Skip to main content
Careers in Your Ears

Careers in Your Ears

By King's Careers & Employability

The Careers Podcast for PhD Students and Research Staff at King's College London.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Bonus Episode: International Women's Day with Dr Sarah Barry

Careers in Your EarsMar 08, 2019

00:00
33:09
Series 10: Ep2 Solving problems in academia, then in industry, and back again

Series 10: Ep2 Solving problems in academia, then in industry, and back again

“I wanted to see what it was like in a different environment.”

For this episode, we’ve passed the mic to Lingxing Kong, a King's PhD student in his third year of research in Robotics, and an Inclusive Careers Education Ambassador (ICEA). Lingxing is joined by Dr Emmanouil Spyrakos Papastavridis, Lecturer in Engineering, who shares his fascinating career journey. Emmanouil's career has taken him from academia, into a startup lab, and back again – he shares his thoughts on the benefits and drawbacks of working in both contexts, tells us about the skills he acquired along the way and provides plenty of inspiration for those exploring career options.

 

For more info on the ICEA programme:

https://keats.kcl.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=61839§ion=7 for King's students and staff


Public links:

Phoenix Issue 164 February 2022 (agcas.org.uk) https://www.agcas.org.uk/write/MediaUploads/Phoenix/Phoenix_Issue_164_February_2022_-_Students_as_co-creators.pdf

Emerging insights from a peer-to-peer social justice careers education programme | Journal of the National Institute for Career Education and Counselling (nicecjournal.co.uk) https://www.nicecjournal.co.uk/index.php/nc/article/view/464

Mar 22, 202425:29
Series 10: International Women's Day 2024 Special Episode

Series 10: International Women's Day 2024 Special Episode

We’re celebrating International Women’s Day with a special episode and we're joined by Drs Amal Abuzainab, Lovelin Obi and Rokhshid Ghaziani who are all academic researchers, teachers and involved in many other things alongside their main careers. In a very uplifting conversation, we hear about how they came to be academics, what kinds of barriers women can face in academic life (and how to overcome them) and the challenges of managing complex careers and responsibilities.

Mar 07, 202431:15
Series 9: Ep5 - From Policy to Professor with Michael Sanders

Series 9: Ep5 - From Policy to Professor with Michael Sanders

Join us for an inspiring chat with Professor Michael Sanders as he lets us in on his approach for getting things done in academia, the need for code-switching to develop a career in multiple sectors and how to view and use your own privilege to empower others. Michael demonstrates the power of a porous career that spans academia, Chief Scientist in the Behavioural Insights Team, Chief Executive of a What Works charity and advisory work. He provides insight into the role of a professor and shares his take on protecting your wellbeing whilst building a fulfilling, multidisciplinary career in a competitive environment. 

Dec 01, 202333:09
Series 9: Ep4 - Researcher Mobility: "There's no experience that's not experience"

Series 9: Ep4 - Researcher Mobility: "There's no experience that's not experience"

Can researcher career paths span academia and industry? Is it possible to simultaneously work in both? Dr. Lizzy Moyce, Arup's Research Development Manager and Careers Consultant Laura Johnson explore these oft-asked questions. Lizzy gives us her tips on leveraging transferable skills; seizing opportunities and 'legitimate snooping', to enhance the chances of an intersectoral career. 

Nov 24, 202333:25
Series 9: Ep3 - Sex Robots and Research
Nov 17, 202315:53
Series 9 EP:2 - From PhD to academic

Series 9 EP:2 - From PhD to academic

In this episode, Dr. Pavan Mano tells us about his journey from PhD to research fellow and then to his current lecturing post at King's College London. Pavan tells us about the importance of using the support on offer to researchers (including mentoring, careers advice and friendships). We also speak about equality, diversity and inclusion in higher education, what higher education institutions should be doing and why the concept can be thought about in different ways.

Nov 10, 202331:53
Series 9: EP1 - Leading and Succeeding in Industry - Kinga Bercsenyi, previously a postdoc and now VP explains all

Series 9: EP1 - Leading and Succeeding in Industry - Kinga Bercsenyi, previously a postdoc and now VP explains all

Kinga Bercsenyi is VP of Business Development at Arctoris and has never seen a job description. She also had no idea what she wanted to do after her PhD and says she has never attended a formal training course. And yet she has progressed rapidly in her career in Business Development and balanced that with a family. Too good to be true? Find out about creating the right environment for serendipitious career possibilities, the benefits of creating a network, career decision making and exploration and work life balance. Also includes a handy guide for understanding more about Business Development and the different types. We have crammed a lot into this episode, we hope you enjoy it too.

