Non-academic career
According to statistics, only about one third of PhD holders still have an academic position five years after their PhD (Dubach et al., 2017, p.76). UNIL has taken this reality into account in its policies concerning young researchers, by developing at the Graduate Campus workshops and careers advice to support transition to the non-academic job market.
While this transition is not always easy for PhD holders, it can be particularly hard for women, who testify to having more difficulties finding an adequately qualified job and who continue to be a minority in leading positions (Koller & Meffre, 2010, p. 44 et 50).
In addition to this vertical segregation, horizontal segregation also prevails, as women researchers remain widely under-represented in some sectors of activity (SHE Figures, 2015, p.71). While networking is one of the main ways for recruitment and career advancement, outside academia women also generally are less integrated into networks of socialization and benefit from fewer informal support opportunities than men.
While UNIL has little power over the discriminations that might explain gender inequalities in the non-academic professional sphere (Dubach et al., 2017, p.60), it can nevertheless support female researchers in their professional transition by offering them tools, training and networking opportunities. That is what PROWD Non-academic career proposes.
2020-2021 Programme (subject to adjustments)
Date and time: October 10th 2022, 12.00 to 5.30
After the launching event and a commun lunch, the participants in both tracks of PROWD will follow the workshop “Pushing back against everyday sexism,” led by Siara Isaac, teaching advisor at the EPFL Teaching Support Center trainer.
Language
The official part of the event will take place in French. The workshop will be given in English, the participants are free to speak French or English, as preferred.
Date and time: 13 December 2022, from 9am to 5pm
Description
This workshop is aimed at female researchers who are considering their career choice. Will the future be academic or does the question of a non-academic choice arise? Inspired by » narrative practices » the workshop will enable participants, through the métaphore of the journey, to encounter their individual stories, to take a step back from their personal and professional paths in order to calmly choose the best option for the future. They will be made aware of their success stories, the people who played a key role and the experiences that were decisive, while outlining relevant paths for their future. They will be invited to share their professional history and question their strengths and weaknesses, but also to become aware of their sense of legitimacy in view of their future activities.
Content
- Capture the meaning of our personal trajectory that leads us towards an academic career or other professional choices
- Be aware of one's légitimité́
- Take ownership of your potential, strengths and resources to put to work on your projects
- Share your journey orally in front of an audience
Speaker
Florence Hügi, adult educator and certified narrative coach
Language
The workshop will be given in French. Participants will be able to express themselves in French or English depending on their preference.
The workshop will be given in French.
Date and time: 12 and 19 January 2023, 12-2pm
Description
Given that the pursuit of well-being is fundamental, what should we do to be happier? We will explore this question in two meetings: session 1 will be devoted to understanding the foundations of well-being and how to enhance personal well-being; session 2 will focus on career well-being, including discussions on the idiosyncrasies of academia (e.g., completing a PhD or PostDoc, academic career, etc.) and burnout.
You will soon discover that well-being can be learned but that it is necessary to invest some effort towards its achievement. We will thus complete several exercises and surveys that will tap into different aspects of well-being and are meant to give you a broad overview of possible ways to enhance well-being so that you can identify your preferred interventions and the best ways to apply them. At the end of the workshop you will be armed with a well-being toolbox that you can consult and apply whenever you need.
Preparation
Please complete this questionnaire before the workshop:
https://ulausannebusiness.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1YehQpOHB8apcxv
Speaker
Francine Petersen, associate professor in the Department of Marketing, Faculty of Business and Economics, UNIL, specializing in consumer psychology and behavior, with a focus on emotions and well-being.
Language
Presentations and slides will be in English. Participants may express themselves in French or English, according to their preference.
Date and schedule : February 2rd (on site) and February 21nd (online) 2023, 9:30-5pm
Description
Bridging the gap from academia to industry requires adapting our frame of mind, our discourse and our posture to a new and sometimes unfamiliar audience. We will together build your road map for change from academia to industry exploring your CV, your letter of motivation and your “pitch”.
In this two-day experiential workshop, we will together build your road map for change from academia to industry and work together on your “pitch”, your CV and your letter of motivation.
Trainer
Romaine Johnstone, certified executive coach, facilitator, and trainer. VP of the Professional Women’s Network PWN Paris.
Language
The workshop will be held in English. Participants can express themselves either in French or English depending on their preference.
Date and time: 7 February 2023, 9am-5pm
Content
Taking your place, daring to assert yourself, taking on new responsibilities, leading teams, making your skills, achievements and ambitions visible with authenticity - these are all issues that call for assertiveness and leadership.
Being a woman and a leader is something you have to build up, sometimes by deconstructing certain certainties, beliefs and/or ingrained habits and by becoming aware of the impact of gender and gender stereotypes on the development of your position (and those of others).
Preparation
Identify 2 or 3 recent professional situations (less than a year ago) where you feel more assertiveness would have been beneficial.
Speaker
Sigolène Chavane, Artemia Executive consultant and coach, co-founder of the firm specialising in gender equality issues in the workplace.
Language
The workshop will be given in French. Participants will be able to express themselves mainly in French, or in English if necessary. The programme coordinator (Roxane Roduit) will be responsible for translation.
Dates and schedule : April-mai 2021
Description
As a follow up to the “Pitching myself for industry” workshop, participants will have one 60-minute individual coaching session in order to build on their thinking and develop the tools introduced during the workshop. Participants who would like to take additional individual coaching sessions (at their expense) will benefit from a preferential rate.
Coach
Romaine Johnstone, Florence Hügi
Language
Participants are free to speak in French or English.
Date and time: 10 May 2023,1pm-7pm
The workshop "Creating the link: networking and careers" (1pm-5pm) will be followed by the programme closing event and an apéritif. Participants from previous editions will also be invited to the closing ceremony, where they will be able to swap places with participants from the fourth edition.
Workshop content
It is widely accepted that networking is a vital part of professional development and essential for a career in academic research or beyond the university. But it can be a daunting task for many.
How do we best connect with others, in person and online? What impact can this have on our careers, whether in research or elsewhere? How can we maintain authenticity while stepping out of our personal comfort zones?
In this practical and highly interactive workshop, we will explore the benefits and techniques of networking for professional development. We will examine the skills needed to engage with others in different environments such as the scientific symposium, informational interview outside of academia or on online professional networks.
Participants will work on their personal verbal and written presentations, finding the appropriate words and tone for different circumstances.
Speaker
Verity Elston, Co-Director Graduate Campus, Professional and Career Development
Language
The official part and the workshop will be conducted in French, participants will be able to express themselves in French or English depending on their preference.
Other shorter events (lunch-time workshops, informal meetings, etc.) will be organized based on participants’ demands and interests, on topics such as family and mobility, dual careers, the trial lecture, etc.
More information on these events will follow.
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Flyer PROfessional Women with Doctorates (PROWD) , .)
Early career support programme for women