Research staff careers appointments
Research staff careers appointments, lasting 45 minutes, can help early career contract research staff and university postdocs with any aspect of their current or future career. They are held through Microsoft Teams or in person at the Careers Centre.
You can book an appointment using CareerConnect. If this is your first time using CareerConnect, you must create a 'University Staff Member' account.
Appointments are usually available once per week (Monday to Friday) and are bookable up to 28 days in advance, and no later than three days in advance. You can book two research staff appointments per semester.
If the appointment times don't suit you, email careers@st-andrews.ac.uk to request a different time.
What you can get help with
The careers adviser can help you with things like:
- career planning and decision-making
- exploring, comparing and deciding on career options within and outside of academia
- finding job opportunities within and outside of academia
- identifying and exploring further postgraduate study options
- developing your network, including finding useful contacts and LinkedIn advice
- improving CVs, cover letters, job applications and personal statements (please ensure you bring a copy to the appointment)
- preparing for interviews and other recruitment processes, including psychometric tests.
Preparing for your appointment
To make the most of your appointment, take some time to reflect and complete the mandatory questions when booking your appointment. This will help both you and the adviser identify the key topics for discussion.
To help with this, you should consider:
- your current work situation and whether there is anything you would like to change
- specific questions you would like to discuss, such as about career planning or recruitment processes
- reviewing your career up to now, reflecting on what have you enjoyed most and why
- which contract or job has most satisfied you
- what your most important priorities are for your next job.
Cancelling an appointment
Demand for appointments is high. Please cancel any appointment you are unable to attend through CareerConnect.
If you do not attend your appointment within 15 minutes of the start time, the careers adviser will not continue with the appointment.