What is an academic career?

Watch video clips of PhD students and academic staff talking about the range of different activities involved in their work or study, and the rewards and challenges of their roles.

Typical academic career progression is from PhD student, to academic researcher, to lecturer or group leader, and then on to roles such as Head of School or Head of Institute.  Gaining an insight into what is involved at different stages of the career will help you to reflect on your interest in an academic career, can help you to gain relevant experience, and can help you to prepare for the change in expectations and responsibilities as an academic career progresses.  Listening to people describe the rewards and challenges of their roles can help to give you a realistic idea of what you may experience at each stage, and can help you to reflect on what you may find satisfying or challenging about an academic career.

Explore this collection of video career stories from individuals at different stages of the academic career to hear about what they do and to help with your career decision making.