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Career Development

At the University of Leeds, we value all career options equally and want to help you make informed, sound and confident career choices and decisions, whichever path you choose.

Leeds is fully committed to the Researcher Development Concordat, which stipulates the responsibilities of our institution, funding bodies, research leaders and yourself in facilitating your career development. Here at Leeds, you are part of a vibrant research community and a supportive community of alumni who continue to make strong contributions in many walks of life, and in many parts of the world: from academia to industry, in the charity sector, in private and public sector organisations, to start-ups. The university offers many choices to develop as a researcher and we are here to help you do exactly this.

Career development programmes and events

We offer a range of development programmes for all your needs, from BOOST, our 'pick and mix' selection of career development workshops, to our cohort-based programmes like Career Architect and Career Accelerator.

BOOST - Career Development Programme

Combining a mix of guest speakers, interactive workshops, self-guided resources and recorded events to equip you with the skills and confidence you need to manage your career.

Career Accelerator

Career support for researchers who know what career direction they want to take but need some help to get there.

Career Architect

Our career transition programme enabling ECRs to explore and pursue new career options outside of academic research.

Career Catalyst

This programme is predominately self-paced learning but with touch points for additional support and guidance using the power of LinkedIn, paired with LinkedIn learning, the multiple search and analysis tools they provide.

Fellowship Accelerator

For postdoctoral researchers interested in applying for a research fellowship.

Research Professionals' Career Conversations

Research Professionals’ Career Conversations is a peer-to-peer programme from OD&PL designed to help you maximise opportunities, overcome obstacles and create an action plan for the next stage of your career.

What’s Next? Career Exploration for Established Researchers

Register your interest in this peer-to-peer programme, exploring opportunities and challenges in the next stage of your research career.

Unpacking the Postdoc: Exploring the Role, Recognising the Contributions

Join us for a task-focussed workshop to Unpack the Postdoc. Work with others to map out the real responsibilities of postdoctoral roles.

Self-Guided Resources

If you'd prefer to think about your career development at your own pace, check out our self-guided resources.

Career Development Materials

A range of self-guided and blended resources and links so you can learn what you need to learn, at a time and pace that suits you.

Exploring Academic Careers

A range of resources to support those interested in pursuing an academic career.   From understanding what it means to be an academic, applying for fellowships or funding and getting recognition for your teaching or supervision.

Getting the most from your 10 days' professional development