Take an honest look at your skills. - What are your skills?
- Where is the evidence that you have applied them successfully?
- How have you developed them?
- Can you identify any gaps - skills that need development?
Once you have done this, you can examine how to make the most of the skills you already have and develop those you need. A skills checklist will help you with this exercise. See action plan. There are many opportunities available, through your own department and more widely, to supplement your experience of being a PhD student. Play an active, diverse role rather than focus on a single minded pursuit of your research alone. Skills training for PhDsMost universities now have a programme of training that is offered to PhD students. At its best it includes training specifically related to your research, such as: - research techniques;
- writing research papers;
- making technical presentations;
- issues related to patents.
It may also address other areas, such as: - assertiveness,
- time management,
- negotiating,
- effective communication
- project management.
Some of this training is provided through the Vitae, which organises both national and local events. In HE institutions it is usually provided through the Graduate School and amounts to about two weeks of training every year. The UK Grad Programme operates nationally and through a network of six regional hubs, offering a wide range of interactive events designed specifically for research students to support personal development and teamwork skills. Activities include national and local Grad schools lasting between one and five days focusing on case studies, skills development and career management sessions, plus shorter Grad courses from one hour to two days, often designed to meet the needs of the institution. ‘Careers in Focus’ events cover specific employment sectors and workshops where you can join in online, ideal for students out on fieldwork or based in small departments. In 2008, the programme is being reassessed and new developments are expected, so keep up to date by checking the UK Grad Programme website for details. back to top Demonstrating/teachingIn teaching departments, research students are essential in supporting undergraduates. In addition to the obvious benefit of earning you some money, demonstrating and teaching will develop your people management skills, particularly through assessing learning and giving effective feedback. Teaching also develops your ability to talk about your subject area to a different group, which will improve your communication skills and prepare you well for discussing your research with a range of people at interviews. back to top CommitteesAll academic departments and institutions have committees with student representation to address issues such as teaching, research and student welfare. In addition to developing your communication and negotiating skills, participation will give you a broader view of the way in which your department is managed - a useful insight if you intend to stay in academia. It can also be a good way to learn about the structure and nature of formal meetings and may even serve as a mechanism for changing the way research students are treated or perceived in your department. back to top Supervising researchIncreasing pressure on academics and more senior researchers has led to many research students being given responsibility for the day-to-day supervision of students (at undergraduate and Masters level) on research projects. This presents an opportunity to learn how to manage research effectively, to develop effective research skills in others and to develop your own skills in providing advice and encouragement. back to top ConferencesResearch conferences are not just a series of lectures and a chance to browse the work of other researchers. They are the primary mechanism for the research community to meet, make new contacts, develop potential collaborations and improve understanding of the context of research. If you are planning a career related to the research you have done for your PhD, conferences are an opportunity to meet potential employers or at least talk to people who are working in different research environments. Don’t waste the opportunity to impress them, learn more about their work and take away valuable networking contacts. back to top In the professionWhatever the nature of your research, there is likely to be a relevant professional body or learned society offering support and information to researchers in the field. It is worth investigating the professional body most relevant to your studies if you intend to build your career in research or a related area. In addition to your PhD, you may be able to begin assessment towards professional membership, which will require you to demonstrate your professional skills as well as knowledge. Many professional bodies offer assistance to young researchers, either through financial support for travelling to special events or conferences, or through bursaries for relevant events. back to top In the workplaceThere are several ways to gain genuine insight into a career or particular employer. The best is to spend some time in their working environment. Your research may involve spending time (often months) in a different setting related to your funding. You can use this opportunity to investigate the career paths of other researchers or to gain insight into other opportunities. If your studies don’t include a placement and you don’t have time for other part-time work, you can still talk to potential employers or visit them to get more information about specific careers of interest to you. Many university careers services and alumni offices have databases of alumni or local contacts who are willing to discuss their work. Some may even be ready to offer work shadowing for a half or full day. back to top At the Students’ UnionAs an undergraduate you may have been involved with student societies or voluntary work. These often provide excellent opportunities for skills development and there is no reason why you cannot continue these activities while working towards your PhD. Research students are often able to make a far greater contribution than undergraduates because they offer continuity from year to year and may already have several years’ experience at the university. Depending on the nature of the society you are involved in, you may develop skills in organisation, communication, chairing meetings or taking minutes, marketing the society to students, negotiating sponsorship or managing the finances. Your involvement may even help you to make the transition into a career. Effective time management may be needed to fit these activities into a busy life and most employers look for well-rounded applicants who have interests beyond their research.
| 
