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POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH

e-Newsletter Issue 6
October 2010

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Welcome Message

Hi and welcome to the October edition of the Postgraduate Careers newsletter. The end of the year is fast approaching and here at Careers & Employment we are working hard assisting postgraduate students with their career plans for next year. Below are some relevant articles for you to think about.

Regards,

Postgraduate Careers

The Importance of Networking

Graduates who engage in networking land their first job four times quicker than those who rely on job advertisements in newspapers or online, a researcher says.

And 'accidental networking', or chance conversations with strangers, is the most effective method of finding a job, University of South Australia researcher Gerry Treuren says.

Dr Treuren says graduates are a special group of jobseekers because their contacts and networks do not extend as widely as those who have already spent time in the employment arena.

Recruiter Hays state regional director Lisa Morris says some graduates feel uncomfortable telling others they are searching for a job but, by doing so, can reap the ultimate reward.

"Be willing to put yourself forward and be willing to strike up a conversation with someone... say 'I'm looking to get a job'," Ms Morris says.

If you are terrified of networking, keep your eyes out for the "Networking Know-how" workshop which will be run by Postgraduate Careers next year. You are also welcome to make an appointment to discuss networking strategies and anxiety reduction techniques. Ph Careers and Employment on 3138 2649.

Read more...

Networking Humour

http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive/phd062307s.gif

 

Relocating for your Career

96783874, Peter Dazeley /Photographer's Choice

Relocating to advance your career is a big decision, and one that is becoming increasingly common amongst postdoctoral graduates. For many, moving away from Brisbane may be something worth considering, for example, you may wish to join an international research group or gain experience lecturing at a regional university.

If you're thinking of relocating for your career, Hays offers the following advice:

  • Make sure jobs are in your area of expertise: "Talk to a recruiter and explore opportunities before packing your bags," Doyle says.
  • Have realistic salary expectations: "Salaries differ by location, so make sure you are aware of typical market rates. Cost of living also varies and needs to be taken into consideration."
  • Consider lifestyle factors: "Whether the relocation will offer a tree-change or a sea-change, the lifestyle available needs to be as agreeable as the career advancement on offer."
  • Investigate the commute: "If you want to move from a regional centre to a large city, it is likely you will spend a considerable amount of time commuting to and from work. How will this impact you? What is the public transport like? Have you considered parking costs?"
  • Accommodate your partner's career needs: "Relocations often fail if a partner's career needs are not met," Doyle warns.
  • Know what it's like to live there: "A one-to-two-week trip to your intended destination is an excellent way to get to know the place before you commit to relocating there."

Read more...

How Researching Can be a Pain

Back Pain

Neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches and pain in the middle back are all very common symptoms experienced by researchers after long periods at the desk or computer. This is especially so when you are writing your thesis. So, don't let it happen to you! Familiarise yourself now with what factors cause the pain and what you can do to prevent it, so that headaches, pain and stiffness aren't a problem for you come exam time.

What causes the problem?

There are numerous causes for these problems. Some of the more common factors are:

  • Carrying heavy books or research materials
  • Lack of adequate breaks
  • Stress
  • Poor posture whilst working at the computer
  • Lack of exercise
  • Poor or excessive joint mobility
  • Poor muscle control around the spine and shoulders
  • Excessive use of computers, especially laptops
  • These factors place excessive stress on the spine and surrounding tissue, leading to pain and muscle tension.

What can be done?

Some things you can do to help yourself include:

  • Heat packs and gentle massage
  • Regular stretching
  • Regular breaks to allow your body to recover
  • Spacing out your work so that you don't cram too much into short periods of time
  • Regular exercise
  • Get adequate amounts of sleep
  • If the pain gets really bad, seek advice from a physiotherapist

Upcoming Postgraduate Workshops

Workshop Date Location Time
Life Beyond the PHD Thu, 4 Nov KG SYN109 2:30pm - 4:30pm

Not sure what you will do after your PhD?

Wondering if you will ever see the light?

What will it be like to be able to think of things other than your PhD?

What are some of the highs/lows post completion?

If you are feeling or thinking any of the above, then attend this informal panel discussion and hear from recent PhD graduates about their post-completion experiences. 

Where are they working now?

What is it really like to no longer have a PhD in your life?

What opportunities does a PhD offer?

The panel members are from a variety of disciplines and have followed diverse pathways since completion.

Click here to register to attend.

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Useful Job Websites

 

Below is a list of Higher Education websites that are worth keeping your eyes on for jobs etc.

www.UniJobs.com.au - Australia's University Job Website

  • Has been running since September 2006.
  • Advertises jobs for all Australian universities and numerous international institutions.

www.CampusDaily.com.au - Australia's University News Website

  • Has been running since November 2009.
  • Provides FREE higher education news online to university staff.

www.UniJobs.co.nz - New Zealand's University Job Website

  • Has been running since February 2008.
  • Advertises jobs for all New Zealand universities.

 

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