Why Am I (Not) Struggling? Career Prospects of Migrant Academics at British and Finnish Higher Education Institutions

Exclusion takes many forms, which can be based on factors relating to an individual’s identity or background. Discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and disability are some common forms of exclusion that can significantly impact individuals’ lives, both personally and professionally. In this pilot study, we explore the career prospects of migrant academics and learn more about their opportunities and challenges. We focus on experiences of ten migrant academics’ working at British and Finnish higher education institutions (HEI) across six categories, i.e. recruitment, promotion, teaching, research, leadership, and networks. While most of the interviewees felt ‘disempowered’ in relation to recruitment, promotion, leadership, and network building, the results were mixed for teaching and research. We believe our evidence-based interventions can help HEIs, researchers, and policymakers work together to support migrant academics navigate through their careers.