If you are thinking of embarking on a career in research, what do you need to know?
It’s important to do some research before beginning a career in research.
Undertaking a research position is no mean feat. The role can be time consuming and demand a degree of sacrifice, if you want to come out the other side with an academic achievement, new found results, a lofty position or all three.
So, if you are planning to commit to a career in the research space, what do you need to know before you start?
Prepare emotionally
While there might be an emphasis on ensuring that you have the proper skills and education to qualify for and maintain a research career, there perhaps is not enough attention paid to how you fare emotionally. As previously mentioned, it takes serious dedication and nerve to work in research.
Often the hours are long, the pay is not reflective of the level of work, good results are hard to come by and the stress can be immense. That’s not to say that there aren’t major upsides, you are after all working to prove a theory that could make your name in the industry, but it is important that future researchers are aware of just how taxing it can be.
While it is easier said than done, future researchers should work on building up their resilience, try to create better work-life balance and have someone, either internally or external to the organisation, to whom they can go if the working environment becomes unmanageable.
Have a base level of skill
Once you feel that you are emotionally ready and you are confident that you can hold your own in this new environment, turn your eye to working on some of those hard and soft skills that will give you an edge in any field.
Capability in areas such as AI, ML, data analysis, scientific writing, data compilation, mathematics, coding and industry specific frameworks, are an ideal way to boost your skills in preparation for almost any research role in the STEM space.
It should come as no surprise but a commitment to continuous learning has to start before you even get the role and will continue long after you have become more comfortable and settled in.
Soft skills, for example presentation, public speaking, negotiation, communication and leadership skills will also open up avenues for you as you make a name for yourself and develop working relationships with co-workers, peers and internal and external stakeholders.
Find a good fit
Not all research positions are created equal and just because you have secured a place researching the area that most appeals to you, does not mean that the institution or facility that you have your eye on is going to be the best match for your personal ambitions.
To ensure that you have the best possible experience, make sure that you look into the history of the facility, the areas that it focuses on, the calibre of professionals it attracts, how it receives and disseminates funding, published research and any commendations it may have earned.
All of this will let you know if your work is likely to be prioritised and if not then it just means that you look elsewhere to find that perfect fit.
Additionally, before you even begin the job you should look into how a career at that particular institute might progress, as research roles are highly dependent on funding and external interest or support. It is important to know that there is a plan for you professionally.
A research career is incredibly exciting as you are literally at the forefront of something new that has the potential to contribute greatly to how we live in and understand the world. To be in the right headspace and in a position to fully commit, it is crucial that you look after yourself physically and mentally and that above all else you don’t go in blind, you do your research.
Don’t miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic’s digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.
