Choosing to stay on a career path within academia is not an easy decision, especially if you are not equipped with the right information. On March 11, 2024, the KSB Career Services Office held a seminar to enlighten graduate students about potential career pathways within the field.
Again, the program sought to equip students with practical insights and steps to enhance their value to prospective employers in the academic environment, i.e: research paper writing/ rules applied, academic-related job search and applications , networking in the academic space and building employable and transferable skills.
Here are key takeaways from the training:
- Clarify Your Goals
Define your career aspirations within academia. Determine if your goal is to secure a tenured position, focus on research roles, pursue administrative positions, or seek a blend of academia and industry.
- Develop a Strong Research Profile
Publish your work in reputable journals and attend conferences within your field. Aim for high-impact publications and actively seek collaborations with other researchers.
- Seek Mentorship
Identify mentors who can provide guidance and support you throughout your academic journey. Mentors can offer valuable advice on career decisions, research projects and navigating the academic landscape.
- Invest in Continuous Learning
Stay updated with the latest developments in your field through continuous learning and professional development activities. Attend workshops, online courses, and seminars to enhance your skills and knowledge.
- Balance Teaching, Research, and Service
Strive for a balance between teaching, research, and service responsibilities. Allocate time effectively to excel in each area while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
- Seek Funding Opportunities
Apply for grants, fellowships, and research funding to support your projects and advance your career. Securing external funding enhances your research profile and demonstrates your ability to secure resources for your work.
- Collaborate and Engage in Interdisciplinary Work
Collaborate with researchers from diverse disciplines to broaden your perspective and explore interdisciplinary research opportunities. Interdisciplinary collaborations can lead to innovative research projects and expand your professional network.
- Develop Leadership Skills
Take on leadership roles within academic committees, professional organizations, or research projects. Developing leadership skills demonstrates your ability to manage teams, make strategic decisions, and drive initiatives forward.
- Adapt to Change
Embrace change and be adaptable to new methodologies, technologies, and trends in academia. Flexibility and openness to change are essential for staying relevant and thriving in a dynamic academic environment.
- Promote Your Work
Communicate your research findings effectively through presentations, publications, and social media platforms. Build a strong online presence to increase visibility and reach a wider audience within and beyond academia.
- Prioritize Self-Care
Take care of your physical and mental well-being to sustain long-term success in academia. Prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, mindfulness, and hobbies to manage stress and maintain resilience.
About the Facilitators
Elizabeth Agyeiwaah, PhD, is a lecturer at the University of Queensland Business School and a senior research associate at the School of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Dominic Essuman, PhD, is a Lecturer in Sustainable Management at the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, a research faculty member at CARISCA, and a research associate at the Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Both speakers are academic professionals who had their careers begin right from KNUST and currently have their profession booming across other parts of the world.
For more information, contact the office at careerservices@carisca.knust.edu.gh or call 0544754076
