From student support services to marketing and recruitment… …and from fundraising to human resources, the Higher Education sector requires a wealth of expertise and experience from professionals across different areas of work. Typically, when people think of working in the higher education sector, they are likely to visualise roles that relate directly to academia, teaching,…>
Written by Clare Hall
Clare Hall (née Pitkin) has been working in the UK Higher Education sector for over ten years, including with students' unions, university careers services, as well as conducting research on graduate employability and race equality in HE for the University of Birmingham. Clare completed her MA in Education Studies in 2019, with a research focus on employability in the curriculum. She has recently developed an online employability award programme for students at the University of Portsmouth, where she has also been working in information advice and guidance for eight years. Clare has regularly contributed to online careers advice content, developed workshops to enhance employability skills and prospects, and has contributed to academic journal articles.
How do I write a supporting statement for my application?
What is a supporting statement? Increasingly job application processes require candidates to complete a section which can outline both their motivation to apply and their suitability for the role. This might appear as an open text box on an online application form where you can populate your response to a specific instruction or question. For…>
Moving to the UK checklist
The United Kingdom, steeped in history and culture, as well as being home to high-quality universities and research opportunities is an appealing option as a prospective PhD candidate or established academic coming from abroad. However, before you make the move to the UK for either study or work purposes, there will be several considerations. Review…>
How long is a PhD?
There are many reasons why you might choose to embark on a PhD. For instance, you might be keen to secure a teaching role with a UK Higher Education Institution, where a Doctoral level qualification is typically a prerequisite; you might be looking to pursue a career in research; or you might be keen to…>
How can I get into teaching?
Teachers are in high demand in the UK If you are a recent graduate exploring potential career opportunities, teaching can offer a rewarding and fulfilling career option for many individuals. Whilst the labour market in the UK will see variations in the demand for different skills and qualification levels – and therefore job roles –…>
Managing your autocratic manager
There will be advantages and disadvantages to having an autocratic manager with a different approach to leadership… …but for some employees working under a colleague with an autocratic style can feel limiting and, at times, frustrating. This leadership style is typically characterised by the individual in the authority role making decisions based on their own…>
Managing your disorganised manager
Do you have a disorganised manager? It is fair to say that across anyone’s employment history they will face periods of overwhelm in the workplace, especially when managing multiple tasks, projects, and individuals, coupled with high pressure – as is typical in a management position. However, some managers will have more effective strategies for dealing…>
Managing a hands-off manager
Is your manager a ‘hands-off manager’? There will always be pros and cons to having a supervisor or manager with a different approach to leadership, but for some employees having a ‘hands-off’ or ‘laissez-faire’ manager who offers limited direction and who might not always be forthcoming in their feedback can pose a challenge. Managers who…>
How to write a PhD research proposal
When is a PhD research proposal needed? Getting your application underway to secure a place on a PhD or research master’s programme may seem daunting, but we have put together this dedicated guide on the key information to consider and content to develop. When exploring your options to undertake a research-focused degree at postgraduate level,…>
How to Write a Cover Letter for PhD Applications
What is a PhD cover letter? Many institutions opt to incorporate a cover letter as part of their application process, which is likely to be accompanied by an academic CV. Whilst your CV will offer an overview of your range of qualifications, experience, and skills, your cover letter provides a specific opportunity to discuss your…>