Towards a framework for research career development

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the use of a framework and planner for researcher development introduced into the United Kingdom in 2010 by Vitae: an organisation whose purpose is to support the development of UK researchers.Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative and quantitative data from two cohorts participating in an accredited researcher development course designed and delivered by the Centre for Academic Practice and Learning Enhancement at the University of Strathclyde were analysed.Findings – Participants reported that the Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF) personal development planner (PDP) was useful in facilitating career development. Most found it relatively easy to use once initial perceptions of the tool as being overly detailed and complex were overcome. In addition, some technical problems with the software were identified. There was great variation in the manner in which the RDF was used (for instance in the number of descriptors selected). Although use was...

[1]  Gerlese S. Åkerlind.  Postdoctoral researchers: roles, functions and career prospects , 2005 .

[2]  Matthew A. Diemer,et al.  Culture and Assessment: Nomothetic and Idiographic Considerations , 2009 .

[3]  A. V. Vianen,et al.  Adaptable Careers: Maximizing Less and Exploring More , 2009 .

[4]  Judith Fromyhr.  Set for success :An exploration of the development of musical expertise in early childhood , 2011 .

[5]  Anthony P. Bromley,et al.  Investigating the baseline skills of research students using a competency-based self-assessment method , 2007 .

[6]  Elaine Walsh,et al.  A skills perception inventory for evaluating postgraduate transferable skills development , 2008 .

[7]  A. Metz,et al.  Vocational Psychology and New Challenges. , 2009 .

[8]  Johanna Hakala,et al.  The future of the academic calling? Junior researchers in the entrepreneurial university , 2009 .

[9]  Linda Evans.  The scholarship of researcher development: mapping the terrain and pushing back boundaries , 2011 .

[10]  W. Patton,et al.  Creating Career Stories through Reflection: An Application of the Systems Theory Framework of Career Development , 2004 .

[11]  W. Patton,et al.  Career counselling: Constructivist approaches , 2006 .

[12]  S/he who pays the piper calls the tune? Professionalism, developmentalism, and the paucity of in‐service education within the research profession , 2009 .

[13]  Evaluation of a programme of transferable skills development within the PhD: views of late stage students , 2010 .

[14]  J. Maree.  Brief Overview of the Advancement of Postmodern Approaches to Career Counseling , 2010 .