Spotlight on Prosper: Dr Clare Danek

Blogpost

Published: 9 April, 2025

Further information

Dr Clare Danek from the University of Leeds is a participant in our Prosper programme, designed to support career development for postdocs. The programme is based on insightful tools and resources that are available through the Prosper Portal.

As we reach the halfway point of the programme, we asked Clare some questions about how she is finding the programme, the opportunity to meet colleagues from partner unis, and why she would recommend Prosper to other postdocs.

Why did you want to take part in the programme?

I was hoping to find out what I wanted to do when I grew up! I’m on a short-term contract and have been increasingly unsure about whether I wanted to remain in academia; I’m still not certain about my future direction but the programme is helping me to see that this decision doesn’t need to be absolute.

What was your previous experience or level of engagement with researchers and institutions outside of your university?

I was fortunate enough to receive a White Rose doctoral scholarship (via WRoCAH) so had interacted with colleagues from Sheffield and York Universities throughout my PhD; I found stepping outside the institutional silo very helpful.

Can you describe some of the key activities that you have found most beneficial so far?

A group of people part of the Prosper programme

Clare and the other participants of Prosper

Those tasks where we’ve been encouraged to challenge our existing thinking have been particularly helpful, for instance unpicking long-held beliefs about ourselves or unveiling those skills that we take for granted that are helpful for others. I’ve also been thinking much more about values-led career planning since exploring this during the first session.

Are there any specific skills or areas of development that the programme has helped you to focus on that you hadn’t anticipated?

I’ve held some limiting ideas about my skills (and earning potential) for a very long time, and the programme is helping me to see that I have more to offer than I’d previously thought, and in sectors that I haven’t yet explored.

Have you enjoyed the opportunity to meet others from partner unis?

It’s been particularly useful to spend time with participants from other disciplines, particularly STEM, and from other universities; I’m very much in the minority within the Prosper cohort as an arts researcher, and stepping out of the arts silo is surprisingly refreshing. The accountability buddies are particularly useful for looking in at one’s situation from entirely different perspectives.

So far, how has the programme helped you to identify any areas where you feel you need further development or support?

I’m a mature student, older than much of the cohort, and I’m realising that I could do with additional help in unpicking and articulating the rather wiggly journey I’ve taken to get to where I currently find myself, and in confirming that, as the adage goes, I’m not too old and it’s not (yet) too late.

What advice would you give to a postdoc who is considering applying for the Prosper programme? 

Apply! This programme is really helpful for challenging your thinking around your future potential, whether you remain in academia or venture out for opportunities outside.

“Postdoc-ing can be a lonely and uncertain business so the collegiality of being in a room alongside others is invaluable, for sharing experiences, boosting confidence and camaraderie.”

Further information

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