Only ~10% of early career academics have a formal career development plan. Be part of that 10%.
Nearly 80% of early career academics have considered a career change in the past 5 years. This face‑to‑face workshop gives early‑career academics the structure, tools, and confidence to write a personalised career development plan that supports their research and teaching ambitions while covering their broader personal growth. It is about being intentional with your career skill development, building resilience and adaptability to ensure employability in a complex, competitive and changing higher education landscape.
What You Will Learn
How self‑awareness, opportunity awareness, networks & relationships, decision‑making skills, and transversal skills shape career success.
About modern academic working identity and how our personal working identities are influenced by our motivations, choices and impact our career direction.
How to identify gaps in your current skillset and map them to future career goals.
The importance of building strong networks and social capital to support your career progression.
How to set meaningful goals that align with your values, strengths, and research vision.
What You Will Do
Map your strengths, values, motivations, and working preferences using guided reflective exercises.
Craft a personal mission statement that captures who you are and the impact you want to make.
Complete a skills self‑assessment focused on both academic and transferrable skills.
Conduct a rapid critical review of your current network - identify mentors, sponsors, collaborators, and community connections.
Plan to sense‑check your goals with mentors and peers.
You’ll leave with a draft of your personalised career development plan, including research goals, skill‑building goals, networking goals, and a plan to keep yourself accountable to achieve your goals.
Who This Workshop Is For
Early career academics seeking clarity, direction, or momentum who want to become more intentional with their career development. Anyone feeling unsure about their next steps and wanting a structured, supportive environment to reflect and plan on their career goals.
Why It Matters
Academic careers are increasingly competitive, non‑linear, and shaped by factors beyond research excellence alone. For many early career academics career planning or role transitions reveal gaps in identity, motivation, networks, or transferable skills that limit their options or confidence. A well‑designed career development plan helps you:
Make informed decisions rather than reactive ones.
Build the skills and relationships that support long‑term success.
Align your work with your values, strengths, and aspirations.
Navigate transitions with clarity and agency.
Create a sustainable, fulfilling academic life - on your own terms.
Please note:
The venue is TBC but will be located centrally in the Melbourne CBD near to public transport.
To keep ticket costs down, this event is not catered.