Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

I conduct my own research in the area of post-Soviet politics. I also have some teaching responsibilities.

My days vary a lot. Currently I am on a five-month secondment to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Until recently I was conducting fieldwork in Kiev - I interviewed MPs, designed and commissioned a survey, and led a qualitative diary study about how Ukrainians follow the news. I travel regularly to conferences and workshops to present my research. I spend a lot of time working on my laptop, writing or analysing data.

Lots of things! Working with students who are enthusiastic (usually) and want to learn. Travelling for research, conducting interviews, attending interesting talks by visiting speakers...

Academia is very competitive and it can be hard to get a permanent position. It can feel like quite a precarious career.

I really enjoy working in the university environment. It's a great place to meet interesting people. I also like the freedom - I conduct my research quite independently and I can organise my own time.

I have a PhD and I use the research skills I developed as a doctoral student. I also use my language skills regularly, given that I study the post-Soviet region. People skills are also important.

I'm attending teacher training which will lead to a professional certificate. I can also attend language classes for free, so I'm learning Polish.

Taught English in Russia.

Worked as an administrator, running study abroad programmes in Moscow. Also did some translation work.

Unpaid internship at the European Commission's Delegation to Russia.

Monitoring journalist at the BBC (translating news from Russian to English).

MPhil in Russian and East European Studies at Oxford, followed by a DPhil in Politics.

Two-year postdoctoral contract at UCL.

I'd like to get a permanent job as a lecturer at a good university.

An academic job is a lifestyle choice, not just a career. Ask yourself whether you are prepared to live an itinerant lifestyle for at least 5 years after completing your PhD, and make sure you have a back-up plan in case you can't secure a permanent academic job.