Are you an academic or looking to pursue a career in the academic field? Academia can be a challenging career, so whether you are looking to advance your career or simply manage the demands of the role it’s crucial you have the right support.
That’s where career development coaching comes in.
So, what are the benefits of career development coaching for academics?
Enhancing leadership skills
Leadership is essential in the academic field to maximise learning conditions and promote academic excellence. Academic staff play a critical role in mentoring students to help them maximise their success.
Skills that are vital for academic leadership include:
• Strategic thinking: Academic leaders need to be able to identify opportunities to maximise continuous learning
• Collaboration: Academic staff must work with students, other academic staff and other stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
• Problem solving skills: Academic leaders must have a solution-focused, rather than a problem-focused mindset. They must work to develop innovative solutions to the many issues that universities face.
• Emotional awareness: Academic leaders must work to create a positive and inclusive learning environment for all. They must manage their own emotions and those of others.
• Adaptability: Academia is a constantly changing field. Research and best practices are regularly being updated. Therefore, being a leader in the academic field requires you to respond to changes as they arise.
A career development coach will be able to provide guidance and support, helping you to maximise your leadership skills.
Work-Life Balance
As a busy academic, maintaining a work-life balance can be tricky. In many cases, you must balance the demands of both research and teaching.
As an academic, it’s only natural that you will desire to put your students first. It can be difficult to separate your work life from your home life. However, it’s essential to take time for yourself. It is essential to make time for friends, family and other personal interests.
A career development coach can provide you with guidance to improve and maintain your work life balance.
Assisting interview preparation
In an academic interview, not only will you be expected to demonstrate understanding of your area of expertise as well as the wider academic field.
Career Development Coaching can allow you to hone your interview skills in a tailored, safe and supportive environment. Coaches can even simulate a mock interview, providing feedback on your answers and approach.
Marketing yourself
When applying for a new role, it is never easy to sell yourself. Going up against other highly qualified academics for a role can be a daunting process and you may lack the confidence to fully highlight the vale you bring.
Career Development Coaching can help give you the confidence you need to land your dream role.
Seeking career growth
Are you looking to take the next step in your academic career? Do you have career goals in mind but aren’t sure how to achieve them? A career coach can help provide guidance on the best way to get there.
Navigating career crosswords
Are you unsure where your academic career will head next? Perhaps you are looking for a new challenge and not sure where to start?
If so, career development coaching can provide you with guidance on where to take your career next.
Career Development Coaching can be invaluable no matter what stage of your academic career you are at.
Did you know Public Service Resumes also offers various other services tailored to the academic field? This includes our academic resume writing and key selection criteria writing service.