Ask the recruiter - with Kiersten Avery

Are you struggling to handle a salary negotiation? Looking to change fields and unsure how to frame your skillset? Interested in a role that seems out of your league?

With decades of global executive search and interim recruitment experience in higher education and research, schools, further education, not for profit, technology, fundraising, healthcare, government and the cultural sectors, as well as Board-level appointments with far ranging reach, our team has seen it all and is here to guide you through your career.

Send us your query at [email protected] with the subject title "Ask the recruiter" to have your question answered.

Today's writer asks

"I work in the Higher Education sector and have been in my Academic role for a few years now. Occasionally, there will be internal promotion opportunities, but I'm not sure if I should go for it. How will I know when I am ready for a promotion in Higher Education, and how do I plan for it?" - Ready for the Role

?Kiersten says,

Dear Ready for the Role,

Thanks for your question – this is a tricky one, navigating the pathway to promotion in higher education demands careful consideration and strategic planning, Academic candidates often opt for external appointments to sidestep what might be uncomfortable internal discussions, but evaluating the timing for either internal or external promotions requires deliberate thought and planning.?

Your journey towards advancement ideally begins once you are settled into your current role. It is crucial to master your responsibilities and seize additional opportunities to showcase your readiness for the next step. Planning for the next step involves a blend of self-assessment, seeking feedback from colleagues and supervisors, and understanding the institution's promotion criteria.

Here are some key areas to focus on:

1. Be your own critical friend: Reflect on your skills, accomplishments and readiness for new challenges. Determine if you have fully mastered your current responsibilities - are you genuinely ready for new challenges, or are you still on a learning curve?
2. Talk to people who know you and some who don't: Ask for feedback from your trusted supervisors, mentors, and colleagues to identify strengths and areas for growth. Also, ask for feedback from people who know you less well to find out how you are more generally perceived.
3. How will you be measured: Familiarise yourself with the internal academic promotion criteria, including qualifications, leadership, supervision, teaching and research outputs, conference papers and other benchmarks. A self-assessment and, if appropriate, a gap analysis can be useful here to ground your expectations.
4. Make a plan with clear goals: Based on your assessment, identify specific goals and areas for development that align with the expectations for promotion and work towards achieving them.
5. Step up and take on Leadership responsibilities: Volunteer for leadership roles or additional responsibilities within your department or wider institution. This could involve leading projects, mentoring junior staff or students, or participating in committees.
6. Develop your sector networks: Cultivate relationships with colleagues and key stakeholders to enhance visibility, collaboration, and support for your promotion candidacy.
7. Is your CV up to date: Keep a clear record of your accomplishments, including publications, grants, awards, teaching evaluations, successful projects, and positive feedback from students or colleagues to support your case for promotion.
8. Put your head above the parapet: Discuss your career goals with your supervisor or department head to align your path with institutional objectives.
9. Engage with relevant training and development: participate in workshops, conferences, and training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge relevant to your advancement.
10. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint: Understand that the promotion process may take time and may involve multiple steps, such as formal applications, interviews, or evaluations. Stay focused on your goals and continue to work diligently towards them.

Approaching a promotion in higher education requires a proactive and strategic mindset, combined with self-awareness, continuous professional development, and effective communication with supervisors and colleagues. In demonstrating your readiness, leadership potential, and commitment to the institution's mission, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for advancement – whether that is through an internal or external route.

Joining Anderson Quigley in 2022 with significant sector experience, Kiersten continues to support the international higher education sector, delivering key executive level appointments in both academic and professional services areas.

For more information about Kiersten, including how to contact her directly, please click here.