Author: Jennifer Polk
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Changing the post-PhD success story
In this week’s post I wonder how to change the dominant narrative of career success after a PhD. I share anecdotes and reflect on my own experiences and judgments. Let me know what you think! This is such an important issue, and I’d love to hear what solutions you think might work, or how the…
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Priorites, values, strengths
Hi friends! I’ve been feeling a wee bit stressed lately, but I’m trying to let it go and get on with my life. Here’s my pep talk to myself. Maybe it can help you refocus your energies, too. There’s nothing I can do about what people think about me and my colleagues. Nothing. What I…
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Professional development
This week’s post over at University Affairs is all about professional development. Here’s the first paragraph: On Monday I finish a coaching class. This will be the second professional development course I’ve done since getting my PhD in 2012. Back then, I’d never thought I’d see another classroom ever again! And, it’s true, I haven’t:…
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Transition Q & A: Maureen McCarthy
I love these posts! Here’s another great Q & A, this time with Maureen McCarthy, a recent English PhD who parlayed her skills and interests into a good “alternative-academic” job in a city she wanted to be in. Here’s a bit of the interview: What kind of tasks do you do on a daily and…
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Be vulnerable, be brave
Today’s post is a reflection on the academy, what comes after, and taking control of one’s life. I’d love to know what you think! Here’s the first bit: Earlier this week I spoke on the phone with Ysette Guevara, a fellow PhD and post-academic who runs her own business helping young people transition to adulthood.…
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Transition Q & A: Sarah-Louise Quinnell
UK geography PhD Sarah-Louise Quinnell tells us about her new job at Mactrac, an online tutoring site. (Who knew there was such a thing? Not me!) Read the Q & A on my University Affairs blog.
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Call for Papers: Beyond the Professoriate
[If you’re reading this after May 2014, know that the conference will happen again in May 2015! Check the Conference page for more info and join the Beyond the Professoriate mailing list for updates.] In my latest post for University Affairs, I gush about being part of the wonderful community of PhDs helping out other…
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Note-taking and project management
I was a pro at managing my research notes and ideas during my MA. After that, not so much. Now that I’ve launched another major self-directed project — my new career, that is — I want to learn from past mistakes. Last weekend I resolved to do something about it. After soliciting advice and suggestions…
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Write more in 2014
Happy New Year! After a nice long holiday break, I’m back to work this week. This morning my latest post appeared on my University Affairs blog. Here’s an excerpt: I want to write every day, and produce more blog posts and pieces for publication elsewhere. Since mid-November I’ve been published by the Globe & Mail,…
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Taking stock and measuring well-being
Happy 1-year blogging anniversary to me! Wow, that went quick. But I completely forgot about this birthday when I wrote the title of my latest post for University Affairs, so taking stock has nothing to do with my blog. Instead, I write about a couple coaching exercises, Marty Seligmans’s theory of well-being, and the importance…