University ranking schemes are like stars – there are lots around, but we really only pay attention to the ones that are the brightest. And like stars, there are small number of ranking schemes that have a disproportionally large impact on our lives. For example – did you know some governments base funding decisions on […]
An Introduction to University Ranking Schemes
University ranking schemes are like stars – there are lots around, but we really only pay attention to the ones that are the brightest. And like stars, there are small number of ranking schemes that have a disproportionally large impact on our lives. For example – did you know some governments base funding decisions on […]
Setting up a Successful Partnership with Industry
It is one thing to find an industry partner – but how do you set up a successful partnership? How do you turn a good idea into something that works on paper and then works in real life? What parts are important to get right at the start, and what can be figured out as […]
How to Find Industry Partners
Industry partners are an essential part of academic research in the 21st century. If the moniker was “publish or perish” it is now “partner AND publish or perish”. But, where do you find these partners? Who are they? What if your research seems to not lend itself to industry partners?
Positioning Yourself as An Expert
Without doubt, academic researchers are experts in their field. But, in so many cases non-academics are selected as experts. Experts when it comes to talking to the media. Experts when it comes to acting on panels. Experts when it comes to consulting. So, if you’re interested in being positioned as an expert – how do […]
Finding a Mentor
A mentor should be someone who can show you the way through things. They may not have THE answer, but they probably have AN answer. A bit like a Sherpa helps people up mountains. They cannot climb the mountain for you, but they can give you the best advice and support about how to climb.
Three Things to Do to Develop Your Transferable Skills
There are lists all over the internet covering transferable skills. These are the skills that could be useful no matter what the industry or job you work in. Some lists are agnostic – e.g. skills of the future. Others are more specific to science or research.
Eleven Tips When Using Video Conferencing
No, I don’t want to see your dog! Video conferencing is all the rage at the moment. There’s nothing like a global pandemic to encourage use of technology that has been around for ages and should have been used more. From offices, to schools to universities everyone is jumping on the video conference bandwagon.
Five Things to Help You Manage a Distributed Team
If you’re like me, then COVID-19 has begun to impact your work, family, and social life in so many ways. From budget cuts due to low student numbers; to long lines at the supermarket for groceries; to hording toilet paper just in case; to longer school holidays; and of course working from home.
Another 13 Things to Help You Transition out of Academia
Another 13 things that help someone make the transition from academia to outside work. They aren’t in any order. Just listed and described as they popped into my head.