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Career support and work opportunities

Career support

Tailored careers support is offered to all our current doctoral and postgraduate researchers and for up to 3 years after you complete your research at Brunel. We would encourage you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research, even (or perhaps especially) if you don't yet have a career path in mind. Our careers provision includes online advice, one to one consultations and a range of workshops and events. 

One to one consultations

Our specialist careers consultant for researchers offers one to one career consultations which can guide you in a range of areas including:

  • Planning how to actively boost your professional development throughout your research period
  • Reflecting on your own experience, skills, interests and values
  • Exploring your career options, including opportunities in and outside academia
  • Developing effective job search strategies, including the use of networking and speculative approaches
  • Tailoring your CV, cover letters and application statements to different roles
  • Preparing for interviews and assessment tasks

Exclusive careers workshops and events for researchers

Regular career workshops and events are provided exclusively for researchers as part of the Brunel Researcher Development Programme.  This includes a monthly career workshop covering topics such as actively managing your career, career choice, job seeking strategies, CV, application and interview advice. The 'Researcher Futures' series invites Brunel research alumni, now working in a range of career sectors in and outside academia, to share their experience and answer career related questions. 

University-wide careers events

In addition, a varied programme of university-wide career events is run during the academic year by the Professional Development Centre, including 'uncovered' industry insight sessions, recruitment fairs, employer events and skills workshops.

Work opportunities

Working alongside your research studies or completing a PhD internship / placement can develop your professional skills, extend your network, offer an insight into different career options and give you some income. Our specialist careers consultant will be able to support you in identifying and applying for employment / volunteering opportunities on and off campus, or accessing support to develop your own business ideas.

Brunel offers paid teaching and learning support roles to postgraduate researchers who are registered with us for the duration of the role. The first level post is as a Demonstrator and the second level post is as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA). Initial training in learning and teaching is provided by the Brunel Academic Professional Development Unit (APDU) prior to commencing any teaching activity. Teaching and learning support duties will vary between departments and postgraduate researchers should not rely on such opportunities being available. Find out more: Policy for the Employment of Postgraduate Research Students in Supporting Teaching and Learning 

Brunel is also delighted to partner with the university access charity ‘The Brilliant Club’, offering paid, part-time skills-enhancing tutoring opportunities to Brunel doctoral researchers, whilst supporting less advantaged school pupils in our community.