Program Overview

Introduction to the HEA Odyssey Programme

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has launched the Odyssey Programme, a national initiative designed to help PhD students plan successful careers beyond academia. This programme was first piloted at University College Cork and officially introduced at the HEA Research Futures event in July 2023.

Purpose of the Odyssey Programme

The Odyssey Programme aims to provide PhD students with the tools and confidence to use the transferable skills they have gained during their studies to build fulfilling careers outside the traditional academic route. It supports IMPACT 2030, Ireland's strategy to open up career pathways for researchers across all sectors, ensuring their expertise benefits society and the economy.

How the Odyssey Programme Works

• A 2-day online course for up to 20 final-year PhD students from any discipline.
• Two staff members from each participating institution join as observers to learn how to run the programme locally.
• The programme includes pre- and post-meetings with participants to explain the programme, set expectations, and provide individual CV clinics and career action plans.

Facilitators of the Odyssey Programme

The facilitators lead interactive group activities and sessions during the programme to help participants broaden their perspective on career options beyond academia. These activities involve discussions, exercises, and presentations aimed at challenging traditional notions and encouraging participants to explore new possibilities.

Meet the Facilitators

• Mary Kate O'Regan
• Dr. Jay Chopra
• Dr. Anne Gannon
• Fionnán O' Sullivan

What's Included in the Odyssey Programme?

The programme is designed to enable PhD candidates to adapt, integrate, and expand on their existing expertise to prepare for diverse career choices ahead. It highlights the significant differences and advantages of various workplace cultures beyond academia. The content of the modules includes:

1. Organisational cultures beyond academia
2. Metrics for success in organisations beyond academia
3. Facts about careers in academia
4. Fear and personal change
5. Changing perspective
6. Career opportunities available to researchers in various work environments
7. Research skills valued by organisations beyond academia
8. How applications are won and lost
9. Using research skills resourcefully to move beyond academia
10. Discovering the skills you already have
11. Developing a career action plan
12. Speakers who have successfully transitioned from academia to other domains

Agenda

The 2-day programme agenda is available, including meetings with participants individually prior to and after the programme.

Support and Resources

• Institutional Implementation Framework: Guidelines for staff in Irish universities to roll out the Odyssey Programme.
• All presentations and accompanying materials are made available to participants and observers through a secure Dropbox folder.
• Assessment reports, pilot reports, learning outcomes, and behavioral interview questions with sample answers are provided.

Third Level Institutions - Completed

A list of universities that have completed the Odyssey Programme, including the University of Limerick, Trinity College Dublin, and others.

Best Practice and Lessons Learned

Introduction to best practices, programme structure, and key components to support replication and foster collaboration. This includes:

• Career transition focus
• Competency-based CV
• Confidence building
• Observer integration
• Balanced messaging
• Interactive delivery
• Continuous feedback loop

Streamlined Approach for Adoption

A streamlined approach for other higher education institutions to adopt the programme, including programme structure, key components, and stakeholder sharing points.

Professional Development Plan

A Professional Development Plan (PDP) is a structured document outlining an individual's goals, skills, and actions for career growth and continuous learning. It serves as a roadmap and reflection tool for PhD candidates.

EU Researcher Competency Framework

ResearchComp is a tool that helps PhDs assess and develop their transversal skills, higher education institutions adapt their offerings, and employers understand the competences of PhD candidates.

Contact

For further information regarding the HEA Odyssey Programme, please contact the National Coordinator, Mary Kate O'Regan.

Useful Links

Links to related resources and information about the Odyssey Programme and career development for PhD students.