For King's researchers you can access the career tools 'Trying Out Career Options' and 'Career Tracks' via our Researcher pages accessible from here: www.kcl.ac.uk/careers.

Nov 03, 202325:26
Series 8, Epsiode 3: Podcast Takeover: From Research Assistant to the Civil Service

Series 8, Epsiode 3: Podcast Takeover: From Research Assistant to the Civil Service

This mini-series of Careers in Your Ears is hosted by King's PhDs and researchers. In this episode, Tisha Dasgupta, Research Assistant and PhD student in the Department of Women’s & Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences at KCL, interviews Sam Mukhopadhyay, Head of Programme Management Office and senior events lead at Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (ESNZ). Sam talks about her career to date in the Civil Service and shares what the civil service is looking for in recruits and importantly what attributes and skills researchers have to offer this type of work.

Please note this episode was recorded in February 2023, when the UK Government had just newly formed the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

If you would like a transcript of this episode, please email careers@kcl.ac.uk with 'Transcript, CinYE, S8,E3' in the title.

KCL PhDs and Research staff can access specialist careers support: from 1-1 appointments and tailored workshops. More information is available on our KEATs page https://keats.kcl.ac.uk/mod/page/view.php?id=5279350&forceview=1


Jun 23, 202340:01
Special Episode: International Women's Day 2023

Special Episode: International Women's Day 2023

In this special episode for International Women's Day 2023, Dr. Risha Govind, Senior Clinical Informatics Scientist at the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, speaks about her career journey and the challenges faced by women like her from traditionally patriarchal cultures in getting a professional career started. The interview is hosted by Donald Lush, Careers Consultant for PhDs and Research Staff at King's College London.

Mar 08, 202324:60
Special Episode: National Careers Week 2023 - Career Thinking and Career Consulting

Special Episode: National Careers Week 2023 - Career Thinking and Career Consulting

In this special episode for National Careers Week 2023, Dr. Emily Prpa, Science Manager at Yakult UK and Ireland and Donald Lush, a careers consultant working with PhDs and research staff at King's College London, interview each other about their careers and working together.  They tell the story of their careers and then reflect on the process of career consulting from both their perspectives as client and consultant. Emily explains what brought her to book career consulting appointments and why she they weren't what she was expecting. Donald shares what he is thinking while he is working with someone and what he is trying to achieve. This is a great chance to hear two career stories with unexpected twists and turns as well as gain insight into how a careers consultant might be able to help you.

Mar 06, 202343:40
Series 8, Episode 2: Podcast Takeover: A career in AI research in academia and industry

Series 8, Episode 2: Podcast Takeover: A career in AI research in academia and industry

Join Mackenzie Jorgensen, PhD student in machine learning models (and our takeover host for this episode) as she interviews Dr Luis Pizarro, Global Responsible AI Leader at EY and Visiting Senior Lecturer at King's College London. The first half of this episode covers a great discussion about Luis' career in academia, the importance of collaborations and keeping your career options open between academia and industry and the second half delves into the challenges we face in using AI, including responsible AI and how it could be used to counter disinformation and fake news.

Please leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts; it really helps us to share the podcast and to know whether the content works for you.  Thank you. Follow us on Twitter @kcldo1thing to learn more about our careers support for researchers at King's College London.

If you would like a transcript of this episode, please email careers@kcl.ac.uk with Careers in Your Ears S.8 E.2 in the title.




Jan 20, 202342:05
Series 8, Episode 1: Podcast takeover: Researching and supporting sustainability

Series 8, Episode 1: Podcast takeover: Researching and supporting sustainability

Join Aline da Silva Cerqueira, PhD student (and our episode takeover host!) researching sea birds and marine soundscapes in the Dept of Geography at King’s College London, and Dr Maud Borie, Lecturer in Environment, Science and Society in the same department, as they discuss an academic career and the politics of environmental knowledge.  Maud talks about her teaching, about wanting her students to be critical of received wisdom, the power that universities have over what is or is not researched, and who gets to conduct that research.

To hear more about Dr Maud Borie’s work you can follow her on Twitter @maud_bo, and if you are interested in seabirds and how soundscapes can support biodiversity conservation, you can also give Aline a follow on Twitter @aline_marine.

