Starting a degree or a research career is a whole new experience and unlike any other. There are so many options in terms of subjects to choose from, but the fact is that you need to make sure that you stay on top of everything, including deadlines, admin, credits, selecting a supervisor (mentor), etc. Everybody (and statistics may prove me wrong) experiences career struggles at various stages. You may expect your institution to provide some sort of training or coaching for your research career development, which is more common nowadays, yet you will often find that you need to take care of yourself. So, how do you cope with this overwhelming feeling, or when can you acknowledge that you may need some direction?
If you feel like you are drowning, please read on. Instead of focusing on the common early career struggles, I would like to offer some tips, or a research plan if you want to keep it academic, to help you succeed.
Focus on one goal at a time. If you want to follow a research path, start by completing a degree. Then pursue an MSc, PhD, or postdoc (some goals don’t require a comprehensive list of degrees). Competition is fierce nowadays, but chose wisely. Visualize your goals while defining the direction for your career. A professorship has different requirements than getting a job in the private sector, so it’s important to know the requirements.
Add to your publication list. It should come as no surprise that to grow your research career you will need to produce academic publications. This may be the most terrifying task in your early academic development. Publish or perish are the most frightening words an early career researcher can hear. But don’t panic! Attend as many conferences and meetings or presentations as possible. They will help you find your own voice, expand your network, and introduce you to a range of high-quality work. Being surrounded by experienced professionals can only make you better.
Be patient. Establishing a research career takes time (and of course, a lot of work). Please accept this fact and be patient! I’ve never heard of anyone in my line of work thinking that any research success comes quickly and neither should you.
Accept that no two roads are the same. Don’t compare yourself to your peers, your colleagues or your supervisor. Following their footsteps is unnecessary, unless you can do better. Although an original idea may take time and may not come easily, finding your own research path is important for your professional development––and will be more satisfying!
Embrace diversity. I strolled through three countries and four academic institutions, from my undergraduate degree all the way to my postdoctoral research fellowship. I enjoyed the different cultures (and languages); this taught me that multicultural research collaboration is priceless and one that I wouldn’t trade in for anything. Multidisciplinary relationships are key not only professionally but personally as well.
Be flexible. The research journey can be a struggle and early career researchers may lose their sense of purpose. One of the downsides of planning too much is that we tend to get fixated on making an impact and working toward getting what we want to achieve. Research schedules may work, but it’s important to be flexible if the outcome is not as you envisioned it. Plan for the unexpected – for instance, think about how thousands of researchers were delayed because of the pandemic.
Critically evaluate your progress. Sometimes you will lack support from your supervisors. But often, you will receive comments on your research plan, both positive and negative. Good critical feedback can only make you better and help you collaborate more effectively.
Know that some setbacks may set you up for success. Some people choose to accept and even love what they do, regardless of the many challenges along the way. Others need to take some hard decisions to make a living. But remember that a rejection in one place may just be a stepping stone to get you to that desired position or help you achieve the success you deserve.
We scientists are a resilient lot. So, keep calm and research on, but don’t forget to enjoy the journey!
