Student and Postdoctoral Career Coaching

One-to-one career coaching is extremely valuable for students and postdoctoral researchers thinking about their next steps. The flexible approach will allow you to explore your needs and thoughts relating to your career trajectory and how you can achieve your aims.

The coaching begins with an introductory meeting and the completion of a personality profile, which helps the coach and participant to explore elements of their character that can be utilised in different roles. Subsequent sessions build on this in terms of discussing career options until by the end of the third session you have an action plan to continue the thinking and move forwards with your choices.

Coaching takes place over video calls and allow you time between session to digest what has been discussed and have time for further thinking.

• Session 1: 1 hour Zoom- Introducing the profiling and the context of personality within career choices (max group size 12)

• Session 2: 1 hour Zoom- Clarifying and understanding your unique contribution in the sector and the role you want to play, expanding your network (3 date options, max group size 4)

• Session 3: Optional 1:1 follow up with talent coach Tony Bradshaw, Managing Director of Biosocius Ltd, developing a plan of action to secure your next role

You will be able to set time aside to focus on your career development at a crucial stage of your studies/postdoc when change is on the horizon, developing a clear plan for your next steps and how you can prosper in the industry/academic landscapes, if this is your chosen route. You may gain ideas of who to go to for further advice, insight or support and consequently expand your network to support your trajectory. Additionally, through the profile, you will develop self-awareness and a further understanding of your unique contribution to your current and potential future community in which you operate.

Tony Bradshaw - Managing Director, Biosocius (www.biosocius.com)

“I specialise in coaching people early in their career, with an interest in life sciences and the impact can be fast and tangible. Some may feel that they are stuck in their organisational bubble and want an impartial perspective on their opportunities both within and outside their organisation. I believe everyone is unique and talented, and my approach helps define and channel someone’s technical skills, experience and personality to realise their ambition. Through the coaching session, you will be able to understand your best contribution within an organisation and a sector and find the best route to take the next step from your postdoctoral position.”

The coaching is fully funded, so no contribution is required from you, but we ask all participants to complete an evaluation afterwards to help us in our continuing evaluation of the programme.

This is an opportunity for you to develop your career plan whether you are a final year BSc, MSc, PhD or engaged in Postdoctoral research. If you want to start to address these questions, then we look forward to your application – please send a couple of sentences to explain why you think you will benefit. Places will be first come first serve and are limited to 12 for each cohort (postdoc and student). Please note this course is currently only being offered to University of Birmingham staff and students.

For Postdocs:

• Session 1: Jan 18^th, 12pm (1 hour Zoom - max group size 12)
• Session 2: Feb 7^th/8^th/9^th, 12pm (1 hour Zoom - max group size 4, you only need to attend one of these sessions)

Please send your interest to Amanda Dalby (a.l.dalby@bham.ac.uk) by December 16^th 2022.

For Students:

• Session 1: Jan 25^th, 12pm (1 hour Zoom - max group size 12)
• Session 2: Feb 14^th/15^th/16^th, 12pm (1 hour Zoom - max group size 4, you only need to attend one of these sessions)

Please send your interest to Amanda Dalby (a.l.dalby@bham.ac.uk) by January 10^th 2023 and indicate your programme year of study.