Let us know what you think about these podcast takeovers - get in touch with us if you're a KCL researcher and you'd like to interview an interesting guest for us!

Dec 13, 202228:56
Series 7, Episode 6: What to do when you're experiencing feelings of guilt and anxiety during your PhD? With Dr Melissa Willis.

Series 7, Episode 6: What to do when you're experiencing feelings of guilt and anxiety during your PhD? With Dr Melissa Willis.

Dr Melissa Willis is the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Research Team Lead at Sellafield Ltd. Prior to this she was a PhD researcher in material sciences at the University of Manchester. Melissa shares her experience of guilt, low self-esteem and anxiety during her PhD. She shares advice about what helped and talks about how she handled her career change from academia to industry. Importantly Melissa discusses how she’s worked through these issues during her career transition and in her current workplace. She hopes that other PhDs in a similar situation will make use of the support available to them and her top tips: talk to someone and take real breaks.

King's PhD students can access support for their mental health and wellbeing.  Visit the new PGR Wellbeing Hub (internal) for easy access to all the support available including KCL counselling services: https://tinyurl.com/y25w75er

King's Research Staff can access support through visiting the Pathways to Wellbeing pages (internal) https://internal.kcl.ac.uk/staff/experience/wellbeing/index 

If you're a PhD student or member of Research Staff from another institution, please do contact the student and staff support sites at your university for local support.

More information about the NHS' Talking Therapies can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies/ 

If you require a transcript of this episode please email careers@kcl.ac.uk citing CinYE Series 7, Episode 6.

Please do rate us wherever you listen!


Apr 01, 202218:24
Series 7 - Episode 5 - Researcher Developers Supporting Mental Health
Mar 04, 202233:37
Series 7, Episode 4; Professor Evelyn Welch talks about practical ways to support early career researchers, with a little bit of Michelangelo thrown in!

Series 7, Episode 4; Professor Evelyn Welch talks about practical ways to support early career researchers, with a little bit of Michelangelo thrown in!

Professor Evelyn Welch, Senior Vice-President for Service, People & Planning at King’s and Professor of Renaissance Studies talks about her own career journey from when a PhD was expected to last 10 years (hers didn't!), balancing temporary jobs with childcare and no maternity leave to today, in her new role as Senior Vice-President and a Wellcome Senior Investigator. She is keen to use her experience and role to support researchers to thrive in their careers through job design, career planning, secondments, collaboration, community and more. 

Feb 04, 202220:53
Series 7, Episode 3; Professor Sir Simon Wessely: a senior clinical academic's career, and researchers' mental health

Series 7, Episode 3; Professor Sir Simon Wessely: a senior clinical academic's career, and researchers' mental health

Listen to this episode of Careers in Your Ears to understand more about a very experienced academic's route.  Kate Murray talks to Simon Wessely (https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/professor-sir-simon-wessely), Professor of Psychiatry at King's College London, about his experiences as a clinician and epidemiologist, about the peaks and troughs of research life and the excitement of making an impact.  We also discuss the SMaRteN (https://www.smarten.org.uk/) network, a student-led research network looking at student mental health issues, and talk about the issues involved in understanding research studies looking at perceptions of mental health and stresses in occupations.  Simon describes the importance of a healthy social network, and of a good manager, in promoting good mental health.

KCL PGRs can access the new PGR Wellbeing Hub here: tinyurl.com/pgrwh 

Please email careers@kcl.ac.uk if you would like a transcript of this podcast.

Jan 28, 202238:08
Series 7 Episode 2; Professor Tim Newton discusses Research Culture and mental health

Series 7 Episode 2; Professor Tim Newton discusses Research Culture and mental health

In this episode of Careers in Your Ears, we talk with Tim Newton, Professor of Psychology as Applied to Dentistry and Dean for Research Culture at King's College London. We hear about Tim's journey in academia and why he ventured into Ethics and now Research Culture.  Tim shares 4 key pillars for the work of research culture; ethics, governance, integrity and community.  We talk about the role of community in supporting researchers' mental health, what needs to change and what's working well. 

