Ways To Develop Your Career In Research

How to develop my career in research

What is research? 

All activities that generate new knowledge-characterized by innovation and implementation

There are three levels of research viz 

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Basic research-usefulness of knowledge is not important –the knowledge is sold and published in journals-also involves a collection of data to test ideas. Applied research – is done for specific practical aim or objective - newly produced ideas are operationalized -the researcher works with other people or clients to implement new products. Experimental development -aimed at solving problems, to satisfy a need or for exploiting an opportunity -concepts and designs are generated and compared to find a practical approach.

The career ladder 

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Stage 1: Researchers work under supervision Stage 2: working without supervision within an organization Stage 3: supervising others - wide networking outside the organization Stage 4: High level leadership and developing organisational strategies

Challenges in between the stages are: Examples 

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From 1 to 2: gain confidence, establish a reputation and manage growing independence From 2 to 3: transcend original expertise and develop relationships with external stakeholders From 3 to 4: ability to deal with ambiguity, make articulate points of view, influence people and make tough decisions

Building research reputation 

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Formulate research questions, test them and write research reports, publish research papers-in peer reviewed journals- at least one per year Creating patents of knowledge Technology/Skill demonstrators and Prototypes –original used as model

Researchers making their mark in organizations. They need to:   

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Know who the policy makers are Know the policy-making process Be aware of opportunities to ensure correct timing for input into formal processes Know the sources and strengths of resistance Look out for familiar narratives Know about stakeholders ,links and networks that exist between the narratives Know what the influence of intermediaries is and who they are for

They then have to:       

Identify potential supporters and opponents Look out for and react to unexpected policy windows and opportunities in policy processes Line up research programmes with high profile policy events Provide practical solutions to policy problems Package new ideas in familiar theory or narratives. Use action research and pilot projects to show their benefits Create partnerships between policy makers and communities and new networks