IOE insights IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society

In this episode, hosts Dr Keri Wong and Dr Alina Pelikh dive into the particular and sometimes daunting process of job interviews within academia.

Let's face it, while we all aim to secure job interviews, the process itself can be a nerve-wracking experience. Keri and Alina share their personal experiences and insights, having been on both sides of the interview table.

What are the key differences between interviewing for academic positions and industry roles? In a world where remote interviews are becoming more common, how can you convey your enthusiasm and strengths effectively? Keri and Alina break down what you can expect in each scenario and offer practical tips for both formats to help their fellow early career academics shine.

We also asked our listeners to send in their most awkward interview questions. Join us for an enlightening discussion - your dream job might be just an interview away!

Finally, stay connected with the Academia et al. podcast series for future episodes filled with insights and tips for navigating the academic landscape. Subscribe, leave us a review, and share with your colleagues!

Full show notes: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2024/jul/how-do-i-get-next-job-start-these-steps-academia-et-al-s03e03

What changes would benefit the UK early years education system? And what’s it like dealing with government and parliament to make funding and policy changes possible?

Dr Claire Crawford’s research focuses on childcare and education and is particularly interested in understanding inequalities and how policy can help reduce these gaps. She also has a strong track record of high-impact research, including giving evidence to select committees on education, social mobility, and diversity and inclusion issues.

Full show notes and links: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2024/jul/improving-childcare-and-early-years-education-rftrw-s23e02

Is being a PhD researcher just a continuation of being a university student? No! This episode's guest, Dr. Jenny Chanfreau, shares advice on how to treat your PhD like a full-time job.

Drawing from her experience of embarking on a PhD after working at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), the UK's largest independent social research institute, Dr Chanfreau offers valuable insights.

Join hosts Alina and Keri as they and Jenny compare their journeys into PhD life, think about how to make the most of their new academic communities, and air some thoughts about the unique 'twilight' status of PhD researchers within universities - more professional than students but not quite fully-fledged staff - while discussing what universities can do to recognise and protect the contributions PhD researchers make to their department's operation.

And as you approach the end of your PhD, the big question arises: now what? The episode explores the challenges of job applications, potential visa stress for international scholars, and the skills needed to stay in academia. It also covers the importance of showcasing your research, exploring post-doctoral opportunities, and dealing with feedback or rejection - it can be emotional! The discussion includes how to process feedback constructively and the surprising usefulness of memes in navigating this journey.

Full show notes: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2024/jul/phd-z-what-can-i-do-maximise-my-phd-journey-academia-et-al-s03e02

The winners of elections in the UK and abroad need to ensure the right conditions are in place to allow cutting-edge ideas developed by experts in our universities to meet today’s policy challenges, and vice versa.

Dr Laura Outhwaite talks to our guests, Professors Marc Stears and Huw Morris about their approaches to undertaking research that informs policy, their experiences working across the academic/political divide, and what they’d do if they had a direct line to the next UK government.

Full show notes and links: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2024/jul/how-can-researchers-help-politicians-and-policymakers-do-their-jobs-better-rftrw-s23e01

Academia et al is back with three new episodes exploring life as an early career academic! Today we're thinking about how to use media engagement as a vehicle for making an impact.

Dr Alina Pelikh speaks to in-house media relations expert Chris Lane, who works in UCL's central press office team. We discuss the ins and outs of communicating research and expertise to the wider world via the media.

Where do the media headlines about research come from? As an early career researcher, how do I write for the media and bring my expertise to life in the minds of the public?

Full show notes: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2024/jun/why-engaging-media-phd-will-help-your-career-academia-et-al-s03e01

Transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/about-ioe/ioe-life/digital-and-social-media/podcasts/academia-et-al/transcript-academia-et-al-s03e01

Did you know that in 2024, more voters than ever in history will take part in elections across the world?

In this season of Research for the Real World, it’s all about how research evidence informs policy. How could we not cover it when we know that policies implemented by the winning parties will prove consequential for years to come, shaping the future of democracy around the world?

Guests:


Professor Marc Stears and Professor Huw Morris on how policymakers can meet the challenges of modern Britain
Dr Claire Crawford on what it's like providing evidence to government and the UK Parliament
Dr Ben Abrams on how modern societies have responded to the rise of populist governments.

More episodes of Research for the Real World: ⁠⁠bit.ly/researchfortherealworld⁠⁠The IOE Podcast: ⁠⁠bit.ly/ioepodcast⁠