Careers in Your Ears

In this short episode, Careers Consultants for Researchers at King's College London (KCL) discuss what action can be taken in these uncertain times and share with listeners how to access support through new online careers lounges for PhDs and Research Staff at KCL and this new series of the podcast. Online appointments and webinars are being offered as normal. Find out more about our support for researchers here: https://keats.kcl.ac.uk/mod/page/view.php?id=2932966 Follow us on Twitter @kcldo1thing

Today’s joint episode with Researc/hers Code, is the second part of a conversation we had at the end of 2019, with Ella Fitzsimmons, Charlotte Fereday and Chloe Tartan, who each have PhDs in different backgrounds (religious studies, language and linguistics and photonics respectively!)  and are now working in tech roles. In this episode, they talk to Victoria Carr from Researc/hers Code about their thoughts on diversity in the tech sector, barriers they faced, factors which attracted them to the sector and finally, top tips for researchers wanting to go into tech roles. Please get in touch with us @kcldo1thing if you have ideas/thoughts about people we could interview for the podcast, or topics you would like us to cover.

Today’s joint episode with Researc/hers Code, is the first part of a conversation we had with Ella Fitzsimmons, Charlotte Fereday and Chloe Tartan, who each have PhDs in different backgrounds (religious studies, language and linguistics and photonics respectively!)  and are now working in tech roles. They talk to Victoria Carr from Researc/hers Code about their journey from academia to their current job, what they’ve taken from that academic experience into the tech space and what’s surprised them about this new sector. Join us in the new year for the 2nd part of this conversation which focuses on diversity, barriers faced and top tips for researchers wanting to go into tech roles.

Emma Davenport teaches Critical and Contextual Studies for the Design department at The Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture and Design, part of London Metropolitan University. She researches what people wear at work with a particular interest in academic dress. In this episode we explore how academics dress at work, crossing academic disciplines and establishing a career in a highly competitive labour market.

Nick Lynn, Senior Director at Willis Towers Watson, expertly transitioned from a Geography lecturer to an Employee Engagement Consultant. He discusses the evolving landscape of work and emphasizes the growing importance of research skills in business. Nick shares insights into fostering employee motivation and the pivotal role of feedback. He also reveals the daily challenges of consultancy, highlighting innovation and collaboration as keys to success. Listeners gain a fresh perspective on how academic backgrounds can enhance skills sought in the corporate world.

Kai is a senior lecturer at the Manchester School of Art, at Manchester Metropolitan University and was previously a research fellow at King's College London. She also has a very successful career as an artist. In this episode she tells us about how her skills and experiences as an academic and an artist have led her to her current role. We also explore equality, inclusion and neurodiversity in academic life and the importance of being yourself in job interviews. Apologies for the sound quality. This episode was recorded online and there is some background noise and distortion.

What does it mean to work in health policy?  What does a policy researcher do day to day?  And, if your research has been in one topic, how do you transition into another area?  Listen to this short podcast where Kate Murray talks with Dr Deborah Fenney from The King’s Fund and find out more about being a research ‘geek’.  We’re always interested to hear from our listeners: get in touch if you have any ideas of who you’d like us to interview or specific questions you’d like us to ask people.  Tweet @kcldo1thing or email careers@kcl.ac.uk.

This bonus episode was taken from our live recording at the Vitae International Researcher Development Conference earlier this month, where we led a Special Interest Session along with KCL’s post-grad student led 'Postdocalypse' podcast! This episode concerns how to get researchers’ voices heard and other reasons why we set up our podcasts. We have a few tips and advice for setting up podcasts, and some audience questions too. Enjoy! Postdocalypse podcast link: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/postdocalypse-kings-college-london-health-sciences/id1369174654?mt=2 Vitae - supports the professional development of researchers: www.vitae.ac.uk/ 

Stephanie Arnold, a Senior Scientist at AstraZeneca specializing in oncology, shares her journey from PhD student to industry professional. She discusses the pivotal role of engagement in activities like committee roles and mentoring, which guided her career decisions. The conversation touches on the balance of PhD responsibilities with leadership, the importance of networking, and proactive career planning. Arnold emphasizes aligning personal preferences with career paths and highlights practical strategies for PhD students navigating their futures.

Vicki Tipton talks with Craig Dooley, KCL's E-Learning Development Advisor in the Centre for Doctoral Studies. In this edition of Careers in Your Ears, Craig and Vicki focus on part time and remote PhD students. How do they manage their career thinking and planning with everything they already have to juggle? What support is available at King's to help part time and remote PhD students.  Information for King's PhD Students and Research staff on how to book an appointment and links to resources:  https://www.kcl.ac.uk/campuslife/services/careers/Current-Students/Researchers