Battery Career Portfolio

Traditional career pathways often imply a more singular route, for example from undergraduate, to PhD/post-doctoral researcher and ultimately to academic positions. Yet, a range of career options exist, with opportunities to move into new roles underpinned by transferrable skills.

The concept of building a career portfolio instead of a career path emphasises diversifying professional experiences and skills rather than following a more linear career trajectory. This approach involves accumulating a broad range of experiences, skills, and achievements that collectively showcase your capabilities and adaptability. It’s about being agile in a changing job market, continuously learning, and being open to various opportunities. This strategy aims to create a robust professional profile that can adapt to changing industry trends and personal interests, offering more career flexibility and resilience.

Understanding the purpose

• Identify goals: Recognise that this resource is designed to help you map out potential career routes in a specific field. It’s a tool to understand the progression from early education to advanced professional roles.
• Broad overview: Remember, the resource provides a general framework. It’s a starting point for exploring various options within an evolving field.

Navigating the resource

• Start at your current level: Identify where you currently are in your educational or professional journey. This could be as a student, a recent graduate, or an experienced professional seeking a career change.
• Follow the progression: Trace the pathway from your current level to higher levels. Note the qualifications, experience, and skills required at each stage.
• Explore alternatives: Consider different branches in the pathway. Some careers may require specialised training or education. Understand these nuances.

Setting realistic expectations

• Time frame: Acknowledge the time and effort required at each stage. Career advancement doesn’t happen overnight and requires dedication.
• Flexibility: Be open to adjustments. Career paths can change due to evolving industry demands, personal interests, and unforeseen opportunities.

Applying the information

• Education and training: Use the resource to identify relevant courses, degrees, or qualifications needed for your desired career path.
• Skills development: Focus on the skills mentioned at various stages. Seek opportunities to develop these through practical experiences, workshops, or online courses. Look at the insights provided in each role to help best focus your efforts.
• Networking: Look for professional networks or mentors mentioned in the resource. Engaging with industry professionals can provide valuable insights and opportunities.

Planning your career

• Short and long-term goals: Set achievable goals based on the pathway. This includes short-term objectives (like completing a course) and long-term aims (like reaching a particular role).
• Seek guidance: Don’t hesitate to consult career advisors, educators, or professionals for advice on your career plan. Mentorship can unlock significant new opportunities.

Staying informed and adaptable

• Continuous learning: Industries evolve, and so should your knowledge. Keep up to date on the latest trends and technologies in your field.
• Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt your career plan as you gain experience and as industry needs change.

Using the resource as a living guide

• Regular review: Revisit the website periodically to realign your career strategy with your current status and future aspirations.
• Dynamic use: Remember, this resource is not a one-time read. It’s a guide that should accompany you throughout your career journey.

Developing a lifelong learning mindset and continual appetite for professional development forms the foundation of a successful career. Below are some high level and general resources you can consider.

• Short courses and certifications: Build your portfolio of skills and experience towards being best placed to access new career opportunities. Demonstrating you are continually learning can highlight and evidence a growth mindset for future employers.
  • Training opportunities
  • Faraday Masterclasses

• Conferences and workshops: Networking and staying connected with the scientific community allows you to not only disseminate your work, but also form long lasting connections may help your career. Consider engaging with opportunities to get involved with committees that organise events to get insights into the process, contribute to the community but also showcase your personal profile.
  • Faraday Institution events
  • STFC batteries

• Internships and work experience: Alongside academic qualifications, practical experience gained through internships or work placements in related industries can be invaluable. For those interested in transitioning from academia to industry demonstrating a track record and passion for the field is an advantage.
  • Faraday Undergraduate Summer Experience (FUSE) Internship Programm
  • The Faraday Institution PhD Internship Programme

• Interdisciplinary approach: The field often requires knowledge crossing traditional boundaries (e.g., materials science, electronics, environmental policy). Whilst you might specialise in one area, having an understanding of the system as a whole is invaluable. There are a range of excellent resources that give an overview of the field that allows you to gain a holistic understanding.
  • Faraday Institution reports
  • Volta Foundation Annual Battery Report

• Networking: Building connections with professionals in academia, industry, and government often opens new opportunities. Use these to gain fresh perspectives that can potentially change/accelerate your career plans.
  • Faraday Institution events
  • Battery Pub

• Growing a professional identity: The battery industry is a global community. Developing your professional identity enables key stakeholders to get visibility of your skills and experience; opening new opportunities. Consider:
  • Developing a LinkedIn profile and grow your connections
  • Enrolling on leadership/media training programmes
  • Presenting and speaking opportunities such as at scientific conferences, for masterclasses and podcasts
  • Helping to organise an event

• Volunteering: The battery industry is powered by fantastic people with invaluable contributions from its dedicated community. Getting involved in volunteer work is a fantastic way to grow your professional identity, network and give back to the community. Engagement in these activities also allows you to develop your soft skills including: project management, team working and communication. Consider some of these potential opportunities:
  • Joining a committee such as the Faraday Institution Early Career Researcher Committee
  • Mentorship
  • Outreach
    • Become a STEM Ambassador
    • Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition
  • Scientific communication
    • Writing for organisations such as Intercalation Station, BatteryBits or BatteryDeisgn.net

• Staying informed: Keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements and market trends in battery technology.
  • The Faraday Institution Insights
  • Intercalation Station
  • Volta Foundation Annual Battery Report and Events