What is a ‘Personal Profile’? A Personal Profile (or ‘Career Profile’) is an introductory paragraph at the beginning of your CV containing a short summary of your background and career plans. The Profile is the written equivalent of an ‘elevator pitch’ designed to capture the employer’s interest quickly so that…>
Global Careers
Going on Secondment – Pros and Cons
What is secondment? Many people do not realise that it is possible to explore different career possibilities by temporarily changing roles within the same organisation. This is often known as ‘going on secondment’ and is especially prevalent in the commercial sector where companies are adept at making the best use…>
Top Tips for a Career Change
When you’re stuck in a rut and dreading each day of work, a change of career seems to be the answer. The grass looks greener and the sky bluer. But is it? These ten crucial questions, answered honestly, will help you to think it through, evaluate your position and view the prospect with a steady gaze.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
TEFL, CELTA, TESOL, DELTA… all of these acronyms relate to one thing: teaching English as a foreign language. The range of courses on offer can be confusing. Whether you are new to teaching or you have been in the teaching profession for decades, the following insights will help you to…>
The Talent Programme in China
The education ministry in China has, over the last 15 years, invested a huge amount of money in the university system, and has developed a range of programmes encouraging professional and personal development among academics. Moreover, in recent years, the programme has focused on attracting international talent, especially those who…>
Conducting Research in China
In general, research opportunities at China’s top universities are very good, especially at the top research-intensive universities. This is because government funding has been abundant and investment in the higher education system has been strong and sustained. China’s universities are growing in reputation, prestige and excellence.
My First Year Teaching in China
Foreign academics will face a series of challenges but also many opportunities in their first year teaching in China. In many disciplines, the appeal of hiring a foreign academic is that he/she can teach through the medium of English, and speak the language of the quality of a native speaker….>
Working in the Omani Higher Education System
From October 2012 for two years, I worked in a College of Applied Sciences (CAS) for the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). It was my first academic post, post-PhD, outside of my home country. Entering in as an Asst. Prof. my responsibilities were to develop and teach a variety of…>
Dealing With Internet Censorship In China
The prospect of having to deal with internet censorship can be a daunting one when preparing to move to China. This is particularly true for academics…
Managing The Chinese Education System
In any education system, academics are answerable to the government. Audits, form-filling and declaring their research agendas form a routine part in the life of an academic who is required to complete these administrative tasks. It is true that China is no exception. Administrative tasks form a significant part of…>