Navigating academic promotion can be particularly complex for international academics, who often face additional barriers related to visibility, recognition, and differing institutional expectations. In a recent HERDSA International Academics Special Interest Group (SIG) session, presenters Linda Ng, Jason Wong, and Jasvir Kaur shared practical strategies drawn from their session “Promotion Tips: From Invisible to Competitive.” The discussion offered actionable insights to help academics move from being overlooked to being recognised as strong promotion candidates.

International academics often make significant contributions to teaching, research, and service, yet many remain under-recognised in promotion processes. In this HERDSA International Academics SIG session, Linda Ng, Jason Wong, and Jasvir Kaur shared practical strategies to help academics move from being “invisible” to strongly competitive for promotion.

A central message was the importance of making contributions visible. Promotion is not only about what academics do, but how effectively they communicate their achievements. Participants were encouraged to align evidence clearly with promotion criteria, articulate impact, and ensure their work is documented and recognised.

The session emphasised strategic career planning. Rather than taking on numerous roles, academics should focus on purposeful activities that demonstrate readiness for the next level—such as leadership, curriculum innovation, and impactful research. Aligning work with institutional priorities was highlighted as key to strengthening promotion applications.

The presenters also underscored the value of mentorship and peer support. Engaging mentors, seeking feedback on applications, and participating in peer review processes can significantly enhance the quality and competitiveness of promotion submissions.

Developing a compelling promotion narrative was another critical takeaway. Successful applications go beyond listing achievements; they tell a coherent story of impact, leadership, and future contribution. For international academics, this may involve translating diverse experiences into locally understood frameworks.

Finally, the session acknowledged the importance of resilience and preparation. Building confidence, responding constructively to feedback, and maintaining a continuous record of achievements were identified as essential strategies for navigating promotion successfully.

This engaging session reinforced that promotion is an ongoing, strategic process. By strengthening visibility, aligning efforts, and leveraging support networks, international academics can position themselves more effectively for career advancement.

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