This course examines the challenges of navigating a successful academic career path in the context of current and future higher education provisions in Australia, and explores the skills and strategies required for successfully managing and progressing an academic career.

The course is presented in three parts, which will be tailored to meet the needs and interests of participants.

Part 1 of the course reviews recent and prospective changes in higher education, the changing nature of academic work and academic roles, and the implications of these changes for academic career paths.

Part 2 explores processes for framing career goals and career plans, and formulating plans for professional development. Participants will have an opportunity to review their career goals and plans, and their approach to career goal-setting and planning.

Part 3 examines the skills and strategies required for career progression, including skills for: managing the competing demands of academic life; presenting yourself effectively (eg. in interviews); networking; writing job and grant applications; and managing your professional development.

Assessment will be based on a career portfolio, comprising:

* completed exercises from each week?s course notes -- these exercises involve relating course concepts to experience and practice;

* reflections on each week?s readings and class discussions;

* a one-page description of participants' experience, skills and interests, making a case in relation to a job or promotion application;

* a critical assessment of previous career goals and plans, and of approaches to career planning and management; and an outline of future plans for career progression and professional development;

* an interview-based analysis of an academic colleague?s approach to managing career and professional development;

* an analysis of three career-skills areas where further skills development would support career progression, and an outline of a plan for further developing these skills; and

* other material which, in the view of the course participant, documents how they have:

-expanded their understanding of processes and practices for managing and progressing their career in the academic context;

-critiqued their approach to career planning and career management; and

-developed their career skills and strategies.

Assessment will be determined as satisfactory/unsatisfactory. The career portfolio can be resubmitted if necessary.

1.5 hours per week for a total of 10 weeks plus at least one 3-hour workshop

Sadler, D Royce (1999), Managing Your Academic Career, St Leonards, NSW: Allen and Unwin.