Conference Infographic Gallery: Infographic 4

Upon discovering the significant lack of data representing individuals undertaking a non-linear transition from work to postgraduate study, this research sets out to explore how prior experiences of the workplace and organisational cultures might impact upon a transition and the process of exiting one role and taking on another. This research looks to develop knowledge for and about specific communities of learners, while hoping to design implications for policy and practice within the higher education landscape. In this infographic the researcher has presented the preliminary study that was carried out in the summer of 2021; the focus group comprised of postgraduate students enrolled at University College London. The presentation highlights the various themes revealed that characterise the populations’ transition, taking into account the impact of the unprecedented circumstances, as well as evidencing the extent to which former organisational cultures have impressed upon the individual’s approaches to study, acculturation, and fulfilling a new role or identity. In particular, discussion around the impact of Covid-19 on the learning experience drew upon technology, online and virtual cultures, and workspaces; the participants’ narratives enriched our understanding of the ways that they had been facilitated to cope and maintain their engagement during this time. The researcher employs a psychosocial lens and has scaffolded the research around a framework of transition theory, organisational culture, and identity. Handy’s model of organisational culture has been explored, offering a topology of four ongoing cultures within organisations to describe the characteristics and possible behaviours or values that may have been adopted by the participants. Schlossberg’s model of 4 S’s has played a significant role in the analysis of the data, revealing the mechanisms used by the participants to facilitate their transition. The research is ongoing, and so this presentation will focus on relevant theory and preliminary findings.