Development Monthly | #37 November 2024 | Pathways to Progress: Career Development in HE
Career progression is your journey to reach your full professional potential. It’s not just about climbing the metaphorical ladder; it’s finding meaning and fulfilment in your work. It’s about continuous growth, exploration and maximising your impact. Change is constant in higher education. Our roles are continuously evolving. We are always learning and moving forward in our own professional development.
The technical bit
In the UK public sector, including higher education, job roles are defined and graded according to a standardised job evaluation scheme. HERA, the Higher Education Role Analysis framework, plays a crucial role in this process. HERA objectively evaluates roles based on factors like responsibility, required knowledge and skills, and contribution to the institution’s success. By assigning a relative value to each role, HERA ensures fair and consistent compensation across the sector. But it also means promotion inevitably requires applying for and securing a new job role.
The catch
‘Progression’ in the sense it is most often used, as an indicator of movement up the hierarchy and pay scale, inevitably comes from changing your role and taking risks. The structure of the public sector, of which higher education is part (apart from a few exceptions), means that you will most likely need to move jobs to gain experience or move up in the organisational hierarchy. We also move from specialist to generalist (in terms of knowledge) as we become more senior, so experience at a junior level in different areas serves you well as you move into management. Movement, change and risk will always be factors you will need to contend with.
Taking the less obvious route
After two years in my first job at a university, I applied for and secured a job in a different team at a pay grade lower than that of my first role. Many colleagues, including my managers, told me it was a stupid decision. But it was a decision that I was completely confident in. I hadn’t been happy in my previous role. I had identified my skills gaps. I felt that I had struggled with the role because I didn’t have the foundational understanding of the student administrative and learning journey that it relied on and that I would gain in my new role as a course administrator.
For me, it was absolutely the right decision. In the new role, I was fortunate to work with some super knowledgeable administrators in a kind, empowered, confident team. I learnt a huge amount of technical knowledge and worked with a diverse group of academic and support staff. I had fun. I made some wonderful friends. It was a moment in time where some superb opportunities and people came together to benefit me. The generosity of spirit – sharing knowledge, expertise, opportunity and privileges – that I benefited from, is something I have since embedded in my own professional practice. There shall be no gatekeeping of knowledge or wisdom on my watch!
I don’t share this to suggest that this is specifically something you might need to do, but to reinforce that progression in your career is self-defined. It’s your career. You are not on a pathway; you are forging your own path.
No two career paths are the same. And no path is a straight line
There is no average career path or route in higher education professional services. Within teams or specialisms, such as HR, finance, IT or student support, there are opportunities to progress up pay grades through the internal hierarchy. For example, Admissions Assistant to Admissions Officer to Admissions Manager. But increasingly those routes are limited, not least by the fact we all have to work much longer. There are fewer opportunities at each pay grade within a specialism or team due to the structure of HEIs. Neither I, nor any of the contributors to my book, followed a linear path in their career. All of their stories illustrate unique twists and turns! Their journeys illustrate that we are not bound by our previous roles, but with a focus on our skills and experiences there are more opportunities available to us than we might initially think.
The building blocks
Embrace Change: Understand that career progression often involves moving outside your comfort zone. These experiences can provide valuable skills and knowledge that will benefit you in the long run.
Network Strategically: Build strong relationships with colleagues and mentors within your field. Seek out opportunities to collaborate on projects, share knowledge, and learn from others. A strong network can open doors to new opportunities and provide support throughout your career.
Focus on Skills and Experiences: Rather than fixating on a specific job title or career path, prioritise developing your skills and gaining diverse experiences. Continuously reflect on your strengths and areas for growth, and seek out opportunities to enhance your skill set.
The important bit
Don’t be rigid about your long-term career plan or what you feel you ought to be doing. Be open to opportunities that might suit you even if they don’t seem to fit with your current plan. Very few people follow the career path they intend or expect to. It’s cliche, but it really is about the journey rather than the destination.
This piece is an adapted excerpt from Rachel’s forthcoming book. Surviving and Thriving in Higher Education Professional Services: a guide to success is available for pre-order and will be published on 2 December 2024.
Links: Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Surviving-Thriving-Education-Professional-Services/dp/1032862696/
Routledge: https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101254626-14076226?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.routledge.com%2FSurviving-and-Thriving-in-Higher-Education-Professional-Services-A-Guide-to-Success%2FReeds%2Fp%2Fbook%2F9781032862699
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