Staff development opportunities: the benefits of exchanges
Do you want to learn about different cultures, or how other teams in the Atlantic community tackle challenges similar to the ones you face every day?
The Atlantic Institute is still offering program staff exchange opportunities, allowing you up to two weeks' experience working with peers at another Atlantic Fellows program.
These staff exchanges are perfect for getting to know colleagues and different ways of working so you can share ideas and practices across the programs. Leadership shadowing is also an opportunity for self-development and helps develop a new generation of leaders, creating the conditions for succession in the longer term.
If you are interested, PLEASE FILL IN THIS FORM
The first stage in the process is to talk to your senior team leader. Then, the Institute will help organize your staff exchange for you. One staff member from each program can be considered in each calendar year (July - June). You will need to have worked for at least one year at your program to be eligible to apply.
Staff members who enter into an exchange with another program will be expected to shadow a peer, or embed themselves into a program for a set period: for example, during the design of a module or a recruitment week.
The Institute will cover all the travel costs related to your exchange and provide a small stipend for incidentals and meals.
Read about Niall Kavanagh's exchange with the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity
Niall is a communications officer with the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health, based in San Francisco
My recent trip to Melbourne, Australia, as part of the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity program, was a deeply enriching experience that changed the way I view my work and the world. This journey allowed me to dive into a new culture, make strong connections with people from different backgrounds and learn new ways to challenge inequities.
One of the most eye-opening parts of the visit was learning about the unique challenges that Indigenous communities face. It is important to talk about these issues in ways that do not continue the harms of old stories and biases. A key reflection from our discussions was that "the larger the searchlight, the larger the circumference of the unknown," emphasizing the vast unknowns in our efforts to correct deep-rooted injustices.
“This exchange not only strengthened our bonds but also transformed our approaches to global challenges, aligning closely with the Atlantic Institute's mission to lead with values and inspire lasting change.”
The program was well planned, making it easy for us to immerse ourselves in Melbourne's lively culture and learn a lot without worrying about everyday details. This careful organization shows the Atlantic Institute’s dedication to creating a supportive network of Fellows who are ready to make real changes in their communities.
Coming back from this experience, I've developed better ways to communicate that focus on people's values and stories rather than just trying to solve problems. This approach will make our stories more meaningful and sensitive to the history and culture of the people we work with. I also gained valuable insights from working with the Florey Institute, a top brain research center, which will help us link our efforts with the latest scientific findings to make a bigger impact on brain health fairness.
This exchange not only strengthened our bonds but also transformed our approaches to global challenges, aligning closely with the Atlantic Institute's mission to lead with values and inspire lasting change. I am grateful for the meaningful conversations and shared experiences with colleagues and Fellows, whose passion and insights have greatly expanded my perspective and expertise.
