Category Archives: Careers

A Man of the People?

Posted on June 21, 2026 by Athene Donald

In the run-up to the recent Makerfield by-election, I saw comments to the effect that Andy Burnham couldn’t be the ‘man of the people’ he claimed to be, because he had been educated at Fitzwilliam College in Cambridge. A remark … Continue reading →

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Work Experience

Posted on May 31, 2026 by Athene Donald

Alan Milburn’s interim diagnostic report, Young People and Work, looking into the causes of the substantial increase in NEETs (18-24 year olds Not in Education, Employment or Training), makes sober reading. The causes are many, across multiple Government departments and … Continue reading →

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The Desolation of Success

Posted on May 3, 2026 by Athene Donald

Does this phrase strike a chord with you? Apparently, it first appeared in Peter Matthiessen’s book, The Snow Leopard, but I came across it quoted in Lindy Elkins-Tanton’s moving memoir Portrait of the Scientist as a Young Woman. As she … Continue reading →

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Taking the Chair (for the first time)

Posted on April 12, 2026 by Athene Donald

Sometimes things bring you up short in ways you weren’t expecting, and that happened this past week as I was trying to prepare for a talk. I’ve been asked to discuss my ‘leadership journey’ with a group of mid-career academics … Continue reading →

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Civic Responsibilities

Posted on October 26, 2025 by Athene Donald

The University Vice Chancellor Debbie Prentice, with Lord Patrick Vallance and Minister Pennycook at this week’s Innovate Cambridge Summit This week saw various significant announcements for and from the University of Cambridge, the Cambridge region and the wider so-called Ox-Cam … Continue reading →

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