Name: Dr. Louise Mitchell

Where you are from: Fife, Scotland
PhD University: The University of Salford
PhD topic area: Health Geography or Environmental Sciences
Current job title and company: Lecturer, SRUC
Current location: Edinburgh, Scotland

How would you describe to your granny/granddad what you do for work?
A hectic mix of teaching, a little bit of research, and a lot of paperwork. I primarily teach about the human influence on the world, from our historical land use, how people interact with the land, working with government to make a change and planning for the future. I really enjoy working with students to make sure they are supported throughout their time at college or university. 

What does a typical day/week look like for you? 
Typically, I spend most of my day interacting with students across lecturers, seminars, debates, and field visits. If I am not student facing, I am working on materials for education, making them accessible for all, or I am working with colleagues to improve our courses for the future, working with student services to support students, or getting round to the dreaded marking. 

What’s the best thing about your job?
Working with students – hands down. I really enjoy watching them grow, learn, and become more resilient throughout their time with me. 

What hard skills does someone need for your job?
I feel like there are so many skills that you gather throughout your time as a PhD candidate and external work that you can apply to your work life post PhD. 
For hard skills you obviously need knowledge in the field (a PhD for most lecturing posts), but it is also good to get some research bids, papers, and conferences under your belt too, so show versatility. I think for me, what was helpful, when I knew I enjoyed teaching was undertaking a teaching qualification, to make me more employable in the education field, but it also made being in the teaching deep-end a little easier. 
I feel that it is good to have some grasp of the administration, project management and software packages that the role is looking for too. There is so much admin that comes with a lecturing post, and so many plates so spin, a good grasp of the internal programmes is helpful. 

What soft skills does someone need for your job?
I feel that the soft skills are the ones that make us human, and able to work in this weird system. For me, I think there are a few:
-    Self-motivation and motivation to see others succeed.
-    Empathy for student learning processes
-    Resilience and problem solving
-    Effective communication 
-    Teamwork 
-    Time management: everything can seem so overwhelming, so a way of planning is helpful. 

In 10 years' time, what job/position do you see yourself in? 
I mean Professor would be lovely, maybe one day! 

What advice would you give to someone starting out in your industry?
It is a tough academic world. A fascinating one, but one that is very hectic, and full of imposter syndrome. Take time for yourself, search out those feeling the same (in person or online: academic twitter is a good place to start), or someone you trust (other people are feeling the same). 
I genuinely love working with students, making a difference, and trying to make the world a nicer place, but it can be a lot to deal with. Be kind to yourself, please.

What advice would you give to someone coming to the end of their PhD?
The end of the PhD seems like the worst bit, you feel so much pressure of writing up all of those years of stress into something legible, but I suggest having some light at the end of the tunnel: pick something that you have to look forward to. 
I think for me, as a perfectionist, I got really worked up with the fact that I might get corrections, but someone told me, ‘someone will always have something to change, your examiners are people that will be interested in your work, but humans have differences of opinion, there is nothing wrong with that, it means we are doing something different, something novel and something valuable, sell that, sell your hard work’.
Finally, try to enjoy the journey towards the end, I know it is easier said than done. I remember some really dark days in the final bit of the PhD, working nearly every hour of the day, and still not feeling like you are getting there. Remember, there are not many people that do a PhD, enjoy time with family and friends, you still need ‘me’ time, away from your academic work, whether that be a 30-minute yoga session, a run in the park, a concert, a book series or two, or in my case a 10 week baking class obsession.  

How can people get in touch with you?
LinkedIn
Twitter (X)