Marie Curie Conference: MC 2 Putting the knowledge based society into practice Future for research(er) careers Dr Janet Metcalfe, UK GRAD Programme

PhD: a preparation for a research career? ‘More? Or less? PhDs do not prepare people adequately for careers in business or academia –in particular, there is insufficient access to training in interpersonal and communication skills, management and commercial awareness Sir Gareth Roberts, SET for Success, 2001

Less than a preparation for a research career Study: PhD career paths 6-8 years on [50% private sector / 35% academia / 15% public sector] Skills that could have been given more emphasis: –project management: 32% (24%) –leadership: 23% (14%) –financial management 23% (18%) –time management: 21% (19%) –teamwork and communication: 19% –organisation and planning (13%)

More than a preparation for a research career... As well as their technical skills and knowledge... An ability to work autonomously Independence of thought Research trained intellect Problem solving skills Communication skills Ability to manage upwards Experience of teaching/coaching A high level of maturity

Improving the employability of researchers Employability is different from employment Being employed means having a job Being employable means having the qualities for maintaining employment, planning for progression and managing the next career step

Careers in research or researcher careers? Almost all astronomy PhD researchers want to achieve a career in astronomy 33% of astronomy PhD researchers achieve a postdoctoral position 20% achieve a career in astronomy in the medium term Unusual to get permanent appointment before 35-40, but no permanent post by 40, then unlikely to get one ‘Catch 22’ [Royal Astronomical Society report on careers in astronomy, 2006]

UK initiatives to improve researchers’ employability UK GRAD Programme - self awareness & empowerment UKHERD - supporting research staff development Roberts’ recommendations (SET for Success) –skills and career development RCUK Joint Skills Statement - skills and competencies QAA Code of Practice for research degrees Continued professional development –personal development planning & learning needs analysis

Recommendations to improve the employability of researchers National bodies –Implement the European Charter and code for Researchers Universities –Recognise the PhD as a ‘programme’ of study and inform all of the responsibilities of the university, supervisors and ESRs –Provide training for supervisors/PIs –Take responsibility for ensuring the ‘employability’ of ECRs –Introduce a ‘mentor’ system for ECRs MCFA event, Euroscience Forum

Recommendations to improve the employability of researchers Academics –Agree ‘terms of engagement’ with ECRs –Recognise the need for continued professional development Researchers –Take personal responsibility for your development –Create and use your collective voice “Never doubt that a small group of committed individuals can change the world - In fact it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead, Anthropologist