  • Learn more about Tim's work here: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/tim-newton
  • Science R.I.O.T. Club: http://riotscience.co.uk/
  • Science R.I.O.T Club on Twitter: https://twitter.com/riotscienceclub
  • Dignity at King's: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/hr/diversity/dignity-at-kings/index
  • For more information about support from the Centre for Research Staff Development at KCL: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/research/support/professional-development/centre-for-research-staff-development
  • KCL PGR Wellbeing Hub: tinyurl.com/pgrwh  

For a transcript of this episode please email careers@kcl.ac.uk  

Jan 21, 202218:56
S7 E1: Managing wellbeing with Roger Carles-Fontana, King's Doctoral Association (KDSA)

S7 E1: Managing wellbeing with Roger Carles-Fontana, King's Doctoral Association (KDSA)

Roger Carles-Fontana is a PhD student at King's College London and Mental Wellbeing and Events Lead at King's Doctoral Students Association (KDSA). He talks with us on this episode of Careers in Your Ears about why PGR students might struggle with their mental wellbeing and what they can do to address it.  Roger invites you to follow @KDSA_KCL on Instagram and/or Twitter to find out more information about events and resources.  They will also provide updates here about the new Mental Wellbeing Hub. You can also email them on kdsa@kclsu.org 

King's Counselling & Mental Health Support: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/counselling

King's Counseling & Mental Health Support (internal pages): https://self-service.kcl.ac.uk/article/KA-01164/en-us 

If you would like a transcript of this episode please email careers@kcl.ac.uk with the title 'Careers in Your Ears' transcript.

Jan 14, 202209:37
 Series 6, Episode 9: Race and Identity in Research Careers: Part 2

Series 6, Episode 9: Race and Identity in Research Careers: Part 2

This episode is the second part of a conversation about race and identity in research careers which we recorded in June 2021. Alexandria Mitchell, a PhD student at King's College London (KCL) and co-chair of the KCL Race Equality Network (www.kcl.ac.uk/hr/diversity/get-involved/networks/race-equality-network) talks with Mary Okesola who is also a PhD student at KCL and Dr. Bernadine Idowu of KCL and University of West London. (Listen to the first part of this conversation where we find out how the speakers got into academia and what that was like without visible representation of female black scientists: www.anchor.fm/careersinyourears/episodes/Series-6--Episode-8-Race-and-Identity-in-Research-Careers-Part-1-e12ffs6)    

In this episode, you’ll hear the speakers discussing how the Black Lives Matter movement has affected EDI spaces in academia and science, and how we can move forward. You will also hear how, as academics, they deal with set backs (cue, conversations about resilience and the importance of not just having one, but multiple, mentors!),

Bernadine runs the annual BME Early Careers Conference. Follow them on twitter you can stay up to speed with future plans for the conference: @BmeEcr 

If you require a transcript of this episode please email careers@kcl.ac.uk with the title 'Transcript for CinYE S6E9'

Follow us on Twitter @kcldo1thing

Sep 03, 202124:35
Series 6, Episode 8: Race and Identity in Research Careers: Part 1

Series 6, Episode 8: Race and Identity in Research Careers: Part 1

This episode is the first part of a conversation about race and identity in research careers. Alexandria Mitchell, a PhD student at King's College London (KCL) and co-chair of the KCL Race Equality Network (www.kcl.ac.uk/hr/diversity/get-involved/networks/race-equality-network) talks with Mary Okesola who is also a PhD student at KCL and Dr. Bernadine Idowu of KCL and University of West London.

In this episode, you’ll hear why the speakers went into science and what that was like without visible representation of Black female scientists. You’ll also hear their thoughts on mentoring, job hunting and learn more about the day to day life of a senior academic.

Bernadine runs the BME Early Careers Conference (www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-5th-black-and-minority-ethnic-early-career-researchers-conference-2021-tickets-143563764083) which has a waiting list for this year's event on 09 July 2021 however if you follow them on twitter you can stay up to speed with future plans for the conference: @BmeEcr 

If you require a transcript of this episode please email careers@kcl.ac.uk with the title 'Transcript for CinYE S6E8'

Aug 27, 202130:07
Series 6, Episode 7: Understanding Labour Markets [August 2021] with Professor Rebecca Oakey and Andrew Wright

Series 6, Episode 7: Understanding Labour Markets [August 2021] with Professor Rebecca Oakey and Andrew Wright

In this episode we wanted to explore what’s happening with recruitment to roles in academia and in sectors outside academia, which PhDs and Research Staff are typically attracted to. To do this, we spoke with Rebecca Oakey, a King’s Professor of Epigenetics and Dean for Doctoral Studies and Andrew Wright, Head of Employer Engagement in King’s Careers & Employability. Listen out for advice from Rebecca about getting into academia, the value of the PhD and from Andrew, listen out for his thoughts on skills which are increasingly needed by employers and how sectors are recruiting at the moment.

