ABSTRACT
This chapter presents some of the routes that academics have used to develop their careers. It includes summaries of three recent research studies on aspects of academic life, work and career development. Interwoven with the studies are a snapshot of statistics of academic employment in the United Kingdom, and a section on the use of career consultants, mentors and role models. Career consultants can help the client with an analysis of personal skills, knowledge, motivation, specialist knowledge, beliefs and opportunities for networking at different levels. This can be of help in formulating a personal development plan and assessing one's potential for an alternative career, either inside or outside higher education. To pursue a career route in academia still requires individuals to determine their own fate: determining individual goals, watching out for 'routes' which might deliver goals and ultimately success, and watching out for training and development activities or opportunities which might assist in delivering the desired success.
