Professional Development Day
- Region: Online
- Type: Conference
- Cost: Ticketed
Monday 1 December (3pm-5.30pm GMT )and Tuesday 2 December (10.30-1pm GMT)
Online Webinar
£4 members / £6 non-members. Booking essential.
From curating to publishing your thesis, to grant-writing and careers outside of academia, develop your skills at our Professional Development Day.
The Association for Art History’s Doctoral and Early Career Researcher (DECR) Committee presents the 2025 online Professional Development Day.
The Professional Development Day offers professional advice, insights, and career development opportunities targeted at doctoral and early-career researchers, but open to all. This online event is aimed at individuals working within disciplines that intersect with art history in its broadest sense, including arts practices, curating and other cultural fields. This year’s programme includes a range of presenters who will generously and openly discuss their professional experiences and offer advice and guidance, while providing a space for honest conversations about some of the challenges faced by arts professionals. Themes include working in the GLAM sector, how to write grants, the realities of the job market, evolving the thesis and working outside of academia.
Programme
Monday 1 December, 15.00-17.30
Navigating the Post-PhD Blues
15.00-16.00
Emma Pearce, Lecturer in Design History & Theory, Glasgow School of Art
This session explores the realities of post-PhD life, including both its positive and negative aspects. We will discuss how to navigate the academic job market, explore art history opportunities outside the UK, and pad out your CV.
Beyond Academia
16.30-17.30
Karen Kelsky, Academic Consultant.
This workshop with the Founder and President of The Professor Is In, will explore post-PhD opportunities outside of academia and how to apply your highly specialised skill sets to new settings. It will consider opportunities in the UK and North America.
Tuesday 2 December, 10.30 – 13.00
Evolving your Thesis
10.30-11.30
Christina Bradstreet, Head of Programmes, Association for Art History
In this session, Christina Bradstreet will outline the journey of her thesis after the PhD. From writing a monograph to curating an exhibition, we will discuss concrete steps to evolve your existing research.
Transitioning into the GLAM Sector
11.30-13:00
Hardeep Dhindsa, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Hardeep Dhindsa will discuss his journey from PhD student to gaining experience in the GLAM sector during his studies. This session will also offer tips on how to advertise yourself to a different audience.