career development practitioner researcher conference 2021

10.00: Welcome and introductions

10.10: Keynote 1: A practitioner’s journey

10.30: UK panel, chaired by Nicki Moore

11.30: Break

11.45: International panel, chaired by Dr Siobhan Neary

• Iben Treebak, Pharmadanmark, Denmark

• Petra Rosie, University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway

• Dr Lucy Hearne, Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland

12.45: Lunch break and poster session

  1.15: Seminar 1 – Introduction to…. X 3

  2.05: Seminar 2 - Introduction to…. X 3

  2.55: Break

  3.00: Keynote 2: The importance of practitioner research - Jenny Bimrose, Professor Emeritus

   3.15: Summary and what next

   3.30: Finish

1. An Introduction to data analysis; making sense of numbers and words - Dr Anne Chant

Have you ever wondered about an aspect of careers practice and wished you could explore it in more depth? Perhaps you feel that research is not something you are confident about engaging with or that making sense of any data collected is too daunting? In this session, we will explore how to collect different kinds of data or material to find out more about a particular area of interest or answer a question you feel should be asked. We will look at qualitative and quantitative data and consider a step by step approach to turning it into fresh knowledge or understanding.

Dr Anne Chant is the Director of the Centre for Career and Personal Development at Canterbury Christ Church University.  She is an active researcher with a particular interest in career and personal identities, creative methodologies and BAME engagement in Higher Education.  

2. An introduction to conducting online surveys  - Gabi Binnie and Michael Tomlinson

This session aims to help you develop confidence in designing and managing online research surveys. Delivered by an academic researcher and a research manager, we will give our different perspectives on ensuring online survey success. We will also draw deeply on what we have learnt from a recent online survey-based research project.

Gabi Binnie is AGCAS's Policy and Research Manager; she manages their research outputs. She has experience running several online survey-based projects, including one currently open to graduates. Additionally, she is trained in research methods. Gabi has an MSc in Occupational Psychology.

3. An introduction to sources of research funding - Nicki Moore

This seminar will consider the implications of resourcing research activities and explore funding sources to support the development of the evidence base. It will provide:
* An introduction to frequently used language and terms surrounding funding applications; 
* An overview of sources of funding;
* An introduction to core principles about funding applications; and,
* Provide further hints and tips for success.

There will be an opportunity to raise questions and share experiences of submitting successful funding applications.

Nicki Moore is a senior lecturer and researcher in career development at the International Centre for Guidance Studies at the University of Derby. She has been a practitioner-researcher for many years and has been involved in the identification and securing of research funding as well as having a history of project managing a range of national and international research projects. 

1. An introduction to action research: what it is and how to do it - Dr Michelle Stewart

When procedures do not run smoothly, have you ever thought what's the problem? I want to know. Perhaps action research will give you the answer. In this session, we will use a case study to explore what action research is and how to do it, so you can go away and consider using it to identify solutions to resolving issues of professional practice. Conducting research in this way involves you directly in critically thinking about your work practices and reflecting on how you might change them for the better.

Dr Michelle Stewart is an experienced qualified career professional with a keen interest in career-related research and a desire to enable others to conduct research to inform and improve professional practice.

2. An introduction to digital research for careers practitioners - Tom Staunton

Digital research is about how we can use digital technology to underpin research. In this sense, digital technology looks at how digital tools and digital environments can be the basis for research. To some extent digital technology now underpins most aspects of research. It is therefore important for researchers to have a grasp of digital technology’s place in research. This session will enable careers practitioners to think through how digital technology is changing the nature of research. This will look at new opportunities for conducting research with digital technology, new tools and techniques which could be included as well looking at critical questions about the limits of digital technology.

Tom Staunton is Lecturer in Career Development at the International Centre for Guidance Studies. He teaches on iCeGS' MA Careers Education and Coaching where he leads on the research modules for the program. Tom is also undertaking a PhD looking at how graduates use social media for their careers which uses digital technology extensively from a methodological point of view.

3. An introduction to writing good literature reviews - Tracy Scurry and Anne Delauzun

A well-constructed literature review not only situates your work in the wider context but helps to demonstrate the value and originality of your research. This can help strengthen your case for funding/resources and in getting your work published. Developing a literature review is a complex task and involves more than identifying and presenting previous work on a topic. This interactive workshop offers an introduction to writing good literature reviews. The presenters will draw on their own experiences to help participants understand how to develop effective search strategies, critically evaluate resources and structure a review. Participants will also be signposted to a range of resources to support them in developing literature reviews.

It will explore; The purpose of literature reviews; The importance of the research and planning phase; Methods for literature search; Critical reading and evaluation of sources; Approaches for organising, structuring and writing literature reviews.

Anne Delauzun is Acting Head of Careers and Employability at the University of Reading and a member of the AGCAS Knowledge and Research Committee. Prior to joining the team at Reading in 2018, she worked at the Careers Group, the University of London as a Careers Consultant, and latterly as Deputy Head of Careers and Employability at Royal Holloway. Anne recently completed an MA Careers Education, Information and Guidance in Higher Education with the University of Warwick, through which she explored research interests in peer influence on career behaviours and social justice in careers work.

Tracy Scurry is a Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management at Newcastle University Business School and a member of the AGCAS Knowledge and Research Committee. Her current research embraces graduate careers, identity narratives of global workers and career development programmes. She has an established track record of attracting research funding and writing publications for different audiences. She has conducted research for policymakers and worked with professional bodies and membership organisations to engage members with research.