Career Development for Doctoral Candidates

What happens when you make it to the 'finish line' of completing your PhD?

Are you aiming for an academic career, a career in industry, an entrepreneurial career, or developing a research career? Perhaps you’re unsure and have been so busy you don’t really know?

The reality is that you need more than a hard-won PhD to be successful in your career. We want to help you find the answers to the questions you might be asking yourself:

• How can I successfully market my PhD to future employers?
• How can I demonstrate my employability?
• How can I articulate my transferable research capabilities and experience, and my unique attributes (high-level analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills)?

We've created this tailored programme of six 50-minute workshops to support all doctoral candidates in your career management. The focus of the series is understanding and developing your unique career identity, and then honing and practising employability skills so you can confidently articulate your value.

Workshops 1-6 will be offered twice each week, over the lunch break. Attend the whole series or 'pick and mix' depending on what you need. Please register using the links below.

Yes, you can make it! Hear from alumni who have successfully leveraged the value of their PhD to develop successful and fulfilling careers as academics and outside the world of academia, in industry and the private sector.

Date: Wednesday 4 December
Time: 1-2pm
Location: General Library lecture theatre B10
Register now.

Panel speakers

Dr. Nicola Rawnsley

Dr Rawnsley is a leader, learning adviser, researcher, and professional librarian of 20 years who has worked across public, private, corporate, and academic sectors. Nicola has extensive knowledge and experience in teaching academic literacy skills, designing online resources, and liaising with staff across organisations. With strong operational, strategic, and people management skills and experience, Nicola is a confident public speaker who enjoys collaboration and project work within a busy and varied work environment.

From a career in various roles as a research librarian, Nicola took on the challenge of completing a PhD in the School of Humanities and then successfully leveraging its value and all her transferable capabilities to take on the role of  Associate Director Learning & Research, Te Tumu Herenga | Libraries and Learning Services.

Dr Kate Riegle van West

Dr. Kate Riegle van West is a researcher, musician and entrepreneur with a passion for play and wellbeing. She completed her PhD in the health benefits of poi at the University of Auckland, where she conducted the first scientific study in the world to investigate the effects of poi on physical and cognitive function. Following her PhD she became the Founder and CEO of SpinPoi, the leading global enterprise in working with poi as a therapeutic tool.

Kate was awarded the Future Leader Award from the Royal Society of New Zealand and the Best Doctoral Thesis Award for her work in the poi/health field. In 2021 she was selected as one of the University of Auckland's Top 40 Under 40 inspiring alumni. She has been featured across national and international media including BBC World News, ABC News, TVNZ 1 News, Maori Television, and Radio New Zealand.

www.spinpoi.com | @spinpoi on Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, X, and Patron

Dr Victoria Hewitt

Dr Victoria Hewitt is a researcher, educator and community developer currently supporting and developing research training opportunities at the University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau as a Researcher Developer.

Her scientific research explored the evolution and dynamics of mitochondria with a focus on the role of mitochondria in neurons and in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. She has shared her research interests and passion for science as a secondary and tertiary educator and mentor.

A founding member of the Zuckerman Institute Trainee Advisory Committee, she has worked with trainees and leadership as well as administrative and academic staff to build and implement evidence-informed, scaffolded postdoctoral training and establish mentoring and networking programs to foster a more collaborative and supportive training environment.