Research Collaboration: Unraveling the Essence of "Connections" in Studies
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In the world of academia, making career decisions can be a daunting task. For the Natural Sciences Correspondent, this was no exception when faced with the choice between a communications job and pursuing a graduate degree in science writing. To make an informed decision, the author consulted a diverse "board of directors" comprising journalists, professors, career counselors, and even friends and family.
This article is part of a series called "Mentorship in Research", aiming to share insights and experiences on career development outside the academic realm. The author's career aspirations underwent a shift from science to writing, and networking became a crucial tool in navigating this transition.
Networking, however, is not just about self-serving activities. The author views it as a means to learn from each other, fostering growth and mutual understanding. This approach is particularly important when it comes to finding the right mentors. The author emphasizes the value of meeting interesting people and learning from them, but not being interested in old boys' clubs or forced conversations full of ulterior motives.
Career Services at the author's institution hosts a variety of networking and mentorship events throughout the year. These include workshops, events focused on networking strategies, and appointments with career counselors. The author took advantage of these opportunities, signing up for a class with a visiting journalism professor and arranging meetings with other professors for advice.
Reaching out to experts who are not professors was also a key part of the author's strategy. This included science journalists and a Princeton alum who had interviewed some of the author's friends about a meningitis outbreak. The author found that these individuals were eager to answer questions and give advice, making the process of career decision-making more manageable.
Effective strategies for finding and consulting mentors outside academia for career development in a specific field include thoughtful mentor matching based on skills, experience, and career goals; seeking one-on-one or group mentoring formats; and engaging in structured, ongoing relationships with clear goals and timelines. Offering or participating in mentor and mentee training to understand roles improves outcome quality. Regular check-ins and feedback loops ensure progress and relationship health. Utilizing peer mentoring and networking events can expand mentoring beyond formal pairings.
The author also considers networking as finding and consulting mentors. By following these strategies, the author was able to build meaningful mentoring relationships that provided personalized guidance, skill development, and expanded professional networks, supporting career advancement outside academic settings.
In conclusion, the journey of career development is a personal one, and mentorship plays a vital role in this process. Whether it's through attending workshops, reaching out to professionals, or participating in formal mentorship programs, the key is to approach mentorship with a clear understanding of one's career goals and a willingness to learn and grow.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6446681/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6446682/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6446683/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6446684/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6446685/
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