Higher Education Career Narratives Podcast
Exploring the diverse career journeys that shape higher education
The Higher Education Career Narratives podcast series offers an insightful look into the careers of professionals across the higher education sector, highlighting the roles, challenges, and rewards of those working to enhance student learning and the university experience.
Through in-depth conversations, this series uncovers the varied pathways taken by individuals in education-focused roles, professional services, and English for Academic Purposes (EAP). All of these individuals play a vital but often unseen role in higher education, bridging disciplines and ensuring students are equipped to succeed.
By sharing personal career narratives, the series provides inspiration, guidance, and practical insights for anyone interested in how careers in higher education evolve. Whether you are an early-career professional, a postgraduate researcher considering your options, or an established staff member reflecting on your path, these stories offer valuable perspectives on career development, professional identity, and the many ways individuals contribute to the sector.
🎧 Join us as we explore the diverse and dynamic careers that shape higher education—one story at a time.
In this episode, I sit down with Professor Eoin Jordan, an education-focused academic with nearly 20 years of experience in higher education across the UK, Japan, and China. Eoin shares his career journey, from his early days in language teaching to his current leadership role at the University of St Andrews. Together, we explore themes of professional identity, leadership in education, and the evolving role of education-focused academics. Eoin offers thoughtful insights into balancing teaching, research, and service, as well as valuable advice for those forging a career on an education-focused track. Whether you’re new to academia or a seasoned professional, this conversation is filled with relatable experiences and practical tips to inspire and inform your journey.
In this episode, I talk with Dr Stefan O’Grady who is an education-focused lecturer in Academic English and TESOL. Unlike many academics who transition into teaching after a research-intensive path, Stefan’s journey has been shaped by his early experiences as an English language teacher, leading him to pursue a PhD not as an academic pursuit, but as a means of becoming a better educator. Stefan reflects on the ways his background in language testing, statistics, and applied linguistics have influenced his teaching, and the tensions that arise when navigating different academic traditions and expectations. Our conversation explores themes of professional identity, the intersections of research and teaching, and the challenges of finding one’s academic ‘tribe’ in an interdisciplinary space such as language testing. This episode is a thought-provoking reflection on how we define expertise in teaching and learning, and the importance of fostering intellectual curiosity beyond disciplinary boundaries.
Today, I sit down with Anna Smith, associate lecturer (education-focused) in the School of Psychology and Neuroscience, about her journey into an education-focused academic career. Anna shares insights into the formal and informal learning experiences that have shaped her teaching practice, highlighting how these experiences as well as pedagogical scholarship, have helped her become a reflective practitioner. Alongside this, we explore the evolving nature of professional identity in education-focused roles, the challenges and rewards of balancing disciplinary expertise with a commitment to teaching, and the significance of fostering a sense of community amongst education-focused staff. Anna also discusses the impact of publishing scholarship of teaching and learning, not only as a means of personal development but as a way to contribute to a broader academic conversation. This rich and engaging discussion offers valuable perspectives on the realities of an education-focused career. So, whether you’re considering an education-focused role or simply interested in the evolving landscape of academic careers, this episode provides thought-provoking insights and practical reflections.
In this episode of Higher Education Career Narratives, we sit down with Dr Sandhya Duggal, a lecturer in the School of Medicine, to explore her journey into an education-focused role and the unique challenges and rewards that come with it.
Throughout our conversation, Sandhya offers insights into the often hidden work that education-focused staff undertake. While teaching is the most visible aspect of the role, she highlights the extensive preparation, curriculum development, and strategic planning that underpin effective student learning. We also discuss the importance of mentorship for education-focused staff, particularly the value of being supported by other education-focused colleagues who understand the nuances of this career path.
One of the most compelling themes that emerged in our discussion was the nature of expertise in higher education. During the interview, we reflect on how expertise is often framed in terms of disciplinary research, but for education-focused staff, expertise extends beyond a single discipline. Curriculum design, pedagogical innovation, and problem-solving are all key components of our work, making education-focused academics the systems analysts of higher education—constantly identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that teaching and learning environments are as effective as possible.
We also explore how Sandhya transitioned into this role from a research-intensive background, her thoughts on the differences between education-focused and research-focused career paths, and the misconceptions that sometimes exist about what education-focused staff actually do.
Whether you’re considering an education-focused career, currently working in higher education, or simply curious about the evolving landscape of academic careers, this episode provides valuable reflections on professional identity, career progression, and the essential but often unseen work of education-focused staff.
🎧 Tune in as we uncover the realities of education-focused careers—one narrative at a time.