ABSTRACT
So, how did you get to this point? What is the appeal of working in academia? And how do you fit into the sector? In this introductory chapter, my objective is to provide important context on the social, economic and political changes that shape and shift the purpose, organisation, and function of the contemporary university institution. The chapter aims to provide perspective, and an opportunity to (re)set the scene for you, the early career academic, enabling you to identify and position yourself within the enormous juggernaut that is the global higher education (HE) sector.
