What is an academic career in Psychology?

Dr Matthew Coxon

1. To reflect on the challenges of an academic career in Psychology;

2. To share hints and tips on handling these challenges.

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Aims of this workshop

Grab a postcard and write down:

A.Something you complain about often

B.Something you hear others complain about

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Whinging time!

Admin

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A balancing act of wants/needs…

Teaching

Research

Three core parts to any academic job

Balancing these is a key feature of an academic career

How they are balanced affects your career path

Rapidly changing landscape/climate of crisis

Precarious opportunities and limited funding

Normalisation of stress and overload

Personalisation of professional success and failure

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…in a challenging climate and culture.

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Handling these challenges

On a piece of paper write down:

1. Something you do to handle these challenges;

2. Something other people do to handle these challenges.

• Do one big job before you open your e-mail;

• Turn your e-mail off each time you have checked it;

• Only plan 50% of your day;

• Leave 24hrs before agreeing to something new;

• Carry a list around with you of your main responsibilities (for impromptu negotiations);

• Good enough is good enough;

• And, always make the time to thank, encourage and congratulate colleagues. 7

Matt’s top tips (well, just tips)