How can a role as an external examiner help you in your academic career and how can you find external examiner positions?

In the exciting and fulfilling world of academia, securing an external examiner position enables you to showcase your expertise and commitment to academic excellence. These roles, critical to the quality assurance process in universities, not only contribute to the broader academic community but also offer a range of benefits for your professional growth, and you get paid a little for doing so. In this article we look at how you can find external examiner positions and how they can help you in your academic career.

Understanding the Role of an External Examiner

Firstly, before you look for an apply for an external examiner role, it’s important to understand what the role of an external examiner is. Put simply, it is a multifaceted role, encompassing the evaluation of academic programmes, assessment methods, and overall standards within a university. External examiners are used by institutions as they bring an impartial and objective perspective, ensuring that academic assessments are fair, rigorous, and aligned with industry benchmarks. Many institutions have clear guidelines for what they expect from an external examiner, but they are essentially critical friends of the institution. The contributions of an external examiner play a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of education provided by universities and colleges.

Why do you Universities use External Examiners?

There are several reasons, but in the main, there are two key factors – firstly, institutions are committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic rigor. External examiners do this by providing an external, unbiased evaluation of academic programmes, ensuring that the assessment processes are robust and that the degrees awarded maintain credibility. Their invaluable feedback contributes to the continuous improvement of the academic provision. Secondly, they are also required to ensure that their programmes are unbiased and fair by awarding bodies and regulatory bodies.

The skills, qualities, and Experience Required to be an external examiner

To take on the role of an external examiner, certain qualities, skills, and experiences are required. You not only require a deep understanding of the subject matter and relevant academic qualifications, but you will also need to demonstrate a track record of scholarly research, and a commitment to impartial evaluation. As you will be providing complex and important feedback, effective communication skills are critical as is diplomacy, and the ability to provide constructive feedback.

Finding External Examiner Positions with UniJobs.ac

For those aspiring to become external examiners, you can use specific job listing boards, but here are some reasons to use UniJobs.ac as your go-to place for discovering opportunities:

1. Search and Set Alerts:Explore external examiner positions on UniJobs.ac by utilising our easy-to-use search features. Tailor your search based on your expertise and preferences and set up personalised alerts to stay informed about new opportunities. This is a much better way to find job listings for external examiner positions when compared to job listing boards as you can tailor your interests to your search rather than receiving emails for all external examiner positions that may not be in your interest area. Using Unijobs.ac. is easy and intuitive so sign up and start your search and create alerts.
2. Crafting Your Application: When you find the ideal position, the application process typically involves submitting a CV and a covering letter. So, it’s a good idea to get a standard CV and a covering letter ready now and then you can amend this for the role you are applying for. However, adhere to specific application guidelines outlined by the recruiting institution – so if they require you to complete an application form, do not simply send a CV as this will often be discounted and rejected. Attention to detail in your application will ensure you can outline exactly how you meet the criteria and enables a respectful interaction with the recruiter.

Final words

Becoming an external examiner is a great job and comes with much responsibility; however, it is also a unique opportunity to contribute to the enhancement of academic standards while assisting with your own professional growth. If you are still interested in an external examiner position, jump into UniJobs.ac – your partner in your journey, providing a seamless platform to discover, apply, and embark on a path that aligns with your academic aspirations.