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There’s so much to learn about the world of research beyond - it isn’t just about textbooks and lectures. The hidden curriculum of academia is where the real lessons live.
From networking to publishing and everything in between, the hidden curriculum of academia refers to everything you’re not taught. MURS is here to fill in these gaps!
Mentorship
Mentorship
The Old Model
The Old Model
Mentoring has historically looked like having one main mentor across a long-term, stable relationship when career paths were much more predictable. But, globalisation, technology, diversity, and unstable career paths have made this model unrealistic.
The New Model
The New Model
Mentorship has been proven to work best when completed in a network! This means that you have multiple mentors for different needs who can provide career, research and emotional support, and can support you through your shifting pathway.
Why Multiple Mentors?
Why Multiple Mentors?
Having multiple mentors have proven benefits, such as:
Exposure to diverse and differing perspectives
Providing broader and different opportunities
You can balance your mentorships across academic and your personal goals
So, don’t just rely on one mentor: build a support network!
Networking in Academia
Networking in Academia
There’s a misconception that academia is a “solo sport” - i.e., the idea of “the academic” as someone who:
Sits alone in their dusty study
Pours over academic journals into the wee hours of the morning
Works in isolation polishing their fourth edit of their article
When in reality, academia is all about networking and creating connections! Relationships are key to the world of academia and your success within it.
Networking is all about “fostering meaningful relationships and creating opportunities to grow professionally.”
First of all - Why Should You Network?
First of all - Why Should You Network?
Research has shown that networking, particularly in academia, helps positively contribute to:
Job success and happiness
Promotions
Exploring new opportunities
Creating a culture of cross-disciplinary research.
Academia doesn’t have to be a lonely venture! Your support system of fellow academics who understand your work are the best support you can have when deadlines are tight, workloads are heavy and manuscripts need editing.
Finding Networking Opportunities
Finding Networking Opportunities
You need to put yourself out there and find networking opportunities that align with your interest, industry and career goals. Some ways to do this include:
Get involved with clubs and societies - they often have industry events with professionals and academics where you can introduce yourself
Attend conferences (with a student subsidy!) to immerse yourself in the professional environment
Simply: send an email introducing yourself and asking for a coffee catch up!
Be Prepared to Hustle!
Be Prepared to Hustle!
You can prepare yourself for any networking opportunity by:
Having an elevator pitch ready for whenever you may need it - what you’re studying, what your area of research is, what your career aspirations are.
Setting yourself a goal each event you attend: challenge yourself, for example, to speak to at least one new person at each event.
Build a strong LinkedIn profile where people can follow up with you afterwards.
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