Research is the key to innovation. It underpins every advance in science, education, health and welfare. Every new product, service, process and application depends on it. In a global knowledge economy, the UK must constantly seek to improve the effectiveness of our world-class researchers.
Most researchers do not use their subject-specific knowledge to build their careers but branch out into many different business sectors and areas of expertise. As well as technical skills, employers can expect postgraduate recruits to bring the soft management skills and experience they have gained during their studies:
- clear, analytical thinking and experience of planning, prioritising activities and setting goals
- the ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage resources
- high level presentation and written communications skills
- commitment to the task and good learning skills
- self-motivation and the ability to work independently.
Our Employers survey shows that the more experience employers have of postgraduate researchers, the more highly they rate their skills. Employers judge researchers as having particular strengths in data analysis, problem solving and project management that are matched with personal qualities such as drive, leadership and motivation. There is always competition to attract the best talent and employers who regularly recruit researchers put in additional effort to ensure they get the people they want.
‘When recruiting, we look for postgraduates who are confident, self-motivated and who get on well with others. We ask ourselves four questions: Could this person do the job? Could I work with them? Are they motivated to do the job? Could I put them in front of clients? ’
Dr Edmund Nash, Senior Consultant, Detica