Is academia a career option for me?
"Is academia a career option for me?" This was the question in delegates’ minds when they came to "Richness in Diversity: Academic Careers in STEM", a one-day conference held at Swansea University aimed at inspiring early career researchers.
Dr Jennifer Rudd and Dr Louise Hamdy, supported by Swansea University’s College of Engineering, organised a one-day conference to inspire and support early career researchers seeking a career in academia. Approximately 70 men and women attended, the majority of whom were PhD students and post-doctoral researchers. The day featured a diverse group of speakers and was divided into three different sections, supported by panel and group discussions.
"An academic journey" featured lecturers and professors describing their career path and how their family responsibilities had helped and/or hindered their careers. "How can I become an academic?" included a talk from HR about application and promotion procedures – including some useful tips. The final session, "An academic career on the edge of academia" showcased the flexibility of an academic career, and demonstrated that there’s no standard academic position. In between sessions delegates engaged with the speakers over refreshments, making important new connections and networking amongst their peers.
The event was a huge success, with many delegates saying, "We need more of these kinds of opportunities". Delegates were inspired by hearing from senior academics, particularly Professor Shareen Doak, Professor in the College of Medicine, Swansea University, who spoke honestly about how her caring responsibilities in the early stages of her academic career had provided unique challenges.
Delegates were also enthused by Dr Ruth Hopkins, lecturer in the College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University. Ruth grew up in a mixed-race family in London and started her career cleaning fatbergs in sewers. She described how she overcame barriers to her career progression through steely determination, commuting far and frequently to balance her work, studies and family commitments. "Dr Hopkins particularly inspired me," one delegate remarked, "her background was just like mine".
Professor Tom Welton, Professor in the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, delivered a highly entertaining yet especially candid talk on Imposter Syndrome, a 'must hear' for every early career academic. Tom emphasised that rejection is par for the course in an academic's career, but success will follow with persistence. "I’m surprised that anyone can be rejected 11 times", one delegate mused, "but if a professor can fail then maybe it’s ok if I do". The willingness of the speakers to share the pinnacles and pitfalls of their careers provided delegates with a realistic overview of what they may face, whilst reassuring them that success is theirs to be had.
Diversity was also celebrated through showcasing the various different career pathways that were represented. Miss Xiaojun Yin, senior lecturer in Engineering, Swansea University, talked about her industrial background and how her Chartered Engineer status and degree in teaching led her to her current lectureship, a position typically requiring a PhD qualification.
Dr James Holness, Associate Professor in Engineering, Swansea University, gave an interesting talk on how his career evolved, from obtaining a PhD and working in industry to becoming director of international collaborations within engineering and teaching in the areas of entrepreneurship, project management and personal development. Delegates were surprised to learn how much freedom most academics have to follow their own interests, and how they are able to carve their own path forward in careers doing what they believe in.
The day was a highly valuable experience to everyone involved, with even senior faculty coming away feeling inspired. "It’s good to confirm that I’m in the right career", said one speaker.
The effect of the event will be felt long after the last sandwich was cleared away. It helped raise the profile of female and BAME representatives at Swansea University and demonstrated that there is no standard career pathway into or within academia! The final message of the day came from Professor Tom Welton; "Do what makes you happy," and we hope that all the conference delegates will follow his advice in the future.
We would like to thank the Royal Society of Chemistry for funding through their Inclusivity and Diversity Grant. We would also like to thank Gabrielle Orbaek-White for facilitating the panel discussions and shaping the event, and Katie Hebborn for all of her work behind the scenes before and during the conference.
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