Standing out from the crowd
In the competitive world of academia and beyond, it is important to make sure that you stand out from all the other researchers out there in order to get the best opportunities in your careers. This is partly about doing really good research, networking, telling people you are doing good research and taking advantage of relevant training. However, this is what the majority of other researchers will be doing so what can you do to make yourself stand out? Here are some ideas:
- Becoming a RS representative can help you to develop skills such as teamwork, communication, organisation and will give you opportunities to learn more about how the University works, come into contact with key University leaders and fellow research staff in other departments. Many former reps have told us how much being a rep helped them with their career.
- Organise a project or event in your department. The Research Staff Project Fund can provide funding for you to organise an event in your department.
- The Institute for Advanced Studies can help with funding for you to run a postdoctoral interdisciplinary event.
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Public engagement activities can be enjoyable and rewarding; exploring the wider impact of your research can re-inspire you and listening to the ideas of non-specialists can make you think about your research in different ways, helping you to come up with different and innovative ideas.
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Researchers in Residence is a scheme whereby researchers are placed in schools to talk about their work to the mutual benefit of both the school children and the researcher. Rhian Power is the regional co-ordinator for Wales and the South West of England for this nationwide scheme and acts as liaison between secondary schools and researchers. You will need to register your interest on the RinR website. Or, for further details, contact Rhian.
- Read about Public Engagement that other staff members are taking part in.
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- Also see Public engagement mentioned in the RCUK Expectations for Societal and Economic Impact (Pdf 25.1kB) - a document outlining what they expect of researchers who they fund - and articles in the Times Higher Education magazine. More information on RCUK's public engagement activities are also available.
- Volunteering can help to develop transferable skills and demonstrates citizenship. The Centre for Public Engagement has collected together some volunteering case studies.
- World Universities Network Research Mobility Programme offers postgraduate research students and research staff the opportunity to spend a period of time carrying out research overseas at one of our WUN partners. In addition to building links for your department and the university, a large part of the scheme is aimed at career development as well as networking.