Connecting with Industry

Connecting with Industry is a certificated interactive on-line programme that equips researchers with the skills and confidence required to work more effectively with industry. It provides you with a working knowledge of key business issues that impact commercial organisations, which is valuable whether you plan to pursue a career in industry or collaborate with industry as part of a career in academic research. Throughout the programme you have the opportunity to work with your peers in a group setting, explore key concepts independently and apply new skills and tools to your current situation. The programme has been developed in consultation with Researcher Development Managers, CDT coordinators and other project leads from over 15 UK universities combined with in-depth surveying of more than 350 researchers and academics.

Programme Overview

The programme is organised into 6 modules, typically run on weekly cycles over 6 weeks. Each module includes self-study elements, a live on-line workshop with peers and application activities. Below is an overview of the key topic areas covered in the programme.

EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES
IN INDUSTRY

Explore possible opportunities for industry-university collaborations. Consider the potential benefits and risks of collaboration. Learn about different routes to developing collaborations and think about how working with industry fits with your career development strategy.

DISCOVERING WHERE YOU
ADD VALUE IN INDUSTRY

Explore challenges, problems and opportunities facing a specific industry. Work to connect-the-dots between these issues and your research, skills and interests, helping you discover opportunities for how you can add value in industry.

SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE
OF BUSINESS

Learn key business frameworks and terminology, enabling you to more effectively speak “the language of business”. This will help you engage more confidently with businesses, translating your research and academic experience in a way that is relevant to businesses.

COMMUNICATING YOUR
VALUE TO INDUSTRY

Learn how to develop clear and impactful communication that articulates to business and industry how you can add value. As a result, you’ll feel more confident and motivated to pro-actively engage with industry and businesses.

POSITIONING YOURSELF AS
AN EXPERT TO INDUSTRY

You’re provided with a roadmap for how to become recognised by industry as an “expert”. Learn to take a strategic approach to presenting yourself to industry and identify specific actions to establish expert status in the mind of industry.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
WITH INDUSTRY

Apply a framework for thinking strategically about growing and nurturing professional relationships. Consider your goals and develop a plan to pro-actively develop relationships in a way that helps you deliver greater impact.

Programme Structure

Connecting with Industry is a rich, varied and engaging skills development programme. The course is hosted on our e-learning platform where you can access course content and downloadable resources.

SELF-STUDY LESSONS

Multimedia content covering key concepts, frameworks and principles. This includes video lessons, recorded interviews with subject matter experts, selected readings and links to externally hosted materials. You have access to this material throughout the programme.

LIVE ON-LINE WORKSHOPS

Interactive zoom-based group workshops that give you the opportunity to activate tools and skills with your peers in a supportive environment. We apply a range of tools to support group work and collaboration, including online breakout rooms, virtual whiteboards and digital collaborative spaces.

DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

You have access to a range of downloadable resources throughout the programme, including pdf’s of presentation slides, worksheets & templates and a selection of short texts. These materials become a valuable part of your resource & skills toolbox.

APPLICATION & FEEDBACK

Each module includes at least 1 application activity. These activities encourage you to apply the principles and tools to your situation. The outputs for some of the activities are submitted for review by the trainer, who provides personalised feedback.

CONVERSATIONS WITH INDUSTRY

Facilitated group discussions with professionals experienced working in, or with, industry. The “Conversations” are live interactive forums with diverse guests who provide context, inspiration and real-world stories that bring key learnings to life. They also offer the opportunity for you to expand your network and build relationships with industry contacts. It’s not uncommon for these events to lead to opportunities beyond the programme, such as placements, joint research projects or employment.

Time Commitment

Expect to spend 2.5hrs – 3.5hrs per week to successfully complete this certificated programme. This includes 1 x 90-minute on-line group workshop per module, with the rest of the time spent on self-study and application activities, which can be completed on your own schedule.