Developing as a researcher
Successful researchers think carefully and strategically about their skills, objectives and the areas in which they need to develop. Your university is likely to encourage, or even require, you to engage in processes such as a training needs analysis and personal development planning. These processes are designed to identify where your development needs are and to help you to address them. An overview of these core processes is described in this section:
- Audit your skills through a training needs analysis
- Write a professional development plan
- Manage your Personal development
Engagement with personal and professional development should also relate to your longer-term career aspirations. Pursuing development opportunities can be useful both as a way of thinking through what you want to do long term and as a way of developing and evidencing the skills that you will need to move on.
Training needs analysis
A key part of your development as a researcher is to identify the training you require to enhance your capabilities as a researcher. The first stage of this process is often known as a training needs analysis (TNA) and will commonly be supported by a formal process using forms and meetings with your supervisor. Once you have completed this thinking you will be able to create a professional development plan detailing the training and development opportunities you need.
Start by taking stock of your capabilities and development areas as a researcher using the Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF) to identify and record your competencies, and your action plan to improve them. You may also find the RDF useful for:
- preparing for one-on-one reviews with your supervisor or careers advisor where you will be discussing your professional or career development
- prioritising the most appropriate formal and informal development opportunities provided by the institution
- considering skills and experiences that will enhance your prospects of success in particular careers.
Your training needs analysis can be informed by a self-audit, but it will also help to involve your supervisor and your peers. Ask your supervisor and peers to help you identify the level of the skills required to undertake your project and associated activities. No-one can be successful in all aspects of being researcher, so you will benefit most by concentrating in excelling in competencies that are core to your research and future career plans.
