted them to start planning for their future post-PhD. That feedback really made me realise how powerful this kind of engagement can be.
Adapting Coaching for Postgraduate Researchers
Ana:
My coaching programmes have traditionally focused on undergraduate students or early-career professionals who are transitioning straight into employment. After the Talent XChange, I’ve started rethinking how to tailor my offer to doctoral and early-career researchers.
There’s often an assumption that PhD graduates will automatically stay in academia, but that’s not the case. I now want to create a tailored one-to-one programme specifically for PGRs — helping them explore career options beyond academia, develop confidence in their skills, and design an action plan for what comes next.
Reflections and Looking Ahead
Ana:
Overall, the event was excellent — well organised, inclusive, and full of meaningful interaction. It also gave me a new level of confidence in working with doctoral students. I now feel extremely confident engaging with PGRs and early-career researchers in the future.
The Talent XChange was a valuable reminder that coaching isn’t just for people uncertain about their skills — it’s for anyone ready to grow, reflect and take ownership of their journey.
Opening Up New Possibilities
The Talent XChange was the first event of its kind in the West Midlands, connecting Global Majority postgraduate researchers with inclusive regional employers, coaches and role models. Following its success, That’s Me! aims to build on this momentum, hosting further events that foster collaboration and confidence among diverse doctoral communities.
To learn more about the That’s Me! project and upcoming events, visit:
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/research/thats-me
To learn more about Rainha Noir Coaching, visit:
www.rainhanoircoaching.com