This interactive workshop has been designed to support academic (research and/or teaching) colleagues who are examining their future career options. Considering a move beyond traditional academia may feel difficult or overwhelming: whether you are actively exploring a change or simply reflecting on what you might want from the next stage of your career, this session will help you to better understand and articulate the strengths you have developed so far and how you can best play to your strengths in the future. 

Before the workshop, you will complete a Strengths Profile questionnaire and receive a personalised report. During the session, you will use these results to reflect on the work that energises you, the strengths you most enjoy using, and the capabilities you may wish to develop further in the future. 

Academic careers develop a broad range of transferable strengths and skills through activities such as research, teaching, leadership, collaboration, supervision, project management and influencing others. However, many academics find it difficult to recognise the full value of these capabilities or to explain them outside an academic context. Through a combination of individual reflection, pair activities and group discussion, this workshop will help you identify your strengths, explore what matters most to you in your future career, and consider a range of possible career directions. 

You will also have the opportunity to practise translating academic experience into language that can be understood and valued in a variety of professional contexts, helping you build confidence in communicating your experience and achievements. 

This workshop will be jointly delivered between the Learning and Development Team and the Careers and Employability Service. 

Learning outcomes 

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to: 

• Recognise and articulate the transferable strengths and capabilities developed through your academic career. 

• Use your Strengths Profile results to identify the types of work that energise and motivate you. 

• Reflect on what is most important to you in the next stage of your career. 

• Begin to explore a range of career possibilities aligned to your preferences and consider how you might take your planning further. 

• Translate academic achievements and experiences into language that is meaningful outside academia. 

• Create a personal action plan to support your ongoing career exploration and development. 

Important information 

This workshop is highly interactive and includes a variety of individual, pair and group activities. You will not be required to share anything you are uncomfortable discussing, but you will be encouraged to reflect on your experiences, strengths and future aspirations. 

Pre-work 

Before attending the workshop, you must complete a Strengths Profile questionnaire. You will receive access to the questionnaire in advance of the session. Once completed, please download and bring your Strengths Profile report with you, as you will need it to participate fully in the workshop activities.