6 Research Levels Every Academic Must Master - You're Stuck at Level 2

In this video, I explore the essential research skills that anyone pursuing a career in academia should develop.

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From the earliest stages of undergraduate research to the advanced levels of leading a research team, there are skills that gradually build upon each other, creating a foundation for a successful career. Many people don't realize that research isn't just about finding information; it’s a carefully layered process that requires us to take on multiple roles as we advance. Often, new researchers get stuck at the first level, doing the technical work, but there's so much more to how to research effectively.

At the start, most researchers are focused on what’s known as applied research – going into the lab or the field to physically conduct experiments or gather data. This stage is crucial because it forms the practical foundation on which we can begin to build more advanced skills. But, as I explain, to really move up the ladder in academia, you need to be more than just the person who “does” the research. You need to learn how to think strategically about it and take on a broader perspective that enables you to design projects, direct teams, and eventually collaborate across disciplines.

As I walk through each level, I touch on the challenge of stepping back from being a technician and learning to become a director – a person who can train and guide others in research. This shift from "doing" to "directing" is a critical leap, as it helps to develop leadership skills. Then, there’s the challenge of designing your research approach, shaping a career niche, and learning to collaborate with other researchers, which often involves balancing different viewpoints and skill sets. Each level demands new abilities, whether it’s being organized and focused, having the patience to work with others, or being creative in developing new experimental designs.

By the final levels, researchers not only lead projects but also master the art of persuasion. They need to convince others—whether it's funding bodies, collaborators, or even students—that their work is valuable and worth supporting. Mastering these research skills allows an academic to not only advance their career but to make a meaningful impact in their field, combining both technical knowledge and interpersonal abilities.

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▼ ▽ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
00:06 Pyramid of 6 Skills
00:43 Doing
01:57 Directing
05:45 Collaborating
08:11 Leading
10:18 Convincing
12:31 Overview
12:48 Outro

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