We’re delighted to announce the launch of the new BSA Mid-Career Forum (MCF), a new dedicated Special Interest Group (SIG), created specifically for sociologists navigating the ambiguous mid-career stage. By recognising the distinctive pressures faced by sociologists (typically past 8-10 years post-PhD), this group aims to bridge a current gap. We will be providing tailored support for sociologists as they move past the early career stage onwards; as we build our careers, taking on new roles, positions, and responsibilities.
Why a Mid-Career SIG?
While the BSA has longstanding forums supporting postgraduate and early-career sociologists, many colleagues find themselves without a clear support structure once they move beyond these stages. The mid-career period can involve new and heightened expectations: from increased research publication pressures and grant income targets to substantial leadership and teaching responsibilities. It’s a phase where career trajectories can become complex, sometimes non-linear, and often isolating.
“Mid-career can feel like a tricky stage, full of exciting opportunities but also complex pressures and responsibilities. This new forum to be a welcoming space to share experiences, strategies, and support as we navigate these years together. We warmly invite all mid-career sociologists to join us in building a lively and diverse community.”
— Sarah Burton & Kathryn McEwan, Convenors
Our Aims
The Mid-Career Forum is committed to:
- Creating a supportive community that openly discusses career transitions, research leadership, promotion pathways, and maintaining wellbeing amidst growing responsibilities.
- Recognising and supporting diverse mid-career trajectories, whether teaching-focused, hybrid roles, those on precarious contracts, interdisciplinary positions, or those returning after career breaks.
- Providing practical solidarity and strategies around mentorship, public sociology, REF contributions, leadership and management skills development, and grant-writing.
- Enhancing BSA member engagement and retention beyond the early-career stage.
Activities and Events
Our planned activities reflect the varied and evolving needs of mid-career sociologists:
- Online writing groups and career reflection workshops, tailored specifically to mid-career pressures.
- ‘Mid-Career Reboot’ events focused on networking and practical reflections around teaching, research, and leadership.
- Panel discussions at BSA Annual Conferences, exploring themes like “Reimagining Mid-Career Sociology” and “Collaborating Across Boundaries.”
- A dedicated blog series sharing honest stories and practical insights from diverse mid-career paths.
Meet the Convenors
The Forum is convened by Sarah Burton (Robert Gordon University) and Kathryn McEwan (Northumbria University). Both Sarah and Kathryn bring experience from their previous roles as convenors of the BSA Early Career Forum and the BSA Postgraduate Forum, along with strong track records in sociological leadership, grant writing, and interdisciplinary research. The team will expand with new convenors, fostering rotation and shared responsibilities to encourage broad representation.
To connect with the Mid-Career Forum, you can:
- Join our JISCmail list: BSA-MID-CAREER-FORUM@jiscmail.ac.uk. You can subscribe here>>
This is our primary space for communication and discussion. It’s low-pressure and unfiltered, no social media algorithms, no hierarchy, just solidarity. Use it to ask for advice, to share good news, reflect on challenges, or connect with others navigating similar territory. - Look out for updates on the Forum’s website and our BlueSky account.
- Attend our upcoming events, including online writing groups, networking workshops, and conference panels.
We’re keen to shape this group in collaboration with our members, and to build an inclusive, practical, and welcoming space for all mid-career sociologists.
Together, let’s make a supportive, vibrant, and collaborative new forum for mid-career sociologists.
Sarah Burton & Kathryn McEwan
Convenors, BSA Mid-Career Forum
