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)