Series 15 | Ep 2 | Q&A | Research is my only passion - what else can I do?

“Networking feels so fake!” ...was something said to us recently in a workshop.  If the idea of networking makes you cringe or you identify as an introvert - this one's for you. Laura and Maria discuss ways that networking can work for you, and so much more in this episode.Hear about ways to approach conversations with curiosity, trying out LinkedIn, creating your own communities and doing it all whilst still being 'you'.Don't forget: send us your career question anonymously here: Send your careers question to the Careers In Your Ears podcast – Fill out form

What do cake, House (the TV series) and a vision board have in common? Find out in our latest podcast episode with the inspiring Lilian Odaro, Doctoral Student Development Officer at King's Doctoral College who used all these and more to navigate her way through balancing a PhD, part-time work, becoming a parent, discovering careers in 'alt ac' and finding a way to belong in a system that is often not designed with these challenges in mind. This episode is a balm for the current challenging job market where Lilian shows how it is possible to simultaneously be open-minded and flexible about one's career journey while also sticking to the goals that matter.

Dr Francesca Greenstreet joins us to explore her journey from a decade in neuroscience research to a creative, fast-paced role in research communications at King’s. She shares how her “favourite bits” of academia - people, creativity, and curiosity - shaped a new, academic-adjacent career.Through trying things out, embracing uncertainty, and learning to “strip it back,” Francesca has built a role that blends storytelling, strategy, and science. She reflects on the realities of stepping sideways rather than away, and the skills PhD researchers often don’t realise they already have.For anyone curious about academic-adjacent careers, science communication, or wondering how to explain your research to anyone outside your field: this is a brilliant listen.You can find Francesca on LinkedInWant us to answer your careers question? Complete this anonymous formCareers resources for researchers on KEATS

Thinking about leaving academia but research is the only thing you've ever been 'passionate' about? This can make looking for next steps really challenging. In this episode, Anna and Laura (careers consultants for researchers) unpick what it means to be passionate about something, how to understand what this might mean for you and how to use this to explore next steps.If you're studying or working at King's you can find more support on our 'Careers Beyond Academia' KEATS page and book a 1:1 appointment with our team.Send us your career question anonymously here: Send your careers question to the Careers In Your Ears podcast – Fill out form

If you’re a current or aspiring clinical academic wondering how to build a research career alongside clinical practice, this episode is for you. Professor Julie Sanders, cardiovascular nurse and clinical academic joins us to discuss: navigating non‑linear career paths balancing clinical and research demands making the most of emerging opportunities Saying yes (and knowing when not to) Julie shares practical insights on using research in practice, building your profile, finding champions, and how being bold in your networking can shape your career in unexpected ways. You can find the resources mentioned by Julie using the links below:   CARIN: https://www.councilofdeans.org.uk/partnerships/carin-clinical-academic-roles-implementation-network/ CONNECT: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/connect KCATO: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/researcher-development/kcato Post-doc paper: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocn.15575  King’s Careers Network for Researchers LinkedIn page for more researcher career highlights and job postings. For King’s doctoral researchers and research staff you can access specific online resources and events to support your career development within and beyond academia.  

In this episode we talk to Dr Santhi Kuppilivenkata, Head of Data Science at KPMG. It was a refreshingly honest conversation about returning to work after maternity leave: 'it's not a break' and leveraging your research skills and academic approach in industry with some excellent tips on how to talk about your value in a corporate environment (and what to avoid). She also sheds light on how to work in industry while maintaining a role in academia and how that benefits her day to day work. Santhi's proactive approach to building a professional network was also transformational in her career and she is passing that on as a mentor for SheCanCode. www.kmpg.comSheCanCode

Does a PhD count as experience? If you're looking for roles outside of academia and wondering whether you have the right experience, or finding it hard to articulate your skills in 'corporate speak', then this one's for you.Laura and Lindsay discuss:How to translate your research skills and speak the language of a new sectorUsing your network to unlock some of the 'secrets' of another industryWhich level to start atHow to get extra experience if you need itStrategic stepping stonesTo hear more about Lindsay's research, make sure you're following us on LinkedIn: King's Careers Network for ResearchersIf you have a question you'd like us to answer, complete this anonymous formIf you are a researcher at King's and would like to attend one of our workshops or book a 1:1 appointment go to: https://kcl.targetconnect.net/

In this episode we welcome back Dr Amal Abuzeinab, Senior Lecturer and interdisciplinary academic at De Montford University. This conversation provides strategic insights into forging an academic career looking at the accepted reality of the '3 jobs in 1' model - research, teaching and service and the roles she took to build her academic career. Amal shares her strategic approach to academic career progression including her top three aspects of the 'hidden curriculum' of academic careers and how to position yourself effectively within interdisciplinary research. A lot of our conversation comes back to strategic alignment - with your institution, your research and finding your academic home.If you want to listen our previous episode featuring Amal, you can find it here Series 10: International Women's Day HEPI blog about the challenges of interdisciplinary research careersKing's Careers Network for Researchers LinkedIn page for more researcher career insights and job postings For King's doctoral researchers and research staff you can access specific online resources and events to support you in your academic careers.

If you're worried about the job market headlines, or currently applying and feel like you're getting nowhere: this one's for you.Specialist Careers Consultants for Researchers, Anna Favalessa and Laura Johnson respond to a listener who is having a tough time and looking for ways to improve their chances. We cover:The state of the job market right nowHow AI is affecting recruitmentHow you can target your applications more effectivelyHow to make connections with prospective employersHow to protect your wellbeing in these tricky timesIf you have a question you'd like us to answer, complete this anonymous form: ⁠Send your careers question to the Careers In Your Ears podcast – Fill out form⁠If you are a researcher at King's and would like to attend one of our workshops or book a 1:1 appointment go to: https://kcl.targetconnect.net/

Ever wondered what project management really looks like in the biotech industry? In this episode Dr Alice Santambrogio, Project Manager at Relation, shares her journey from research technician to scientific management. We discuss how to decide if doing a PhD is right for you, the differences between working in biotech compared to academia, and how to talk to your supervisor about taking on new responsibilities. Alice offers actionable advice on leveraging your network, identifying opportunities, and applying your research skills in new contexts.   If you are a researcher at King’s, find out more about how the careers team can support you to explore roles within and beyond academia here.  Connect with us on Linked in by joining our King’s Careers Network for Researchers.