Scientists Take Control: 6 Essential Steps to Charting Your Research Career

Career Planning for Scientists: A Guide to Navigating the Complexities of a Research Career In an effort to support junior researchers in planning their careers, a recent podcast series has shed light on the importance of career planning in science. The six-part Working Scientist podcast series, hosted by Fatimah Williams and featuring careers consultant Sarah Blackford, aims to provide guidance on how scientists can navigate the complexities of a research career. According to Williams, founder of Professional Pathways, many junior researchers view career planning as a luxury they cannot afford, given their already busy schedules. "People get lost because they're either just getting head down, getting the work done," she said. "They're not popping up every so often to say: 'Am I where I want to be? Do I have the skills to get where I want to go? Do I have the relationships to get where I want to go next?'" Blackford, who has worked with European universities and research institutes, emphasized the importance of using career planning frameworks to identify longer-term goals. She introduced her own PhD Career Choice Indicator as a tool for scientists to assess their skills and interests. Career planning is not just about identifying future goals; it also involves developing the necessary skills and relationships to achieve them. Williams noted that many researchers struggle with balancing their personal and professional lives, making it difficult to prioritize career development. "It's not just about getting the work done," she said. "It's about taking time to reflect on your goals and aspirations." The podcast series highlights the need for a more structured approach to career planning in science. By using frameworks like Blackford's PhD Career Choice Indicator, researchers can gain clarity on their strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies to address them. In addition to the podcast series, various organizations are working to support scientists in their career development. For example, the National Science Foundation (NSF) offers a range of programs aimed at supporting early-career researchers, including the NSF's Career-Life Balance Initiative. As the job market for scientists continues to evolve, it is essential that researchers develop the skills and strategies needed to succeed. By prioritizing career planning and development, scientists can better navigate the complexities of their careers and achieve their goals. Current Status: The Working Scientist podcast series is available online, with new episodes released biweekly. The NSF's Career-Life Balance Initiative has been running since 2018, providing support for early-career researchers. Professional Pathways offers training and coaching services to help scientists develop the skills needed for a successful career in research. Next Developments: Future episodes of the Working Scientist podcast series will focus on topics such as networking, mentoring, and work-life balance. The NSF has announced plans to expand its Career-Life Balance Initiative, with new programs aimed at supporting researchers from underrepresented groups. In conclusion, career planning is a critical aspect of a research career, requiring scientists to develop the skills and relationships necessary for success. By prioritizing career development and using frameworks like Blackford's PhD Career Choice Indicator, researchers can better navigate the complexities of their careers and achieve their goals. *Reporting by Nature.*