As a researcher you are called to investigate, discover and reveal. A skilful vocation leverages your skill set to build a career that serves a larger purpose. Your research brings value to your discipline, your institution and society at large. You chose academic research for a myriad of great reasons. Stopping to take stock of whether academia is still delivering for you is important but gets put on the bottom of the to-do list.
Are you thriving or feeling slowly smothered by the itchy, scratchy academic comfort blanket? Do you recognise any of these?
Time to take stock, unravel the blanket and weave a new career with the three strong threads of your values, strengths and courage that your research career has developed. Is it time to leave?
This is a must-read for all academics, whether or not you have ever wondered about careers beyond academia. Should be required reading when you start your academic career. As someone who took 10 years wondering whether to leave academia (and then ultimately doing so) much of this book deeply resonated with me and I wish I had read it sooner.
Dr Michele Veldsman, Director of Neuroscience, Cambridge Cognition
But here's the kicker: Emma gets us. Like, really gets us. Her nerdy references alone show me that she speaks our language and it works because her advice then cuts straight through into me. And let's not forget the constant pep talks reminding us just how smart we are. It's like having a cheerleader in book form!
Amy Gaskin, Bioinformatician, Public Health Wales NHS Trust
This book is very good food for thought. At points it felt as though the author was reading my mind and thought process! Which makes you realise what a common experience we are all having. A great starting place to get into the right mindset to begin the process of exploring different career options.
Dr Hannah Jones, Postdoc, University of Oxford
Reading Emma's Leaving Academia is like meeting an old friend over a cup of coffee and chatting about your career options. It's so refreshing. I believe everybody will find their chapter in this book.
Dr Hana MIčochová, Strategic Engagement Manager, UKRI
How I wish this book was available when I was going through the motions of leaving academia! Emma's writing flows and the book is clear, encouraging and practical.
Dr Lucia Carassiti, Project Manager, JLR
Dr. Emma Williams' "Leaving Academia: ditch the blanket, take the skills" isn't your typical career guide. It's a supportive companion, hand-in-hand with you as you navigate the emotions and practicalities of a transition from postdoc to a fulfilling career beyond academia.
Dr Chris Jeffs, Careers Adviser, Oxford University Careers Service