I used the skills audit and created an excel file for skills using the STAR method. I then had an interview for a job where I could use my STAR spreadsheet to help answer questions. I got the job!
Dr Rebecca Jensen, on 'What one moment from the Prosper cohort made you feel proud or inspired?'
On 10th July, we gathered together in the beautiful School of the Arts library to mark the close of the University of Liverpool's 2025 Prosper cohort (the University's second Prosper cohort since our sector launch – where has the time gone?!).
Over the past six months a diverse group of 30 postdocs have undertaken a programme of sessions and workshops moving through our Reflect, Explore and Act resources – interspersed with group and 1-1 career coaching, and a peer-learning buddy scheme.
The event was an occasion for reflection and celebration (plus a bit of free food, which never hurts).
Reflecting on transferable skills made me realise how my academic career could make me a good candidate for a wide range of academic and non-academic positions
Dr James Charles, on 'What strengths did you discover in yourself or others during Prosper?'
Mapping the journey
We prompted cohort members to visualise and map out their career development journeys since February, reflecting on the lessons, challenges, setbacks and successes encountered along the way. We wanted to get a sense of what the postdocs had found most useful. Some of the feedback can be seen in the quotes in this piece.
Networking is a ‘learned’ skill. Before I used to feel you must have been born an extrovert to be able to connect with people in professional settings. But I have learned there is actually a lot of preparation involved that can help you make the first contact and start conversations.
Dr Alzbeta Chabronova, on 'What's one skill, insight or confidence boost you're walking away with?'
Some of the common themes that emerged from discussion included:
- The importance of creating protected time and space for career development – of taking a step back to reflect on your career (as opposed to plodding along reactively), and prioritising it even when you have a heavy workload.
- The transformative potential of switching to a skills-mindset – of thinking in terms of your transferable skills rather than academic history.
- The importance of networking and making connections/conversation – that this is not nearly as hard or unpleasant as it can seem in your head, and that it's not just for extroverts!
- The power of being open to a broad landscape of future possibilities – countering the tendency toward tunnel-vision.
- A little bit of self-work and preparation can equal a huge boost to confidence – more than you might think!
I was proud to be selected to participate in Prosper. It gave protected time to explore career development in a non-threatening way. I felt less lonely discussing challenges with other people. There was good energy in the sessions.
Dr Erin McCloskey, on 'What one moment from the Prosper cohort made you feel proud or inspired?'
The session also served as a chance to revisit the sunk cost fallacy, as we know this is an idea that resonates for a lot of postdocs, and can act as a big mental barrier to growth and development.
I’m more qualified, skilled and competent than I previously gave myself credit for. Being ready to put yourself out there, speaking about your work, helps remove imposter syndrome.
Dr Modupeh Betts, on 'What strengths did you discover in yourself or others during Prosper?'
Planning for the future
The event also served as an opportunity for action-setting – though this particular cohort may be drawn to a close, career development is an ongoing endeavour.
Members were encouraged to stay in touch with one another, and continue with the mutual peer learning that we know is such a big benefit of the Prosper model. Attendees used the session to set concrete career development goals for the coming months and beyond.
The practical time management skills and tools are now part of my day-to-day work and improve my work prioritisation approach.
Dr Modupeh Betts, on 'What’s one skills insight or confidence boost you’re walking away with?'
We also used the session to get a sense of what cohort members might change for future cohorts. It may only be July but we're already planning the 2026 cohort. Applications for the next University of Liverpool cohort will open around October time.
We'll also be following up with some of cohort members for postdoc case studies and interviews, to get a deeper sense of their stories and journeys – so watch this space!
I have many skills that I did not realise before (e.g. ability to negotiate, making and keeping work relationships and collaborations, enthusiasm for what I do)
Dr Laura Bozicevic, on 'What strengths did you discover in yourself or others during Prosper?'
All in all, it's been a delightful six months. We'd like to thank each and every one of the postdocs that participated in their cohort – you've all been a pleasure to work with, and your enthusiasm and contributions have been invaluable. Prosper is first and foremost co-created with postdocs, so we literally could not have done it without you!
I realised that my skillset was unique to me and that I could highlight what I’m good at to stand out in a sea of applications.
Dr Erin McCloskey, on 'What’s one skill, insight or confidence boost you’re walking away with?'
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