Michael Kandiah

Current Employer/Organisation Name

King’s College London

Can you give us an overview of what you have done since you completed your research degree?

Immediately after completing my PhD, I taught at Bristol University. I then got lecturing jobs at University College London, Queen Mary, University of London and finally at the Institute of Contemporary British History. In 2010 I joined King’s College London, where I am still employed.

How did you become interested in the area you work in?

My undergraduate degree was in History, so very early on.

How did you find opportunities in the area you work in and how did the recruitment process work?

In my early career, it was largely through various professional networks. Then via the Times Higher Education Supplement.

What does your current role involve?

Teaching undergraduates and postgraduate students. Supervising PhD students. Research.

What skills are involved in your work and how did your research degree help develop them?

A good understanding of what I teach, which, initially at least, were derrived from my research degree.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Interacting with students. Researching.

What are the challenges in your role?

I’m not sure that there are any.

What has surprised you about your role?

That I’ve been able to do what I do for over three decades.

Did you engage in any additional activities or roles (i.e. organising conferences, entering PGR showcase, being a PGR Rep etc.) during your research degree, and how did these help prepare you for a career beyond academia?

I was President of the Postgraduate Students.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Research and teaching. As well as knowing how to network, something which I learnt at Exeter.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Don’t. Academia is now much more brutal than it was when I was young.

What are your plans for the future?

Work to retirement.