Meet Dr Darren Schofield, Lecturer in People Management here at the University of Salford.
Darren first started his journey into academia after working his way up the career ladder at supermarket chain, WM Morrisons, spending 22 years gaining valuable knowledge of the commercial world. He then began studying for his master’s degree in Strategic Human Resource Management and he’s never looked back.
At Salford, his research interest is highlighting the working-class educational experience through social mobility in education and the workplace, and understanding ideas of credentialism and meritocracy.
In this blog, Darren reflects on his career journey, key milestones and how he became the academic he is today.
How did you get into academia as a career path?
I started my academic journey following a 22-year career with WM Morrisons, where I was involved in buying, trading management and later became head of commercial operations.
My transition from the commercial world was not an overnight decision or process, it took seven years! This involved completing an MSc in Strategic Human Resource Management and a PGCE and PhD in Education at the University of Huddersfield, while learning to teach in further and secondary education.
Concurrently, I also fulfilled Army Reserve leadership positions, most notably, as Acting Commanding Officer (CO) at 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, where I led the battalion as part of the Covid-19 Support Force (CSF) in Yorkshire and the North East region. A busy but transformative and rewarding period for me!
Why did you choose to work at the University of Salford?
Salford offered me my first role in higher education five years ago and, in all honesty, l never imagined working on the other side of the Pennines in Salford. But when I applied, I had a strong sense that my commercial, military and educational background would translate well and fit with the values and aims of the University. Most importantly for me, Salford also has a great reputation for being an armed forces reserves friendly employer and their support to my contribution as a reservist has been exceptional.
What’s the best thing about being an academic at Salford?
There are three things that stand out right now.
Firstly, as a Lecturer in Management, the opportunity to teach across multi-disciplinary subjects at undergraduate and postgraduate level suits my knowledge, skills and experience.
Secondly, my transition into academia was always built on the satisfaction I gained from leading and developing others in the vocational and military contexts. Working in a higher education setting enables me to combine practical experience and theoretical knowledge into my teaching which I believe students value most. It helps to bridge the boundaries between university and the workplace.
Thirdly, I would say the library because I love learning and free access to all those books is a real perk of the job.
Can you tell us about any of your career highlights to-date?
I’m proud of the journey that brought me to higher education at Salford.
Having missed the opportunity to experience university straight after school in the mid-1980s and taking seven years to complete a part-time Open University degree while working on the shop floor, I count each day working at a university as a privilege.
I’ve been at Salford for almost five years now and I feel I am still at the start of my academic career, and my best contributions and highlights in higher education are very much still to come.
What’s your current research focused on?
My research interest includes leadership and management, vocational education and training (VET), social mobility in education and the workplace, and better understanding ideas of credentialism and meritocracy.
Do you have any published papers we can read?
To date, my focus has been on applied research and most recently as a staff officer serving in the British Army Headquarters. I have overseen an extensive six-month research project to better understand the Army Reservist Terms and Conditions of Service.
Looking ahead, my future research and writing will aim to illuminate educational pathways and build an academic voice on working-class educational experience and real pathways through which people learn, develop and grow.
You can keep up to date of my research work on my Worktribe.
And finally, the all-important question, where in Manchester or Salford is best to grab a coffee?
If I need a quieter space, I head to the Salford Museum which is a great place to catch your breath, meet a friend or relax and read with a good brew and cake.
Typically, first thing in the morning, our cafe colleagues at Maxwell never fail with a joke and good humour, along with a strong black coffee to get the day moving in the right direction.