I took many useful messages away from today, including the need to avoid negative self-talk, the requirement for regular time slots to devote to looking for funding and the need to provide adequate justification as to why my research competes with the rest of the agenda of a funding body or government.
- UKRMP workshop participant
The strengths of the session on implicit bias is that it was interactive and rich of advice and helpful information that helped me to understand more issues associated with implicit bias and to become more mindful of it. Also it gave me insight to be a member for change to mitigate implicit bias. What I learned from the implicit bias session is that we have to accept our biases and to pay attention to our biases when we are taking decisions, because by this we can develop ideas to reduce it.
- Retrace ITN workshop participant
I have said yes to a lot of professional opportunities I would normally feel too scared to do -these "risks" have paid off (applying for a placement, agreeing to review a paper, going on a training course). At the same time, I have had the confidence to say no to a lot of opportunities which felt like extra work that would not have paid off.
- Springboard for Women participant
Your presentations were so enlightening and so comprehensive. I like the way you look at things. I benefited from them all. Thank you. We had an exceptionally useful interaction. The discussion in the groups was extremely useful and mind stimulating. Listening to the way ladies are coping during this period was enlightening. The challenges discussed were cutting across many of the women.
- Women in research network in Uganda
Liked most about workshop: I really enjoyed the advice given about the CV, interviews and LinkedIn. This helped me to think of these more as tools to present myself instead of simply forms to fill in order to apply for a job.
- 4 Photon ITN programme participant
Liked most about workshop: Personalised feedback on CV and advices, mock interviews, interactive workshop with lots of chances to discuss with peers, very clear delivery.
- 4 Photon ITN programme participant
I made the BIG decision of not being in academia anymore or at least stop for a while, which made me immensely happier and opened all the possibilities in the world.
Strength of programme: Personalization - I don't know if it was for the skill of trainer or influence of having continuous contact over the course of years, but addressing precise problems of the trainees and keeping them up and working was on extraordinary level.
Sandrine is an excellent listener and because of this she really pulls all the thoughts you have and make them into actions or activities to challenge or address the thought.
The main benefit was the possibility to express in loud voice my fear and anxiety in a safe environment, with someone that knows very well the pros and cons of academia, so I felt completely understood and supported.
It was useful that Sandrine pointed out some of the areas I could improve in terms of how I communicate with people at work (linked to assertiveness) and how to position myself as a useful member of the team.
Talking about my issues with Sandrine helped me realise that I was already taking important steps to improve my networking.
The sessions were extremely useful and helpful. The time intervals between sessions allowed for reflection and implementation of goals.
Sandrine showed empathy, asked the right questions, showed support, listened and wanted to understand the problem in order to deal with it effectively.
I hadn’t previously been able to see how to break out of certain cycles – thoughts and actions – but Sandrine was quite clear that there were ways to do this.
Sandrine was a good listener and pointed out the strengths and weaknesses in what I described was my experience.
Sandrine identified and broke down some imaginary obstacles. These originated partly in my lack of knowledge of the UK higher education landscape, but also of my own methods.
Sandrine is easy to relate to and empathic. She’s also good at keeping coachees focused.
Sandrine’s questioning style made me reassess certain situations and helped me to realise my strengths/abilities, instead of focusing on the negative.
We really valued your real-life examples which reinforced the messages we have been giving, for example, trust the process, open up yourself, etc. Thank you for this important contribution.