Career and learning support for researchers: Building identity and employability through authentic community building.

Career and learning support for researchers: Building identity and employability through authentic community building.

In an ever-increasing fast paced environment, researchers can become lost in the masses and lose identity. How can an individual navigate a research career without losing their self-concept and social identity? Research students and early career researchers often hear about the importance of networking, but where do you start in finding collaborative and supportive communities? How does community building enhance your research opportunities and growth as a research voice? As experienced higher education learning and career advisors, educators, and now doctoral graduates, the presenters will share both personal and student examples of where the building of research identity stemmed from authentic community building, and how this positively impacted on their research as well as strengthened effectiveness in publication, professional identity, and overall employability. From both qualitative and quantitative results gained from surveying past participants of university research symposiums, the presenters will provide evidence of how research candidates and early career researchers identified their skills, abilities, values, and interests to successfully adapt to change, retain their identity and experience meaningful work. The aim of this presentation is to contribute findings and recommendations that can promote policy and professional practice conversations about supporting the building of employability and meaningful paths for doctoral candidates and early career researchers. Once an individual identifies their meaning, it builds structure, strengthens employability, and guides their career as they experience various career roles with self-efficacy, a sense of significance, and heightened productivity both now and during future work disruptions.

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