Paula Fitzgerald

Paula Fitzgerald is an Associate Tutor and research project supervisor in the Department of People, Work and Organizational Psychology at Birkbeck, University of London. She holds a PhD in Organizational Psychology (2023) and an MSc in Human Resource Development and Consultancy (2012), both from Birkbeck, alongside a BA in Business Studies (2010) from the University of West London. Paula is a Chartered Member of the CIPD (MCIPD) and an Associate Fellow of Advance HE (AFHEA).

• PhD in Organizational Psychology, University of London, 2023
• MSc in Human Resource Development and Consultancy, University of London, 2012
• BA (Hons) Business Studies, University of West London, 2010
• Investment Management Certificate (IMC), CFA Society of the UK, 2006

Her research focuses on the body/identity nexus in high-performing occupations, particularly exploring aging in elite professional ballet dancers. Paula investigates alternative conceptualizations of age in work, challenging linear chrononormativity. Other areas include qualitative research methods, the 'dark side' of calling, perfectionism among high performers, career transitioning, post-traumatic growth, workaholism as a coping mechanism for grief, and professional coaching.

Awards and Affiliations:

• Chartered Member of the CIPD (MCIPD)
• Associate Fellowship (AFHEA)
• Member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF)

Paula teaches modules including 'Critical Perspectives on People Management' and 'Principles of Organization and Management,' and actively contributes to academic events and conferences as a speaker. Her work bridges organizational studies with embodied experiences, advocating for temporal considerations of aging throughout careers.