The purpose of this workshop is to help researchers to learn how to think strategically about career planning and to make decisions in which they can have confidence throughout their career. It encourages doctoral researchers to take a big picture view of the way they plan and manage their post-PhD careers.

During the workshop, we look at how personal values, gravity issues and career anchors affect career decision making. We look at a range of possible futures, and interrogate these against values, gravity issues and anchors, as well as exploring creative techniques for creating more possible future options. Then we turn to narrowing down options, and reality-testing shortlists, and the conscious and unconscious processes in play when we make decisions.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

* Map their personal values and ‘gravity issues’ onto future career scenarios in order to identify fit and consider potential compromises they may or may not be willing to make.
* Use future scenarios to pull out additional external factors that are important to their future career.
* Create a plan to explore possible futures, to aid career decision making.
* Appropriately trust the roles of the conscious and unconscious in their career decision making.