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Careers advice for the clueless

Kit-Cat Club

15:13 / 18.10.05

Hello chaps,

I hope this thread will be used by other people also looking for careers advice, but here is my current problem:

I am a part-time research student (working admin the other half of the time and doing lots of extra private research work to get extra money). I want to pursue the academic route and am pretty desperate to start getting teaching experience. How do I do this? (Bearing in mind that my time is already over-stretched - ideally I would be able to chuck some of my paid work in favour of a little teaching...) Should I ask my supervisors straight out? Netowrk desperately at seminars? I don't have any experience so direct approaches to departments are unlikely to work. Oh, and to compound the difficulty, my institution is postgraduate only (but a member of the wider University of London).

I would be v grateful for any advice. Thank you!

pointless & uncalled for

15:37 / 18.10.05

Ask your supervisors first.

Regardless of whatever the answer will be its a matter of basic courtesy. You don't really want any surprise revalations coming back to bite you on the ass.

Secondly they'll be able to advise you as to where you stand within the institution and options available to you from them. They should be willing to do this unless they are small-minded and petty control freaks. even if they can't offer you anything they might well have some suggestions.

Kit-Cat Club

15:49 / 18.10.05

You are right, I know it really; I'm just worried they'll think a) it's too early for me to be worrying about that sort of thing; and b) that I have too much to do already, which is true, but I am just very concerned that time is passing me by and I need to GET ON WITH THINGS or I will be overtaken.

I think I am suffering pangs of envy because of younger, more successful people in my institution. Might start a new thread on envy...

17:15 / 18.10.05

If they do think a) or b), the worst that will happen is that they'll tell you they think a) or b), and probably commend your enthusiasm and drive.

Tim Tempest

17:42 / 18.10.05

grateful for any advice

Stay in school.

Thank you!

No sweat.

Kit-Cat Club

17:51 / 18.10.05

I meant advice from people who had an inkling what I was talking about and could respond sensibly, actually...

(thanks id entity - I am over-processing as usual I think - terrible ANGST)

Quantum

18:34 / 18.10.05

"I don't have any experience so direct approaches to departments are unlikely to work."

Try anyway. At least you'll get known, show you're keen and leave your details with them- that way next time (or if...) they need someone you'll be first in line. The easier you make it for them the better. Over 60% of jobs are never advertised, academia isn't that different, if your CV email hits at the right time you're in, if not, what've you lost? A few minutes effort.

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