Academic career advice

Tips and resources to help you build a successful career in academia. From skills development during your PhD to preparing for a role in university administration, all academic career steps are covered. Here, you will find advice on promoting your work, growing your professional reputation and developing collegiate networks to support your academic career progression - or to help you move into industry.

Female leader in an office smiling at the camera

Five leadership tips for women in higher education

The first woman of Indian heritage to head a Russell Group business school shares leadership insights for women in higher education, from mentorship and resilience to self-discovery and embracing your unique identity

Palie Smart

The University of Bristol

Finding – and raising – my voice as a Black female leader in higher education

Women of colour face a formidable set of challenges in the quest to find their place and voice in higher education. Menah Pratt shares the lessons learned in her journey – from the power of persistence to harnessing her creativity

Menah Pratt

Virginia Tech

Questions for the next stage of university leadership

What do I want my legacy as a woman leader to be? These questions can provide a road map for reflection on and planning an academic career, writes Katia Paz Goldfarb

Katia Paz Goldfarb

Montclair State University

Three principles for leadership in academia

Reflecting on her personal journey, Catherine Moran shares the key guidelines that have shaped her leadership as a woman in higher education in times of change

Catherine Moran

University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha

black female professor working in the library

Effective levers to foster women – specifically women of colour – into leadership roles

Gender and race disparities persist in leadership roles within academic institutions. Here, Menah Pratt shares her advice on effective levers to foster women of colour into leadership roles

Menah Pratt

Virginia Tech

A woman shaking hands with her new employee

How to advance your academic career

Working in an industry that shapes the lives of future generations, it is crucial to ensure that your decisions positively impact students’ educational journeys and contribute to the overall growth and success of the institution, writes Arunima K V

Arunima K V

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

The tough road to leadership as a woman in higher education

Representation matters, writes Marcheta Evans. Here, she offers advice for institutions and educators about the life lessons they need to pass to female scholars (and one for men, too)

Marcheta P. Evans

Montclair State University

Advancing women in academia: geographical mobility and the path to success

Hypermobility has brought opportunities for career advancement in academia, but it comes with expectations and gender-based barriers, writes Lily Kong, especially when international events are focused on the Global North

Lily Kong

Singapore Management University

Get real about hiring people with disabilities

For too long ‘lived experience’ has been an inadequate requirement for jobs that make decisions for people with disabilities, and recruitment practices need to change, write Paul Harpur and Brooke Szücs

Paul Harpur, Brooke Szücs

The University of Queensland

How to face adversity and change in higher education with resilience

In times of stress and uncertainty, university leaders must model calmness, clarity and confidence in their ability to respond to and recover from challenges, writes Sonia Alvarez-Robinson. Here, she offers practical strategies based on her own experience

Sonia Alvarez-Robinson

Georgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities

Father with his child at a laptop working

Four ways to achieve a better work-life balance in academia

Switching off can be a considerable challenge for those working in higher education, even though it is essential for a work-life balance and well-being

Rushana Khusainova

The University of Bristol

When good enough is not enough

Back your own abilities and let your talents be seen, writes Verna Yiu. Here, she shares lessons from her own career journey on how women can increase opportunities for themselves and each other

Verna Yiu

University of Alberta

Female head of department speaking to her employees during a team meeting

I found my voice as a woman in academia; here’s how you can do the same

People want to know that you are competent. If you are not a capable pilot, no one is going to get on your plane, writes Veronica Hope Hailey

Veronica Hope Hailey

The University of Bristol

How to support your staff during personal crises

A little-discussed aspect of leadership is how to support faculty and staff during times of trouble. Here, Helen Norris offers advice for making space and effective communication

Helen Norris

Chapman University

How to get promoted from an adjunct to a permanent position

Transitioning from an adjunct to a permanent position requires a multifaceted approach that combines teaching excellence, professional development, networking and a clear demonstration of commitment to the institution’s mission, writes Shruthi J. Mayur

Shruthi J. Mayur

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Two office workers having a conversation

How to turn down a promotion without losing face

Being offered a promotion might be satisfying, but if it doesn’t align with your career goals, you should not feel obligated to accept the job, writes Shwetha Mudabagilu Krishnapp

Shwetha Mudabagilu Krishnapp

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

A team of white water rafters battle the rapids

Build yourself a life raft by establishing a strong mentor relationship

Mentorship can offer a place of stability amid the choppy waters of a new role. Ibiyemi Omeihe explains how to find your new guide

