Is anyone following or has anyone followed the Leadership Foundation's Aurora future leaders programme for women working in HE? I applied a few months ago at the Uni, was unsuccessful in my application and thought I'd give it another go now. I don't lead and there's little scope in my present role but I believe that I've acquired the skills and attributes to do so. I have leadership experience in a variety of other contexts.
I work in a support role and really what I want to do is return to teaching (which I used to do but part time). To do so, I'd need a higher degree. I've spoken to my manager about funding for a further degree. He's sympathetic but only if do it in a subject which bears no relation at all to the academic area that I'd like to work in. His ideas is a kind of work based course which does sound rather dull and though it might help me in my present job, it wouldn't if I applied to teach.
Anyway, I'm wondering if I should put all my efforts into making out a business case for a further degree, in a content subject which is of interest to me. This kind of academic up-skilling would also greatly enhance the work I'm doing already. I wonder if, combined with Aurora, I'd have enough time for the day job and also if, to demonstrate my determination and commitment in relation to further academic study, I'd come across as a more serious candidate for funding/assistance with funding if I focused my attention on one, and not both, endeavours.
Hope this makes sense!