Supporting Mid-Career Academics: Reflecting on Our First Mentoring Workshop

Jessica Smith, Co-Convenor, Women and Politics Specialist Group 20 March 2025

 

In January this year, the PSA Women and Politics Specialist Group hosted its first-ever Mid-Career Mentoring (MCR) workshop funded by the PSA. We welcomed ten brilliant academics from across the UK and Europe, each at a pivotal stage of their careers. All had applied to join the scheme, which specifically supports colleagues who’ve moved beyond their first promotion but aren’t yet professors. Many hold research contracts and juggle a complex array of responsibilities.

So why mid-career? It is a key point in what is often described as the “leaky pipeline” to seniority in academia, where we continue to see stark gendered inequalities. Many women, at the mid-career point in their careers, find themselves balancing intensified caring responsibilities alongside rising administrative and leadership demands. Gendered barriers to career progression persist. The recent British Academy report highlights that women make up just 32% of professors—progression into senior ranks remains a challenge, particularly in Politics and International Relations. And yet, professional support and mentoring schemes for this group are rare. We wanted to change that.

Our two-day workshop set out to tackle three key areas of the research side of academia:

1. Research planning
2. Promotion and ambition
3. Building a research narrative

 

Leading the sessions were Professor Sarah Childs (University of Edinburgh) and Professor Rosie Campbell (King’s College London). Both brought insight and experience, creating a space where participants could speak openly about the challenges they face as MCRs. Conversations ranged from the complexities of managing small to large grants (whether individual or collaborative), to balancing the triad of teaching, research, and citizenship. We explored how to better communicate our work, navigate the demands of impact and engagement, and respond to gendered biases within the academic system.

But it wasn’t all about challenges. The sessions also encouraged participants to take stock of what they enjoy about their roles and to recognise their successes—a rare but vital exercise.

On the second day, we were joined by Sarah Blumenau, a professional communications coach. Her session focused on managing stress and anxiety, as well as building more effective communication strategies. We explored practical tools—such as simple breathing techniques—to release tension and refocus in our everyday work environment. Participants reflected on times they’d faced difficult conversations or found themselves stuck in unproductive patterns, and shared experiences and solutions as a group. It was an honest and energising session, offering practical strategies that can make a real difference to wellbeing and productivity.

The feedback from the workshop spoke volumes:

“This was a top initiative and one of the best training events I've been to since my PhD.”

“It was truly a wonderful experience, and definitely a much-needed workshop for MCRs! I can now picture myself, my research agenda (and where to place my priorities), and my career plan more clearly.”

For the PSA Women and Politics Specialist Group, this workshop was just the beginning. Mid-career is a critical point in academic life where support can make all the difference. We’re committed to building on this work and providing more opportunities for colleagues at this stage.

If you’re a mid-career academic—or know someone who is—keep an eye out for future events. We’d love to have you join us.