Responsiveness to opportunities
Vitae Researcher Development Framework 2010 B3.3
Vitae RDF 2024 1.1 Adaptable
Responding to opportunities
Opportunities are abundant for researchers, whether within academia or beyond. Developing the ability to recognise, create, and act on these opportunities is essential for building a fulfilling and resilient career.
Here’s an overview of how to navigate and take advantage of opportunities in the ever-changing landscape of research careers.
What is it?
Responsiveness to opportunities means being knowledgeable about the range of career paths available, actively seeking ways to develop professionally, and supporting others in their development. It’s about balancing aspirations with a realistic understanding of the job market while being proactive in creating and seizing opportunities.
Why is it important?
Your career is shaped by the interplay of your aspirations (“I want to be…”) and the external job market (“What roles are available?”). For researchers, this means recognising the diverse pathways available, especially as less than half of doctoral graduates remain in academic roles.
The skills you acquire during your research—critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication—are highly transferable, opening doors to roles in industry, policy, consulting, and beyond. However, competition is fierce. Engaging with professional development opportunities gives you a competitive edge and helps you stand out in the job market.
How to take advantage of opportunities
Stay informed about career trends
Use your research skills to explore labour market information (LMI) and learn about career options for doctoral graduates. Resources such as Vitae’s What do researchers do? series provide insights into employment trends and roles that value research skills. Stay updated on industry news to identify growth areas and anticipate future opportunities.
Broaden your horizons
Be open to exploring roles beyond academia. Reflect on how your expertise and skills can be applied in diverse contexts. Whether you aim to leverage your research directly or pursue roles requiring transferable skills, reviewing job vacancies can help you identify options and expand your understanding of the job market.
Embrace professional development
Identify and engage with opportunities to build your skills and experience. These may include:
- Training courses offered by your institution
- Secondments or industry placements
- Volunteering, hobbies, or committee work
Each activity enriches your skillset and expands your network. Even unexpected opportunities can lead to valuable connections that support your career.
Create opportunities for others
If you supervise or manage others, help them navigate their career paths by offering guidance and creating opportunities. Use your knowledge of the job market to assist them in setting realistic goals and finding relevant development activities.
Practical tips to improve your responsiveness to opportunities
- Keep a lookout for labour market trends in sectors of interest.
- Regularly review your career aspirations and match them with market realities.
- Seek diverse experiences that broaden your professional perspective.
- Actively network to build relationships that may lead to new opportunities.
- Support and mentor others in your field, contributing to their growth.
Examples of evidence
- Statement
I actively seek out opportunities to enhance my employability. - Situation
Towards the end of my PhD, I was clear that I wanted to continue working in the humanities field, but not necessarily in academia, where I was aware career opportunities were limited. I had participated in an outreach programme at our institution which had involved working with school children. This had got me interested in exploring teaching as a career. - Task
I wanted to organise some work experience in a school and to get an opportunity to talk to and work with teachers. - Action
I got in touch with the person in our institution who had organised the outreach programme. She passed on the contact details of the head teacher of the school I had been to, and I was able to arrange some work experience days with them. - Result
The work experience involved both classroom observation and hands-on activities. I was also given the opportunity to lead part of one of the lessons. The experience validated my intentions to apply for a PGCE course which I am currently waiting to start in September.
Final takeaway
Opportunities often arise in unexpected places, but proactive effort is key. By staying informed, broadening your perspective, and engaging with development opportunities, you’ll position yourself for success in whatever path you choose.