Diverse Voices 2024: Reflections from our first workshop

The first of the Diverse Voices workshop series for the 2024 cohort took place in November 2024. The half-day workshop was held at the PSA Camden office and streamed live to accommodate participants unable to attend physically. The workshop was tremendously useful and as one scholar describes it: 

“The workshop was not just a learning experience but a journey of personal growth. The diverse experiences shared by my peers helped me understand that challenges are an integral part of our academic journey. However, with focused determination, these challenges can be overcome. The inspiration and motivation I received from my peers were invaluable and helped me to remain focused.” 

The workshop provided a background on the structural challenges that affect underrepresented groups within academia, specifically the Politics and International Relations (PIR) department. Key discussions highlighted the disparity between the high proportion of female students in PIR and the low proportion of female staff in the departments. This session also opened up conversation around personal experiences and lessons in dealing with these stubborn challenges. The session was phenomenal in enlightening and reassuring the scholars as portrayed in their feedback. 

“Women in politics, especially Black women face so many challenges, and it used to feel really daunting. But now, I feel much more motivated to push forward and make my voice heard.”  

“It was interesting and affirming to hear the stats around diversity or its lack thereof in Political Science.”  

Considering these evident structural challenges, the workshop offered scholars practical ways in navigating through these issues and building a progressive career. The session on REF provided foundational knowledge and key insights on publishing, preparing for the upcoming REF and its implications for current PhD students. The scholars found this session to be: 

"The info on journals and their rankings was also a useful refresher on publishing... I have made a plan to rework one of my chapters and to publish it in a high ranking journal. My mentor has helped me with this.” 

“Following the first workshop, I have been focusing on publishing my thesis, applying the tips I gained from the session.” 

The workshop concluded with a final session on effective academic writing through storytelling.  The session succeeded in creating a space for them to view their research from a creative lens. Here is what the scholars have to say:

“The session on academic writing provided valuable insights into thinking creatively, presenting research ideas effectively, and improving critical thinking and writing abilities.” 

“The workshop really helped me learn how to tell the "story" of my thesis and connect the chapters in a clear and cohesive way. Even my supervisors have noticed the improvement in my work. It also helped me make progress on my theory section, which I’ve struggled with since starting my PhD.”  

“The writing workshop specifically was useful and made me think about how I can improve my framing of my thesis chapters. Using illustrations to open my chapters is something that my supervisors have been advising from early on, and the exercises during the session have allowed me to experiment with different ways I can narrate the significance of my ideas.” 

“The creative writing tasks were enjoyable...I was really intrigued by Stylish Academic Writing by Helen Sword and I have since purchased my own copy.” 

The workshop was undoubtedly impactful; providing relevant network, skills and perspectives to scholars and associates, preparing them for success during and after their PhD programmes. You can read more about our scholars and associates here. 

Joan McDappa, PSA’s Diversity and Projects Officer