NB: we recorded this episode over July and August 2021, and the information shared here is time sensitive.

If you require a transcript of this episode, please email careers@kcl.ac.ukquoting Transcript CinYE S6E8.

Please do leave a review if you like what you hear!

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

King’s Student Services  - advice on visas: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/campuslife/services/advice/advice#Immigration

Institute of Student Employers (ISE) survey [available to organisation members only] this article covers some of the information Andrew referred to in this episode: https://www.fenews.co.uk/press-releases/65171-graduates-lack-work-ready-skills-that-businesses-need-during-covid-ise-student-development-survey#!/ccomment-comment=288

Virtual work experience (and a specific programme for King’s PGRs): https://keats.kcl.ac.uk/mod/page/view.php?id=4487645

Follow us on Twitter @kcldo1thing

Remember King’s Careers and Employability can review your applications for jobs and help you with you career decision making. Simply book a 1-1 appointment, looking for ‘PhD and Research Staff’ under appointment type: https://kcl.targetconnect.net/unauth

Aug 20, 202129:01
Series 6, Episode 6: Becoming a Data Scientist & Coding Beyond Academia with Dr Jason Myers

Series 6, Episode 6: Becoming a Data Scientist & Coding Beyond Academia with Dr Jason Myers

Dr Jason Myers is a Data Scientist with Faculty AI.  Prior to this, he completed his PhD with the 'Cross-Disciplinary Approaches to Non-Equilibrium Systems' (CANES) Centre for Doctoral Training at King's College London. Jason joins us on Careers In Your Ears to talk about his (not always easy) experience finding work after the doctorate. He also shares insights into his current role and answers a question a current PhD student shared with us about the difference between coding in academia and in industry.  Jason gives us insights into tackling issues around diversity in tech.

If you have questions you'd like to ask our speakers on Careers in Your Ears, please tweet us @kcldo1thing or email careers@kcl.ac.uk. We'd love to hear from you.

King's PhDs and Research Staff can book an appointment via kcl.targetconnect.net by looking for 'PhD + Research Staff' under appointment type.

If you would like a transcript of this episode please contact careers@kcl.ac.uk.


Aug 06, 202129:07
Series 6, Episode 5: Squiggly Careers for Researchers

Series 6, Episode 5: Squiggly Careers for Researchers

Dr. Hilary Jones is a former post-doctoral researcher who has worked in careers and employability, started her own business, is in training to be a psychotherapist and is now working for a non-profit organisation. In this episode she tells us her career story so far and gives us her insight into her varied career path.

King's PhDs and Research Staff can book an appointment via kcl.targetconnect.net by looking for 'PhD + Research Staff' under appointment type. Check out our Career Change course: https://keats.kcl.ac.uk/mod/page/view.php?id=4821037

If you would like a transcript of this episode please contact careers@kcl.ac.uk.


Jul 30, 202127:39
Series 6, Episode 4: Gloopy cells and Higher Education Policy work; what is the connection? With Bethan Cornell

Series 6, Episode 4: Gloopy cells and Higher Education Policy work; what is the connection? With Bethan Cornell

Bethan Cornell is a final year PhD student at King’s College London’s Physics Department and she’s also a Policy Officer in the Higher Education Unit in the UK’s Department for Education. We discuss taking on other opportunities during the PhD, the value of connecting with people who share your interests, and we ask Bethan how a Physics PhD prepares you for non-science policy work?

Starting her PhD full time, Bethan became interested in the gender disparities in people studying and researching Physics and became energised by the issues belying these inequalities. She also became interested in broader issues in higher education and happened to come across Higher Education Policy Institute. Listen in to find out what happens next.

If you would like a transcript of this episode please contact careers@kcl.ac.uk.

King's PhDs and Research Staff can book an appointment via kcl.targetconnect.net by looking for 'PhD + Research Staff' under appointment type.

