RLUK

'I didn’t get where I am today without … career planning'

The 2001 CURL Conference sought to foster a creative approach to career planning and continuing professional development through:  

presentations on current influences and developments in Higher Education
 exchanges of experience on career paths and development
exploration of individual career aspirations and needs
  identification of resources available to assist in career planning and development

This year’s Conference was launched by Eddie Newcomb, Registrar at the University of Manchester, who gave his perspective on the trends in higher education which are influencing career patterns. He acknowledged that opposing tensions make career planning difficult but his underlying message, both for institutions and for individuals, is to be flexible.

Next came a series of personal career paths and reflections including the perspectives of two heads of service (Jan Wilkinson, Leeds and Mary Heaney, Wolverhampton), a staff developer (Gail Merrett, Oxford), a project manager (Marie Pierre Detraz, Birmingham), a systems librarian (Frances Boyle, Liverpool) and an exchange partner (William Nixon, Glasgow). Each developed the theme of flexibility set by the keynote presentation, but also highlighted the need for an inquisitive mind (nosiness to some!) and taking responsibility for personal continuous learning and development. These presentations also identified the key elements of taking responsibility as being willing to develop a range of skills and to foster good networks of professional contacts.

The after dinner speaker, Katharine Perera, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic Development at the University of Manchester, encouraged delegates to think about their development needs in the context of the changing work environment.

On the second day the Conference explored the area of support for career planning and personal and professional development. These included reports on projects, such as the HIMMS Project (Christine Abbott, Birmingham) examining succession planning, and on professional bodies such as isNTO (Sheila Corrall, Southampton).

To round off, Conference delegates were challenged by Peter Hawkins (Graduates into Employment Unit, Liverpool) to take a look at their personal backgrounds and aspirations. He stressed the need for active and continuous planning in all aspects of our careers, and had delegates work through a series of exercises to underline the importance - and fun! - of the process.

The Conference venue, Chancellors at the University of Manchester, was excellent. Delegates unwound at the Conference reception (sponsored by Talis) and were treated to excellent food. Even the weather contributed, throughout a fine and sunny two days.

CURL Staffing Task Force
July 2001