Engage Researchers with Training that Delivers Real Results

We engage researchers from the earliest stages of planning and recruitment through to results - preparing them to secure jobs beyond academia, start their own businesses or collaborate with industry

Our training averages 4.5 out of 5 stars
Get Researchers Industry-Ready

How we do things

Code-Switch Consultants

We Build Enthusiasm from the Start

We collaborate with universities to engage researchers from day one—right from planning and recruitment. We give researchers a preview of the value they’ll gain, making them eager to dive into the training. Strategies like targeted webinars, teaser videos, and interactive Q&A sessions create early engagement, building excitement and interest to ensure high attendance.

Customised Training that Hits Home

We create immersive experiences that are both meaningful and memorable. Our programmes are customised to specific fields and outcomes, with experts ensuring the training is topical and aligned with researchers' career aspirations.

Training that Achieves Lasting Impact

Creating lasting impact requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. We achieve lasting results through a multi-faceted approach to training, combining strategies like written feedback, social learning tools such as Discord, 1-to-1 coaching, mentoring, and ensuring the practical application of all learning, increasing long-term success.

We co-define clear, measurable goals to ensure you see real, tangible results.

Our flexible approach makes it easy—whether it’s evening, short or on-demand sessions, we can make it work for you.
Leila Hogarth
PhD Researcher in Design at Northumbria University

I particularly enjoyed the conversation with Alicia (guest speaker – Management Consultant) and her perspectives on what type of research business needs. It was also helpful to hear Hellen’s story (Code-Switch Founder) and how it is very possible to pivot from your plan A – to a successful plan B!

Guangyu Liu
Former Research Fellow (Mechanical Engineering) at Brunel University London & Project Manager at Rayspec

The project has granted me vital experience in the business sector, and I now feel more than capable to apply for similar positions. Had I not been involved with the Code-Switch project, I might have been more hesitant about stepping into consultancy or project management, questioning my preparedness or suitability. However, now I stand at a different point, one filled with confidence and self- assurance. I have been trained, I have gained experience, and I feel competent.

Samira Hosseini Alghaderi
Research Staff, University of Manchester

The Full Switch programme significantly enriched my knowledge and enhanced my confidence. Currently, as I navigate my postdoctoral journey, this programme has provided me with a reassuring backup plan. Should I choose to venture beyond academia or face an unexpected end to my contract, I am now well-equipped to transition into the consultancy field.

Amy Campbell
PhD researcher in Psychology at The University of Bristol

The Full Switch programme emphasised the power of organisation and project management and it convinced me that Ph.D. programmes should include project management as a core module. The structured approach of project management expedites tasks and streamlines workflows even in academia’s flexible timelines
Hellen Parra-Flórez and her programme Full Switch™️ have been a huge help in expanding my career as a researcher beyond academia. All universities should have such a programme!

Jianghan Tian
PhD researcher in Aerosol Science at The University of Bristol

My primary motivation for joining the Full Switch programme was to gain a real sense of how consultancy works, as I hadn’t participated in similar activities at university. I was looking for a comprehensive experience, from start to finish, of a consultancy project. The programme certainly delivered; it exceeded my expectations. The team dynamic was also excellent, which I think is crucial for the success of such a programme. The skills and experience I gained have been valuable; I’ve added them to my CV and, particularly I found the project management training session very helpful. It will be very valuable as I will be writing research grant proposal applications, as far as I am aware of, setting milestones and work packages are essential for planning a research project.
Hellen Parra-Flórez and her programme Full Switch™️ have been a huge help in expanding my career as a researcher beyond academia. All universities should have such a programme!

Michaël Spanu
Consultant, expert and researcher (PhD) specialised in cultural and creative strategies for places and organizations.

Working in academia has become so difficult, while the private sector clearly lacks knowledge about how researchers can contribute to a wide range of organizations and businesses. So much can be done to improve that situation.

Hellen Parra-Flórez and her programme Full Switch™️ have been a huge help in expanding my career as a researcher beyond academia. All universities should have such a programme!

lan Fairweather
Student Support and Development Officer (School of Social Sciences) at University of Manchester

Hi Hellen, I wanted to say how pleased I was to work with you and Code Switch Consultants. Your professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm were much appreciated by me and by our researchers. The support you gave them was of a high standard, they were fully engaged with the program and gave very good feedback on the involvement of Code Switch.

Maxine Sims
Postgraduate Researcher Development Officer at Bristol Doctoral College

Code-Switch Consultants provided an enlightening and useful practical experience for a number of PhD students from a range of faculties at Bristol on the full-switch programme. The level of challenge and support was pitched just right for this demographic. One of the biggest learnings was that you can flex your skills to contribute to a project or industry that doesn’t necessarily align to your narrow research field and still gain satisfaction. This is transformative for the confidence of many PGR students.

Tim Brooks
Interim Deputy Director (Research Services) at Anglia Ruskin University

I was delighted with CodeSwitch’s approach to this training. There was a brief misunderstanding at this end around which Hellen was extremely accommodating, and the feedback from programme participants was excellent. The proof of the pudding will, of course, be the number of attendees who adopt a consultancy career, but I have every confidence in the training to have suitably supported such a step!

PEOPLE LOVE CODE-SWITCH

But don’t just take our word for it

Get Researchers Industry-Ready

LET’S WORK ON IT TOGETHER
Get in touch

A Message from our Founder

Code Switch Consultants

Researchers nowadays are expected not only to become experts in their fields but also to be equipped to work with industry, innovate through entrepreneurship, and be ready for diverse careers beyond academia.

However, engaging researchers in professional development training is often a challenge, as many don’t yet recognise its importance or struggle to find the time amidst their academic demands.

That’s why we founded Code-Switch—to help bridge this gap by delivering immersive, meaningful, and memorable training that captures researchers’ attention from the start.

In the last four years, we’ve helped universities, DTPs, and CDTs make their researchers more employable, industry savvy, and confident in their abilities. I’d love for you to give us a shot and see what we can do for you.

Hellen Parra-Flórez (Founder)

You are in good company

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