Ibiyemi Omeihe

University of the West of Scotland

Crossing time zones: developing a transnational professional development series

Co-creation with TNE partners allows both front-line educators and host institution opportunities for quality assurance and pathways to build communities of practice. Here, Dom Conroy and Santanu Vasant outline 11 steps to working with international partners

Dom Conroy, Santanu Vasant

London Metropolitan University

Three scientists in white coats converse in a laboratory

How to turn an average collaboration into a dream team

In this extract from ‘Scientific Collaboration’, Jeanne M. Fair advises scientists to hone the skill of collaboration for better research

Jeanne M. Fair

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Young black woman rubs temples at laptop, frustration

Strategies for cultivating academic resilience

In a career that will make you question everything, challenge and failure are tools for moving forward, writes Andrew Stapleton. Here, he offers techniques to build resilience after setbacks

Andrew Stapleton

Independent academic

How academics can ‘stay put’ without ‘staying still’

Moving universities for career advancement is a common practice in academia. But what happens if you want to remain in the same institution? Here, Doune Macdonald shares how to keep progressing into new roles and responsibilities

Doune Macdonald

The University of Queensland

A man with a backpack wanders along a jungle path

Researchers should harness the explorer’s spirit to find their career path

Lee Chien Ching shares advice to her younger self and other early career academics on forging your own path through the sometimes forbidding jungle of academia

Lee Chien Ching

Singapore Institute of Technology

Female academic on her laptop receiving news about a promotion to an academic administration role

How to make the move from academia to academic administration

Transitioning from academia to academic administration requires proactivity and a desire to learn. Here are some tips to help you prepare

N. N. Sharma

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

A group of policymakers discussing research

How to facilitate knowledge exchange and build trust with policymakers

Those seeking to create impact with their evidence should be ready to understand how public sector bodies make sense of the value of research, writes Julian Molina

Julian Molina

The University of Bristol

Conference presentations 101: master the art of speaking to an audience

Don’t get stage fright when it comes to presenting your research. Ayten Ordu offers her tips for preparing for speaking success

Ayten Ordu

Near East University

How to craft a compelling academic CV

Being able to condense your qualifications and achievements into an impactful academic CV is key to standing out as a researcher. Here, Ishwar Bhiradi offers advice on articulation, visual appeal and savvy AI integration to help you make a memorable first impression

Ishwar Bhiradi

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Why you should do a university staff mobility programme

Why you should do a staff mobility programme and how to set one up

Whether you participate in an exchange or a traineeship, mobility programmes offer teachers unparalleled growth, but there are obstacles universities should help staff overcome

Shelini Surendran, Paul Townsend

University of Surrey

How to work smarter, not harder in higher education

From effective delegation and tech integration to building networks and embracing self-care, here are some practical tips for academics seeking balance

K. V. Sriram

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

An illustration of trapeze artists in business suits, performing a catch

How to build trust as a research supervisor

Building trust is a crucial foundation of the supervisor-supervisee relationship. Kingsley Omeihe argues it’s a two-way process

Kingsley Omeihe

University of the West of Scotland

In-person events are still necessary

Should academics be travelling to events that could be done virtually? Drawing on her experiences at COP28, Denise Baden shares tips on how to make the most of these events – and why a chance to form alliances, learn from each other and share ideas for action make it worth being present

Denise Baden

University of Southampton

Campus interview: Mike Ibba of Chapman University on mentorship and the future of US science

In this video podcast Mike Ibba, dean of Schmid College of Science and Technology at Chapman University, talks about undergraduate research, what philosophers and scientists can learn from each other and the state of US federal funding for science and technology research

Mike Ibba

Chapman University

A woman interviews for a new job at a university

How to show you’re the best person for the job

Many applicants struggle to articulate their successes in their applications for a job, promotion or award. Harriet Dunbar-Morris is here to help you make your case

Harriet Dunbar-Morris

University of Buckingham

Enhancing negotiation skills: a step-by-step guide for graduate students

The art of job-offer discussions is a skill that will serve scholars throughout an academic career. Here is what to consider and what to say at each stage of the process

Gaeun (Gwenn) Seo

Georgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities

Conferences, TED talks and social media: the ultimate tools for academic profile building

