Career Architect
Career Architect
Are you a member of postdoctoral staff or a PGR currently considering all careers with research options?
Do you have between 6-18 months to go until your contract/degree ends?
Do you need support with your career planning, job search, application and interview processes?
Are you prepared to put time, work and energy into making it happen?
If that sounds like you, apply to join the Career Architect Programme.
What is Career Architect?
What does the programme cover?
The extensive programme combines coaching, independent learning, peer support and informal small-group workshops with ‘industry savvy’ information and exercises, to help researchers in all disciplines who are considering a range of suitable career options. Over 200 researchers have successfully completed this programme so far, with more than 70% finding professional research-level opportunities in industry, in non-for-profit and public sector organisations, start-ups or by creating their own portfolio careers and new ventures.
Throughout the programme you will:
- identify your strengths, values, transferable skills and expertise
- heighten your awareness of appropriate career options
- understand what employers are looking for and how to market yourself to them
- form a strong peer support group with other participants
- feel motivated, focused and supported throughout your transition.
Who is it for?
Career Architect is designed for postdoctoral staff and PGRs with 6-18 months left of their current contract/degree, who are considering their next career steps.
Whether you're interested in academia or thinking about another industry entirely, Career Architect is for you!
When and where does the programme take place?
The next cohort of Career Architect will run in-person from September 2025 to March 2026:
- Session 1: 10 September (10am-3pm)
- Session 2: 24 September (1:30-4pm)
- Session 3: 8 October (1:30-4pm)
- Session 4: 22 October (1:30-4pm)
- Session 5: 5 November (1:30-4pm)
- Session 6: 19 November (1:30-4pm)
- Session 7: 3 December (1:30-4pm)
- [Christmas break]
- Session 8: 14 January (1:30-4pm)
- Session 9: 28 January (1:30-4pm)
- Session 10: 11 February (1:30-4pm)
- Session 11: 25 February (1:30-4pm)
- Session 12: 11 March (9:30am-5pm)
All sessions take place on-campus.
Where do I sign up?
Applications are now open. Places are limited and there is a selection process to ensure that those taking part are those likely to gain the most.
Once you're ready to apply, fill out our application form. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, 1st July.
Apply for the Career Architect programmeI want to learn more!
We ran an information session on 21st May. The slides and recording from the event can be found in the Sway linked below.
You can also find out more about Career Architect in our Sway guide.