As a PhD student or junior researcher a focus on – or at least an awareness of– career development is essential because you are in a fixed term position and you are faced with having to look for a new position within a few years. This uncertainty requires a focus on your skills development and your options to ensure a smooth transition from one position to the next.

Career development is all about realizing what your next step is and how you get there. It is an ongoing process that help you manage your learning and development and where you grow different aspects of your skills, knowledge and understanding, and through this cultivate your career, and enable you to accomplish certain goals.

You can discuss your career plans and your development with your PI/supervisor or with the career service AU Career PhD & JR if you are planning a career outside of academia.