Effective social media use and strategic networking can help you shape a distinctive personal brand as an academic. Padmakumar K offers some practical guidance on how to increase your reach

Padmakumar K

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

People having a meeting at work in front of a laptop

Prepare for promotion: how to develop a strategy for success

How can you ensure you have the best chances of success when applying for a promotion? Here are some tips from careers consultant Eleanor Hennige

Eleanor Hennige

The University of Edinburgh

It can be different: managing time, tasks and well-being in academia

Academic careers are often associated with long hours, overwhelming workload and burnout – but it doesn’t have to be that way. Understanding the nature of knowledge work can help, says Katrina McChesney

Katrina McChesney

University of Waikato

Maximise your research impact with these seven LinkedIn tips

LinkedIn works as a powerful tool for academics who want to share their research, yet self-promotion can be daunting. Here are seven tips to engage with other academics on the platform and define your brand

Rushana Khusainova, Hannah Robinson , Jacks Bennett

The University of Bristol

Black male job candidate in a wheelchair shaking hands with mature white woman

How to embed inclusive recruitment practices in a higher education setting

Hiring practices – from job posting to interview – are key to creating a diverse workforce. Here, Damien Page offers advice on how to drive university-wide inclusivity from the classroom to the community

Damien Page

Buckinghamshire New University

Five figures stand in a line, each wearing an outfit relating to a profession

Leverage careers educators’ academic expertise to improve careers education

Careers-focused learning can benefit when careers educators bring their academic expertise into the equation. Anna Branford and Luella Leon of RMIT explain how

Anna Branford , Luella Leon

RMIT University

Hone the story of your career to make a case for promotion

Reflecting on achievements, considering broader impacts and shaping a narrative that resonates can help you craft a compelling career story that enhances your chances of promotion

Eleonora Pantano, Rachael Lamb

The University of Bristol

More people should be promoted through teaching pathways

It’s time to fully support promotions on the education pathway

Specialist teaching roles such as librarians and learning designers may not map perfectly on to criteria for professorial posts, but they make significant contributions to the student experience and should be rewarded as such, argues Harriet Dunbar-Morris

Harriet Dunbar-Morris

University of Buckingham

An illustration of twelve people using megaphones

Get the word out: four ways to communicate with non-academic audiences

Sharing scientific research with the wider public can be instrumental in breaking down the barriers to academic work. Ashleigh Johnstone offers advice

Ashleigh Johnstone

Arden University

A child in an oversized suit jacket and yellow tie displays a wad of cash

The ‘above average’ illusion: tackling overconfidence in the classroom

Overconfidence among business graduates can result in costly personal and professional mistakes. Ekaterina Ipatova proposes a new approach

Ekaterina Ipatova

University of Roehampton

How to engage your staff in just 15 minutes

You need to get updates and other messages to faculty and staff, but they don’t have much time for internal communications. Here, Kelly Hibbs offers tips to reach a busy audience in a quick, engaging, accessible way

Kelly Hibbs

University of Southampton

Don’t keep your distance learners at a distance

Tailored communication, supervision and technology can give distance-learning postgraduate researchers the same sense of belonging as their on-campus counterparts. Here, Richard Thomas offers ways to close the gap

Richard Thomas

University of Leicester

Make universities disability-inclusive, part two: co-creation, workloads and promotion processes

Institutions can become more accessible by co-creating or consulting on their university strategies and strategic changes. Other ways include managing student and staff workloads and making promotion processes more equitable

Meredith Wilkinson

De Montfort University

Managing professional jealousy: navigating challenges and fostering growth

Self-awareness, self-improvement, gratitude, open communication and a growth mindset can help you tackle inevitable encounters with jealousy constructively and create a more positive, supportive work environment in the process

Tariq Al-Musawi

Al-Mustaqbal University

How to help postdocs take a holistic look at career choices

After their terminal degrees, many postdocs find themselves at a career crossroads. Here, Karena Nguyen offers four key considerations across background, skills, values and interests to help determine what’s next

Karena Nguyen

Georgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities

Why get a PhD by publication (and other career tips)

Finding the ‘golden thread’ in your academic path can offer an opportunity to reflect and grow, writes James Derounian

James Derounian

University of Bolton

Advice for university staff on working successfully with HR

How can faculty ensure that all the touch points they have with human resources within their employee lifecycle are efficient, transparent and the best experience they can be?

Lisa Smith

University of Southampton

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