What else is out there?
Researcher development isn't just about going on training courses. There are lots of people and organisations out there that can help you get the experience, contacts or advice you need to help you progress in your career. It's all about finding out what suits your own needs.
I'm interested in...
Careers
IT courses
Improving my English
Getting Teaching Experience
Getting involved in tutoring and demonstrating are great to develop your skills. Ask your supervisor about opportunities in your Department. If these aren't available, schools liaison or voluntary work might be a good way to improve your teaching skills:
Top-Up Programme is looking for tutors for school pupils who are thinking about going on to study at University
Schools Enterprise Days are a great way to help inspire the next generation to get involved with enterprise and
Volunteer on the conversational English programme for international students
Enterprise for Researchers
Research is all about creativity so why not put some of your great ideas to use?
Student enterprise welcomes Postgraduate Researchers whether you have a business idea or just want to improve your influencing, networking, selling and presentation skills. There's even the chance to win some cold hard cash in one of their many competitions.
For budding entrepreneurs there's also the BBSRC Biotechnology YES competition, Environment YES and the Big Idea business plan competition.
Networking and Building your reputation
The Graduate Junction was set up with the aim of creating a global graduate research community. You can create your own online research profile and link to groups with the same research interests.
Vitae provides Postgraduate Researchers with information and guidance for the different stages and aspects of a PhD, including dealing with your supervisor and managing your time.
Joining your relevant professional body is another way to build networks and find out about conferences, jobs or other opportunities in your subject area.
Communicating your research
The Research Councils offer a number of excellent research communication courses.
Science and Engineering Ambassadors work with local schools on a voluntary basis, providing support and encouragement for young people in science, technology, engineering and maths.
BA Media Fellowships are intended to create a greater awareness and understanding of the workings of the media among practising scientists.
Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) Fellowships allow PhD researchers to spend 3 months working at POST.