Jul 23, 202121:24
Series 6; Episode 3: "Taking it on the chin": Applying for, and starting a PhD with Mohamed Ali

Series 6; Episode 3: "Taking it on the chin": Applying for, and starting a PhD with Mohamed Ali

We explore why Mohamed decided to do his PhD (which is around differences in neurodevelopment in children with different diseases).  Listen to this episode, to find out more about finding (or even creating) the right PhD for you, applying to a PhD, how it's different from a Masters, and how helpful Google can be.  He also talks about his side project of tutoring and his thoughts about his future.  'As long as you find enjoyment in what you're doing, that's your motivation.' If you're a King's student thinking of applying for a PhD, use the careers team to work through these questions for yourself.

If you would like a transcript of this episode please contact careers@kcl.ac.uk.

King's PhDs and Research Staff can book an appointment via kcl.targetconnect.net by looking for 'PhD + Research Staff' under appointment type.  

If you're a UG or Masters student considering applying for a PhD, please see our KEATS resources on this topic https://keats.kcl.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=41567§ion=17.  You can also book an appointment via kcl.targetconnect.net by looking for 'Careers Guidance' under appointment type.

Jul 16, 202121:00
Series 6, Episode 2 - Researcher Careers and Leaving Academia

Series 6, Episode 2 - Researcher Careers and Leaving Academia

Dr. Fawzi Abou-Chihane is a former science researcher who now runs his own careers consulting business. He has a background in sustainable technologies and sensor development. In this episode he talks about his decision to pursue opportunities outside academic life and his new career.

If you would like a transcript of this episode, please contact us at careers@kcl.ac.uk. 

Jul 09, 202121:14
Series 6, Episode 1: Career transitions and managing your PhD part-time

Series 6, Episode 1: Career transitions and managing your PhD part-time

Vicki is a part-time PhD student with extensive work experience in international banking and science policy, doing a PhD in Policy and Bioethics, incorporating publications. Join us as we explore career transition and the benefits and importance of establishing a flexible career, tips for managing a part-time PhD and a fascinating insight into the world of science policy.

Jul 05, 202125:02
Series 5: Episode 5 - The Philosopher Queens
Feb 05, 202124:21
Series 5 Episode 4: From Acting to Academia

Series 5 Episode 4: From Acting to Academia

Dr Bahijja Raimi-Abraham is a pharmacist, Lecturer in Pharmaceutics at King’s College London, Founder and Academic Lead of King’s College London Fight the Fakes. She also leads her own research group “The Raimi-Abraham Group”. Dr Raimi-Abraham's research to date has been in pharmaceutical materials and innovative manufacture. More recently she has focused her research efforts within the therapeutic and drug development aspects of malaria. In this episode we discuss power in academic life (and how to manage it), changing careers and leadership in research.

Jan 22, 202140:54
Series 5 Episode 3: A journey into academia and using social media with Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood

Series 5 Episode 3: A journey into academia and using social media with Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood

Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood, is a lecturer in sustainable development at the University of St. Andrews and gained her PhD from the African Leadership Centre at King's College London in 2019. Her research focuses on maritime threats, governance and security in the Gulf of Guinea. Ifesinachi has consulted for different international and regional organisations on issues relating to ocean governance, peace, and security in the African continent. She is the lead author of the Stable Seas: Gulf of Guinea report, and a contributing author to the Blue Paper 16, titled: Organized Crime in the Fisheries Sector, commissioned by the High-Level Panel on Sustainable Blue Economy, a global initiative led by 14 Heads of Governments. 

In this episode of the podcast, we learn how Ifesinachi discovered this research area and why she wanted to become an academic. She shares what helped her to get to where she is now, and how her presence on LinkedIn and Twitter has been crucial to her public engagement work and to diversify the narratives and expertise in her field of research.

Ifesinachi is a co-host of AfriCan Geopardy '....a fun, witty, and authentic way of talking about the ocean, and African geopolitics, with an added twist of bursting stereotypes about Africa.' Do check it out!

If you're a member of research staff or a PGR student at King's College London, you can book a 1-1 careers appointment (for application reviews and focused conversations about your career thinking) via King's CareerConnect. Search for 'PhD and Research Staff' under appointment type.

Jan 08, 202150:22
Series 5, Episode 2: Navigating an academic career with Dr Jennifer Jackson

Series 5, Episode 2: Navigating an academic career with Dr Jennifer Jackson

In this episode we are joined by Jennifer Jackson, Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary and a Kings alumna. Join us for a positive and uplifting conversation covering Jennifer's experience of resilience (and what it's not!), leadership, career progression, confidence and changing the system from within.

