The Researchers' Writing Podcast Episode 15 - How academics can secure university funding for professional development
Jan 26, 2025
28:21
Many academics don’t have to pay for professional development out of pocket. But that is often not advertised. In my experience, there is often a lot more “hidden” funding available than we first think.
This podcast episode is about getting funding for a professional development opportunity, for example for taking a writing course or program such as the Researchers’ Writing Academy.
Remember that it is in your institution’s interest that you develop your professional skills such as academic writing because you being able to write well and fast will likely translate into publishing a lot of quality papers and having productive academic staff is in your institution’s interest. In other words, paying for a highly effective program is a profitable investment for your employer.
You still have to make the ask though! So let me guide you through our proven 5-step process to secure professional development funding from your institution.
Timestamps:
(01:05) What you should know about professional development funding
(03:30) Identifying possible sponsors
(05:47) Send an email
(08:35) Pitch the professional development funding opportunity in person
(12:10) How to make the ask - the pitch template
(19:35) Common objections you’ll hear and how to respond
(24:00) Follow up by email
(25:20) Repeat and get that funding!
Podcast host: Anna Clemens, PhD
Video and audio editing: Jason Rivera
And when you are ready to invest into acquiring the skill of writing papers for top-tier journals time-efficiently, then the best first step is to check out my 1-hour free writing training: researcherswritingpodcast.com/free.
This podcast episode is about getting funding for a professional development opportunity, for example for taking a writing course or program such as the Researchers’ Writing Academy.
Remember that it is in your institution’s interest that you develop your professional skills such as academic writing because you being able to write well and fast will likely translate into publishing a lot of quality papers and having productive academic staff is in your institution’s interest. In other words, paying for a highly effective program is a profitable investment for your employer.
You still have to make the ask though! So let me guide you through our proven 5-step process to secure professional development funding from your institution.
Timestamps:
(01:05) What you should know about professional development funding
(03:30) Identifying possible sponsors
(05:47) Send an email
(08:35) Pitch the professional development funding opportunity in person
(12:10) How to make the ask - the pitch template
(19:35) Common objections you’ll hear and how to respond
(24:00) Follow up by email
(25:20) Repeat and get that funding!
Podcast host: Anna Clemens, PhD
Video and audio editing: Jason Rivera
And when you are ready to invest into acquiring the skill of writing papers for top-tier journals time-efficiently, then the best first step is to check out my 1-hour free writing training: researcherswritingpodcast.com/free.