It is certainly spring with balmy evenings and back to winter woollies. With October behind us let’s hope the weather becomes more predictable. As we transition to the end of the year it is important to continue to take stock of the good, the bad and the ugly of 2020. We are all developing the skills to be responsive and adaptable to change and to things, we can’t control. Remember this takes a toll on all of us in different ways.
 
Please make sure you are aware of all of the support being offered by the ANU. A good place to start is the COVID-19 HDR candidate support page and our University support services. We have also created a site which provides you with strategies for supporting your wellbeing.

Professor Ann Evans

Dean, Higher Degree Research

ANU Researcher Development coordinates and facilitates workshops, events, and competitions to develop your skills even further. All of the sessions below are offered to you online. Click on one to find out more:

NOVEMBER
2 November | How to write logically connected sentences
4 November |  Preparing for thesis examination
5 November | Word for academic writing: maintaining consistency in your thesis webinar
5 November | Human Ethics Seminar: Development Studies
9 November | Thesis Boot Camp EOIs close!
10 November | Editing your final draft
11 November | Research Ethics drop-in consultation session
11 November | EndNote advanced webinar for Windows
12 November | Communicating needs and wants
19 November | Word for academic writing: putting your thesis all together webinar
19 November | CECS HDR Writing stylish results and discussions*
20-22 November | Thesis Boot Camp
20 November | RSP writing program: Editing for narrative*
20 November | RSP writing program: Editing for clarity and style*
26 November | What comes next? Post-PhD life and work

DECEMBER
2 December | Jobs outside of academia workshop
9 December | Research Ethics Drop-in Consultation Session
14-16 December | Thesis Boot Camp

* these sessions require a password, please email academicskills@anu.edu.au if you require it.

Updates from our research community and opportunities for you this month.

December Thesis Boot Camps *COVID SAFE*

Research candidates can often encounter difficulties with writing towards the end of their degree. Thesis Boot Camp helps you do a large amount of work on your thesis and develop productive writing habits in three days. The concept of Thesis Boot Camp is disarmingly simple. Put a group of people experiencing similar issues in the same room for a weekend, feed them regularly and provide a reward for every 5,000 words written. We have free two camps of 60 participants each this year, click here to find out more and join us. EOI close on 9 November.

• 14-16 December, Mon-Wed

Thinking of leaving academia, but not sure where to start? This opportunity is for you!

At least three out of four jobs are never advertised - most people find jobs through word of mouth and personal recommendations.
 
Our aim is to help you find a job you love within six months by growing and mobilising the power of your professional networks. We will start with a half day workshop on tried and true methods for networking your way into a job. 
 
In the workshop we will cover:
  
•    Identifying potential employers (generating a ‘cold call list’)
•    Leveraging your existing network (without losing friends)
•    Asking for and conducting ‘informational interviews’ (without fear or embarrassment)
•    Feeding and growing your network (or ‘earning the right to ask a favour’)

After the workshop, you will have an opportunity to join our first job hunting community. The community will be active for at least three months. The sign-up link is here: https://anu.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6DydoMzD5S17yiV

New library Click & Collect service

The ANU Library has just launched a new Click & Collect service for ANU academics, postgraduates and honours students. You can request monographs from any ANU Library branch (including the print repository) which will then be delivered to the Hancock or Chifley Library to collect anytime 24/7.

From the Thesis Whisperer

A warm congratulations to these candidates who have been recently approved to graduate from their PhD or MPhil. Well done all!