Postgraduate researcher employability: An analysis of reflective journaling from a careers programme

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study‐based evaluation of a newly accredited career exploration and development module for researchers. It assesses the value of the pilot module in terms of how it succeeded in stimulating career thinking and “work wisdom” in researchers. Career destinations data suggest that fewer than 50 per cent of researchers will establish careers in academia or higher education; it is therefore notable that 73 per cent of respondents to the postgraduate research experience survey expected to pursue a research career in higher education. Given that researchers' expectations conflict somewhat with the reality of potential career directions, the need for a career development programme that allows them to explore career possibilities within and without academia seems relevant. The module examined was delivered through a mixture of taught and interactive workshops (examined in this article), structured reflective journaling, online peer‐sharing discussions and group driven action learning.

Design/methodology/approach

A practitioner research, case study, approach was employed, with the intention of informing practice and delivery.

Findings

The paper presents evidence of positive qualitative outcomes for the researcher participants, and of a successful learning intervention.

Originality/value

The paper describes an accredited programme incorporating action learning. It is unusual since much career training for researchers within universities is ad hoc and unaccredited.

Citation

Houston, K. and Lumsden, P. (2011), "Postgraduate researcher employability: An analysis of reflective journaling from a careers programme", International Journal for Researcher Development, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 61-67. https://doi.org/10.1108/17597511111178023