Goal setting
Specialising in a field
Some researchers find that they become very passionate about a particular field of study. A researcher may be committed to continuing to work and study in their field of endeavour. The market for skills in that area can be narrow, so that employment opportunities in a particular city may be limited. Some factors to consider:
- The need to consider interstate and overseas travel as part of your career planning.
- The need to develop strong networks throughout your studies. Attending conferences, publishing papers and becoming involved in professional bodies are key act ivies to support these networks.
- University networks will be particularly important. Maintaining a high profile within your school through teaching and other activities can play an important part in developing networks to support your career.
- There may be a need to rely on grants for your employment so you may need to regularly apply to keep funding for your work.
- Understand the range of employment options in your field of endeavour. That is, industry research, academia/teaching, government and NGO research, entrepreneurial activity.
Career options
Some researchers are committed to the wide range of skills they develop through their studies and are keen to transfer these skills to a potentially wide range of career options. Some factors to consider:
- The importance of clearly identifying the transferable skills that have been developed through your research.
- The need to develop an understanding of your own career goals by asking questions like "what would I like to be doing in five years time?" and "what do I have to do to get there?"
- Understanding he range of industries and employment options which provide a good match for your skills and interests.
- Having a strategy for marketing the skills and abilities you have developed through your research.
- Understanding the ways in which your research connects with and adds to the skills you have from prior employment and life experiences.
- Developing your research in a way that supports your career goals. That is, presenting papers to relevant journals, networking through professional associations, joining industry working parties or reviews.
Job application
Other resources
Networking in the research community
Research Education Support Activities (RESA)