It is not just technical and scientific skills that set up FLEET graduates for future career success.
Surveying alums and current members reveals the impact of technical and transferable skills gained in the Centre.
FLEET is on a mission to develop the next generation of science leaders. In the nearly seven years since FLEET began we have trained over 100 researchers now in diverse careers.
But it is not just their impeccable scientific training that they value from their time at FLEET.
To help understand the impact of FLEET training for its members, we have surveyed alums to find what they valued most from their time at FLEET and how this has
influenced their career pathways and new roles.
Technical training was definitely crucial, and as one alum pointed out it also helped them develop confidence in their abilities.
But FLEET alums perceive their most important skills gained at FLEET to be transferable or professional skills such as communication, networking, translation and collaboration, and a broad understanding of the research ecosystem.
A strong theme emerging in survey data is that these highly-valued transferable skills were enabled by a sense of community, a strong support network, and a sense of belonging or common purpose.
“It’s a feeling that FLEET members belong to a family, a ready-made network of experts and expertise they felt comfortable to reach out to for help or advice from,” says FLEET coordinator Dr Jason Major. “It influenced participation in training programs and enabled strong relationships, networks and collaborations that enhanced leadership abilities and confidence in their own knowledge and abilities.”