Feeling stuck in clinical practice but not sure if academia is for you? Think you missed your chance because you didn't do honours? Caroline Mills shows why your clinical frustrations might actually be pointing you toward your next career evolution.

Dr Caroline Mills is a senior lecturer in occupational therapy at Western Sydney University, Australia whose research is dedicated to improving the lives of autistic people and those who support them. After 11 years as an OT - including time as a school-based therapist working with autistic children across Australia, the UK, and China - burning questions about sensory interventions led her back to university for a PhD in this often controversial research area.Now, 20 years into her health career, current research spans supporting sensory processing in autistic children, aging autistic adults, technology applications for people with disabilities, and dementia interventions, always with a focus on applied research that makes real-world difference.

In this episode, Caroline answers:

• What does a typical academic week actually look like?
• What's the best and hardest thing about being in academia right now?
• How do you handle constant rejection and failure in research?
• How do you measure the real impact of your work when metrics don't tell the story?
• When do you say yes vs no to opportunities (and why you need a mission)?
• How do you find your identity when transitioning from clinician to academic?
• Should you go straight from graduation to academia or get practice experience first?
• What external constraints impact career development in research?
• How do you balance academic demands with having young children?

Caroline's honest insights cover:

• Why clinical experience was essential before her research career
• The toxic work culture in academia and how to navigate it
• Finding your research "people" across different departments
• Managing the slow pace of research
• Building resilience for the rejection-heavy academic world

Perfect for: Clinicians considering research, health professionals curious about academia, or anyone wondering about the reality behind university life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Academia and Current Role

09:04 Challenges and Rewards in Academia

15:52 The Journey into Research and PhD

20:35 Research Focus and Controversies

27:46 Navigating Opportunities and Saying No

36:19 The Slow Pace of Research

41:26 Career Path and Identity in Academia

47:32 External Influences and Support Systems

Show Links:

• The Conversation
• Connect with Caroline Mills on LinkedIn HERE

Ready to explore if research or education could be your next evolution? Take the StreamAhead Assessment to discover which career pathway truly aligns with your strengths and interests. Learn more HERE.