The concept of third space is one that most Learning Developers have probably encountered at some point, whether in their reading, their writing, or how they understand their role. Celia Whitchurch has a long relationship with LD, first invited into the fold by Janette Myers in 2015. She outlines for us how the idea of third space has developed, from attempting to define what someone is not, to positively recognising and legitimising a new way of working in the university. Third space professionals are adept at networking and negotiating, crossing boundaries and creating new pathways, and similarly third space (never THE third space, for Celia - there are multiple!) has undergone its own metamorphosis. Much of her recent work is on managing a career of shifting identities, and impending retirement doesn’t seem to have allayed Celia’s passion for writing. It starts with an idea, and then a paragraph, and it flows from there, with some headings to ensure all bases are covered. Get a writing mentor, or gather some writing buddies, and learn from each other. But take heart - even Celia Whitchurch can have a paper rejected! So if it’s ever happened to you, you’re in excellent company, and the only thing to do is try again.

Whitchurch, C., W. Locke, and G. Marini. 2023. Challenging Approaches to Academic Career-Making. London: Bloomsbury Publishing. https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/challenging-approaches-to-academic-careermaking-9781350282537/