Kings PGRs and research staff can access careers support from KEATS. Search for 'Careers & Employability' and look for the 'Researchers' menu option.

Find us on Twitter @kcldo1thing

Look out for teaching and related opportunities such as Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) roles and supporting students with their study skills through the King’s Academy ‘Academic Skills for Learning’ programme.


Dec 18, 202038:35
Series 5, Episode 1: Applying for a PhD at King's College London, with Alexandria Mitchell

Series 5, Episode 1: Applying for a PhD at King's College London, with Alexandria Mitchell

In this edition of Careers in Your Ears, Kate Murray talks with Alexandria Mitchell, PhD student in the Comprehensive Cancer Centre at King's College London, about her reasons for deciding to do a PhD, the application process, how she funded herself, and how being a PhD satisfies her desire for research autonomy.  Alexandria also considers some of the differences in studying in the UK, from the US, and talks about what's needed for a more diverse research environment.

Dec 11, 202020:15
Understanding labour markets with Andrew Wright
Aug 28, 202023:56
Resilience with Shelly-Ann Gajadhar

Resilience with Shelly-Ann Gajadhar

Shelly-Ann Gajadhar is a PhD student at the Business School at King's College London. She owns her own career coaching business and is a former criminal prosecutor.  In this episode, she talks about career change and managing multiple tasks and priorities, with a particular emphasis on looking after her own wellbeing. We also discuss the Black Lives Matter movement and what it might mean for achieving equality in academia and beyond.

Jul 03, 202017:10
Reaching Out to Others
May 29, 202024:06
Helping researchers reflect on what they have to offer with Dr Kate Daubney

Helping researchers reflect on what they have to offer with Dr Kate Daubney

In this episode we're joined by Dr. Kate Daubney, Head of Careers & Employability, King's College London (KCL).  Kate tells us about her own research and her journey from PhD to heading up the careers team at KCL. She also shares her ideas about how researchers can go beyond the immediate knowledge content of their research to discover the skills and attributes they're developing along the way, and why now is an important time as any to start exploring all the brilliant things researchers have to offer. 

In this episode Kate refers to a couple of resources which you may find helpful:

Also you can find the "Women Working in Tech (part 2)" episode which we refer to, wherever you're listening to this episode of Careers in your Ears. 

Follow us @kcldo1thing on twitter and please send us any questions/thoughts about the podcast.  Thank you for listening.


May 15, 202024:02
Taking Action in Uncertain Times
May 01, 202008:06
Women Working in Technology - Part 2

Women Working in Technology - Part 2

Today’s joint episode with Researc/hers Code, is the second part of a conversation we had at the end of 2019, with Ella Fitzsimmons, Charlotte Fereday and Chloe Tartan, who each have PhDs in different backgrounds (religious studies, language and linguistics and photonics respectively!)  and are now working in tech roles. In this episode, they talk to Victoria Carr from Researc/hers Code about their thoughts on diversity in the tech sector, barriers they faced, factors which attracted them to the sector and finally, top tips for researchers wanting to go into tech roles.

Please get in touch with us @kcldo1thing if you have ideas/thoughts about people we could interview for the podcast, or topics you would like us to cover.

Jan 17, 202030:39
Women Working in Technology - Part 1

Women Working in Technology - Part 1

Today’s joint episode with Researc/hers Code, is the first part of a conversation we had with Ella Fitzsimmons, Charlotte Fereday and Chloe Tartan, who each have PhDs in different backgrounds (religious studies, language and linguistics and photonics respectively!)  and are now working in tech roles. They talk to Victoria Carr from Researc/hers Code about their journey from academia to their current job, what they’ve taken from that academic experience into the tech space and what’s surprised them about this new sector. Join us in the new year for the 2nd part of this conversation which focuses on diversity, barriers faced and top tips for researchers wanting to go into tech roles.

Dec 13, 201936:48
The Academic Dress Code with Emma Davenport

The Academic Dress Code with Emma Davenport

Emma Davenport teaches Critical and Contextual Studies for the Design department at The Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture and Design, part of London Metropolitan University. She researches what people wear at work with a particular interest in academic dress. In this episode we explore how academics dress at work, crossing academic disciplines and establishing a career in a highly competitive labour market.

