Q&A with a Careers Adviser: Chris Jeffs
Chris Jeffs, one of our specialist careers advisers, studied Biological Sciences at the University of Oxford before an MRes in Entomology at Imperial College London, and a DPhil in Ecology back at Oxford. After a Postdoctoral Research position in Oxford, Chris secured a career transition into the charity sector leading public engagement and career development work for ecologists before joining the Oxford University Careers Service. He now leads our Careers Beyond Academia conference for DPhil students and research staff, and advises on a range of sectors, including academia, sustainability and technology.
All our advisers are experts, but what about the people behind the advice? Let’s get to know Chris a little better...
Q&A with Chris Jeffs:
What's one piece of careers advice you wish you had followed sooner?
Periodically take time to reflect on your career direction. The best career decisions I’ve ever made followed when I stopped pursuing what I thought looked ‘successful’, such as striving for seniority just for the sake of it, and concentrated more on asking “do I enjoy this, or does it drain me?”. By reflecting on my situation every few months and making decisions over time that focused on enjoyment, over time my days have become full with tasks that energise me and outputs I find rewarding. The wellbeing benefits of this change in approach have been enormous!
What experience as a student and researcher set you up for a future career transition?
It seemed scary when I first decided I wanted to move on from academia and work in science communication, but thankfully the transferable skills and knowledge gained as a student, as a researcher, and through the extra-curricular activities I did ‘just for fun!’ were all hugely valuable. I didn’t originally volunteer with nature charities or do media work for any career goals, I just did it because it was fun. It just so turned out that years later doing what I found ‘fun’ also gave me skills and experience I could use to set up a new career in public engagement!
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learnt from working at the Careers Service?
After seeing countless students and research staff, I’ve learnt that even the most fantastic people can feel uncertain in themselves. Oxford can be a really intense place academically, and being around many similarly brilliant people can sometimes influence how we view ourselves and our abilities. We’re here to help build that confidence back - working together to identify and highlight your amazing talents. If you’re feeling stuck or worried, you’re not alone, come and speak to us.
How do you stay motivated and celebrate your job?
Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the change in someone who arrives feeling lost, and leaves feeling reassured and clearer on their next steps. Whether over a series of 1:1 appointments or a single workshop event, it’s a joy to see that increase in positive energy and hear any success stories that follow! We careers advisers love receiving email updates.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about the Careers Service?
If it is something that affects how you’re thinking about your career, it’s relevant to us! Book a 1:1 appointment so we can work together and help move your ideas forward or overcome challenges you’re facing.
If you could have any job in the world for a day, which one would it be?
Tropical forest tour guide. Getting to be in some of the most fascinating places on Earth, finding amazing things, and sharing them with other enthusiasts – sounds pretty good to me! Plus I get to feel a little bit like being of a wildlife TV presenter…
What are your favourite places in Oxford?
I did some of my research in Wytham Woods (Oxford’s ‘laboratory with leaves’) and that’s a beautiful place - when the bluebells are out and the birds are singing it’s just the best. Back in the city, a perk of the job is being invited to give workshops for colleges and departments – you’re always discovering a fancy new building or historical room full of fascinating objects and paintings. Giving presentations at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History is always a highlight too. So I can keep adding new places to my list, please invite me to give workshops for you!
What’s your favourite time of year to be working in Oxford/at the Careers Service?
I absolutely love an Autumn crisp sunny day in Oxford with all the bright leaves and morning golden light shining on the old stone buildings. Walking along the river by the boathouses with mist rising off it is a great way to start the day. For working the Careers Service itself though, end of Hilary term during the ‘Careers Beyond Academia’ conference for researchers is great! The culmination of months of planning and the product of many collaborations and kind contributions, it’s always fascinating to hear so many success stories of career transitions and see so many hundreds of attendees take part before the Easter break.
1:1 Advice Appointments
Our specialist careers advisers come from a variety of professional backgrounds, including teaching, banking, publishing, and law. All of them, including Chris Jeffs, are equipped to help you with any career-related issue you might have.
