Plan your international academic career: assess and develop the needed skills

Have a look at the following graph that well synthesize a set of knowledge, skills and personal qualities expected for an academic career, to work with others and ensure a wider impact of their academic work (VRDF*).

Within each of the domains there are three sub-domains and associated descriptors:

  • Domain A - Knowledge and intellectual abilities: the knowledge, intellectual abilities and techniques to do research (such as research methods and critical thinking).
  • Domain B - Personal effectiveness: the personal qualities and approach to be an effective researcher (such as time management and career planning).
  • Domain C - Research governance and organisation: knowledge of the professional standards and requirements to do research (such as ethics and funding).
  • Domain D - Engagement, influence and impact: the knowledge and skills to work with others to ensure the wider impact of research (such as teaching and publication).
Don't forget to check the linked articles!
graph

*About Vitae Researchers Development Framework (VRDF)
The Vitae Researcher Development Framework - Vitae

Use the above Vitae Development Framework to:

  1. Explore all the aspects of being an academic in an international or multicultural contexts;
  2. Identify your strengths and weakness, with particular focus on “internationalization”;
  3. Prioritise areas for professional development considering working more and more in an international or multicultural contexts;
  4. Write a plan, considering your goals and options to work in an international or multicultural contexts and the capabilities and experiences that will enhance your international career prospects;
  5. Define how and when to monitor your progress and success.

Select a peer you trust, a mentor, a supervisor, a careers advisor or other professional development provider and ask them to:

  • Discuss the answer you gave at the above points;
  • Look for formal and informal development opportunities;
  • Prepare for one-to-one progress reviews, appraisals or career development conversations with your research manager or mentor.