Of successful academics

> Prof Shelda Debowski shares 10 tips

T Ohelp a university academic navigate a successful career in academia, it is important to help them understand factors that will support their career success. There are five elements that ensure academics can thrive and survive in their busy work context: developing a strong academic identity; identifying strategy for short- and long-term academic success; career management; performance management; and building supportive network.

In his lecture titled “My last lecture – 20 rules for rising to the top in academia”, UTMSPACE managing director and CEO, Prof Ir Dr Mohd Azraai Kassim highlighted that a strong workingtogether attitude among academics will help boost not just their personal achievement, but the success of the whole organisation.

In line with this, UTMSPACE appointed Prof Shelda Debowski, an international higher education consultant, who as a visiting professor, trained its academic staff. She was in Malaysia between Sept 16 and 21, where she delivered a public lecture, organised workshops for UTM and UTMSPACE staff, and facilitated a seminar for academic leaders in collaboration with the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT) of the Ministry of Education Malaysia.

In her public lecture, Debowski shared 10 tips on becoming a successful academic: 1. Build a clear identity and review it regularly

Debowski, a visiting professor at UTMSPACE, delivering a public lecture on academic staff development and how to become a successful academic.