What is an academic career in Psychology? Dr Matthew Coxon

What is an academic career in Psychology?

Dr Matthew Coxon

1. To reflect on the challenges of an academic career in Psychology;

2. To share hints and tips on handling these challenges.

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Aims of this workshop

Grab a postcard and write down:

A.Something you complain about often

B.Something you hear others complain about

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Whinging time!

Admin

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A balancing act of wants/needs…

Teaching

Research

Three core parts to any academic job

Balancing these is a key feature of an academic career

How they are balanced affects your career path

Rapidly changing landscape/climate of crisis

Precarious opportunities and limited funding

Normalisation of stress and overload

Personalisation of professional success and failure

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…in a challenging climate and culture.

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Handling these challenges

On a piece of paper write down:

1. Something you do to handle these challenges;

2. Something other people do to handle these challenges.

• Do one big job before you open your e-mail;

• Turn your e-mail off each time you have checked it;

• Only plan 50% of your day;

• Leave 24hrs before agreeing to something new;

• Carry a list around with you of your main responsibilities (for impromptu negotiations);

• Good enough is good enough;

• And, always make the time to thank, encourage and congratulate colleagues. 7

Matt’s top tips (well, just tips)