Dec 06, 201921:49
From Academic to Employee Engagement Consultant with Dr Nick Lynn

From Academic to Employee Engagement Consultant with Dr Nick Lynn

Nick Lynn, Senior Director at Willis Towers Watson talks with Vicki Tipton about his journey from Geography lecturer to Employee Engagement Consultant. Listen in to hear Nick's thoughts on the future of work and the increasing need and relevance of research skills in the world of business. Learn what it means to work as a consultant in employee engagement. 

We’re always interested to hear from our listeners: get in touch if you have any ideas of who you’d like us to interview or specific questions you’d like us to ask people.  Tweet @kcldo1thing or email careers@kcl.ac.uk.

Nov 29, 201919:16
An Arts Academic with Dr. Kai Syng Tan

An Arts Academic with Dr. Kai Syng Tan

Kai is a senior lecturer at the Manchester School of Art, at Manchester Metropolitan University and was previously a research fellow at King's College London. She also has a very successful career as an artist. In this episode she tells us about how her skills and experiences as an academic and an artist have led her to her current role. We also explore equality, inclusion and neurodiversity in academic life and the importance of being yourself in job interviews. Apologies for the sound quality. This episode was recorded online and there is some background noise and distortion.

Nov 22, 201928:11
Working in Health Policy with Dr Deborah Fenney

Working in Health Policy with Dr Deborah Fenney

What does it mean to work in health policy?  What does a policy researcher do day to day?  And, if your research has been in one topic, how do you transition into another area?  Listen to this short podcast where Kate Murray talks with Dr Deborah Fenney from The King’s Fund and find out more about being a research ‘geek’. 

We’re always interested to hear from our listeners: get in touch if you have any ideas of who you’d like us to interview or specific questions you’d like us to ask people.  Tweet @kcldo1thing or email careers@kcl.ac.uk.

Nov 15, 201916:06
Bonus Episode: Getting Researchers Voices Heard at the Vitae Conference 2019
Sep 30, 201917:14
Series 2; Episode 5: What to do during your PhD? With Stephanie Arnold

Series 2; Episode 5: What to do during your PhD? With Stephanie Arnold

Stephanie Arnold, until very recently a King's PhD student, and now Senior Scientist at Astra Zeneca, talks to Careers Consultant, Vicki Tipton about how she worked out what she wanted to do after the doctorate.  She goes on to talk about the value of taking part in different activities - from committee roles to mentoring - which helped her to take her next steps.  

Jun 28, 201924:39
Series 2, Episode 4: Remote Careers Support for part-time and remote PhD students
Jun 21, 201918:28
Series 2 Episode 3: Managing your career

Series 2 Episode 3: Managing your career

In this episode Donald Lush talks to Julia Yates and Tristram Hooley, two academics who research career thinking and planning. We discuss the latest research and the practical advice emerging from it as well as considering how the world of work is likely to change over the coming decades. Finally, we talk about whether careers advice and career planning should have an ethical dimension and, if so, how.

Jun 14, 201930:38
Series 2; Episode 2: From academia to government: working on the UK's exit from the EU

Series 2; Episode 2: From academia to government: working on the UK's exit from the EU

In this episode Kate Murray, Careers Consultant, talks with Dr Alessandro di Bona, an EU Exit Policy Adviser. You'll hear about Alessandro's time as a PhD student and whether it connects to his current role. He has some top tips too, for those aspiring to change careers. 

Jun 07, 201915:13
Series 2; Episode 1: Moving from Academia to Data Insights in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Series 2; Episode 1: Moving from Academia to Data Insights in the Pharmaceutical Industry

 This edition of Careers in Your Ears, the podcast for researchers at King’s College London, is hosted by Kate Murray, Careers Consultant for Researchers and Deputy Head of King’s Careers & Employability.   Kate was on site at Roche, the pharmaceutical company, at their Welwyn Garden City site, and talked with Dr Max Bourgognon, a former post-doc at King’s and now Insights Manager; and his colleagues Dr Jessica O’Neill, Franchise Insights Lead, Neuroscience; Dr Claire Gibson, Franchise Insights Lead, Rare Diseases; and Dr Chiara Marchetti, Insights Manager.  The four talked about their decision-making in moving away from academia and give valuable tips and advice on navigating the post-PhD and post-doc period.  

May 31, 201916:53
Bonus Episode: International Women's Day with Dr Sarah Barry
Mar 08, 201933:09