Author: Jennifer Polk
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Emily Simmons, Education Specialist, Transition Q&A
My latest post is a Q & A with an English PhD who worked as an adjunct and visiting assistant professor in Canada before getting married, moving to Australia, and finding meaningful, fascinating, and fun employment at an alternative education provider. Emily Simmons earned her PhD in English from the University of Toronto in 2011.…
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Daniel Munro, Principal Research Associate, Transition Q&A
Daniel Munro earned his PhD in political science from MIT He is currently a principal research associate at the Conference Board of Canada, working in the Centre for Skills and Post-Secondary Education. Find him online and follow him @dk_munro. What did you hope for in terms of employment as you completed your PhD? I wanted to be an academic…
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Beyond the Professoriate conference
In my lastest post I write about an upcoming virtual conference I’m co-hosting with Maren Wood from Lilli Research Group. We’re excited to let you know that the schedule/program is out, and you can find all the details on this webpage. We’ve got 23 PhDs lined up to speak about their career journeys and provide…
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How a career sponsor can help your job search
A couple days ago I picked up a “Business Self-Help” book (so says the back cover) that my dad recommended to me. He suggested (Forget a Mentor) Find a Sponsor because it explains why women and people of colour should seek out sponsors in addition to mentors. Doing so, research shows, will significantly increase their chances of…
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Changing the dominant narrative of success after the PhD
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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Maureen McCarthy, Assistant Director of Advancement, Transition Q&A
Maureen McCarthy earned her PhD in English in 2013 from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. She is now the assistant director of advancement and best practices at the Council of Graduate Schools. Find her on Twitter @maureentmcc. What did you hope for in terms of employment as you completed your PhD? I was looking for a…
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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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Sarah-Louise Quinnell, Learning and Development Manager, Transition Q&A
Sarah-Louise Quinnell earned her PhD in geography from King’s College London. She’s now the learning and development manager for the online tutoring service Mactrac, which is part of Macmillan Digital Education. Follow Sarah @sarahthesheepu. What did you hope for in terms of employment as you completed your PhD? I had expected, like I am sure a…