Helping PhD students to ‘Finish Up and Move On’

The 'Finish Up and Move On' programme, run by Imperial's Graduate Schools, would like to hear from PhD alumni who are interested in supporting current PhD students in the final stages of their studies.

As you will know, finishing off a PhD can be a challenging time for a postgraduate student. Not only are they busy writing up and thinking about viva examinations, but they also need to start contemplating career plans and preparing for post-university life.

This is where the ‘Finish Up, Move On’ programme, run by Imperial's Graduate Schools, can be of great support. Twice a term a two-day event is run for students who are about to finish their doctorates and are looking into future career possibilities. The programme was recently nominated for the Times Higher Education award for Outstanding Support for Early Careers Researchers, an award that the Graduate Schools also won in 2006.

To help offer a broad spectrum of advice within the programme, the Graduate Schools are looking for alumni of the College who would be willing to come along to the events to speak informally to participants about career options. They are specifically looking for graduates with doctorates and a few years work experience, particularly those working in technical fields related to their doctorates.

Participation would involve leading a 45-minute session with a group of around 12 students, in which you would talk to them informally about your career since leaving university, answer questions and give informal advice. You are then invited to attend an informal drinks and networking reception with all of the other course participants. These elements of the two-day event take place from 17.00-18.30.

Alumni who have taken part previously have enjoyed the experience and the PhD students are always appreciative of those who make time to come. If you are interested in registering your interest in attending, please email the Alumni Relations team, stating:

• your name,
• your degree details (department and year), and
• your current career details.

You can also email Caroline Hargreaves in the Graduate Schools to find out more details about the course.