How to Return to Academia in Sydney: A Comprehensive Guide

Returning to academia can be an exciting yet challenging journey, especially in a vibrant city like Sydney. The Sydney region boasts numerous prestigious universities, each with unique research opportunities and academic environments. If you're considering this transition, here are the steps and advice you need to get started.

Step 1: Identify Your Special Interest in the Sydney Academic Space

The first step in your academic journey back to Sydney is to identify your specific area of interest. Sydney universities offer a wide array of disciplines, from artificial intelligence to ecology and from economics to mathematics. Once you have a clear idea of your interest, further research will be more targeted and effective.

Step 2: Consider Your Educational Background

Whether you already have a master's or doctorate degree, your current educational status will influence your approach. For instance, if you have a master's degree, you may be eligible for teaching associate (TA) positions, which can serve as an excellent stepping stone. If you have a doctorate, you can apply directly for full professorships or research positions.

Step 3: Use Online Job Portals and Magazines

There are various resources available to help you find academic jobs in Sydney. Magazines such as New Scientist offer job advertisements from both local and international institutions. To find job opportunities in Sydney, you can use Google searches with specific syntaxes. Here are a few examples:

Example 1: "allintext: location:Sydney" - This searches for job listings that contain the word "Sydney" within the text. Example 2: "allintext: job academia -phd" - This searches for job postings specifically related to academia but excludes those requiring a PhD. Example 3: "allintext: teaching research -university" - This searches for teaching and research positions but excludes those in a university setting.

By utilizing these search terms, you can refine your job search and find the perfect opportunity.

Step 4: Leverage Connections and Embrace Volunteering

If you know someone working in your desired field, reaching out to them can be a powerful way to get a foot in the door. Networking is key in academia. Additionally, auditing courses in your area of interest is a great way to stay updated and get a feel for the academic environment. After auditing a course, consider approaching the faculty members for a teaching assistant (TA) or other teaching role. This can help you gain experience and build your professional network.

Conclusion

Returning to academia in Sydney is a journey that requires careful planning and strategic moves. By identifying your special interests, using online job portals and magazines, and leveraging your connections, you can increase your chances of success. Remember, every step you take, no matter how small, is a step towards fulfilling your academic aspirations.