PhD in International Relations, 2011
Lecturer in International Politics, City University London
Please describe your career path to date
My career has progressed as I planned and better than I had hoped. Permanent jobs in academia are relatively scarce and I was fortunate to find a permanent post in London in my area of expertise. In addition, I secured a permanent post without having any periods of unemployment, which was especially important as I'm in the UK on a work visa.
Has your career path developed as you planned?
My current job is focused on teaching, research and administration. I am the programme director for an MA programme on International Politics and Human Rights. In that role I have developed several new courses and teach regularly. My other primary job is conducting original academic research. Both of these tasks - teaching and research - require extensive specialist knowledge and well-developed critical and analytical skills.
Additionally, I am involved in the day-to-day running of my department, as academic departments are to a degree self-organising, which is a source of frustration and fulfilment, as we have a good deal of autonomy over our work.
Tell us about your current job
I chose to go into academia because it provides me with a great deal of freedom to structure my own time and I can focus on research that I find stimulating and rewarding. As I have developed as an academic I have grown to appreciate the teaching I do as well.
Why did you choose this job?
The best part of my job is the amount of autonomy I have over my work and the ability to pursue my interests.
Thinking back, why did you choose your degree subject and why did you choose LSE?
I chose my subject based on my research interest and the LSE based on the faculty, as my preferred supervisor was in the international relations department. Also, the LSE offered more financial support than other universities where I was accepted.
How has your time at LSE helped you so far in your career?
My time at the LSE has been very helpful thus far, in part this reflects the quality of the education I received, but it also reflects the quality of the people with whom I formed professional relationships. Also, the reputation of the LSE has been an advantage in the job market.