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How researchers and their managers can build an actionable career-development plan – Nature.com


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Tomasz Głowacki is a data scientist at Żabka Group, and an assistant professor at WSB Merito University Poznań in Poland.
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Some scientists think of a career path as being set in stone, following a predictable trajectory. Typically, it starts with pursuing a PhD, followed by a postdoctoral position and — if the scientist is fortunate — obtaining a tenured position or perhaps moving away from academia to industry. Having navigated both fields, I’ve realized that one area in which industry particularly excels is in providing employees with structured and specific career advice, tailored to their specific interests and goals. This is often done through a career-development plan, something that I think could also be effective for academics.

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doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-02043-y
This is an article from the Nature Careers Community, a place for Nature readers to share their professional experiences and advice. Guest posts are encouraged.
The author declares no competing financial interests.
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Researchers in the fields of life sciences, healthcare, or the intersection of medicine, industry, and information technology.
Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
International School of Medicine, Zhejiang University
The School of Science and Engineering (SSE) at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen) sincerely invites applications for mul…
Shenzhen, China
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK Shenzhen)
The School of Science and Engineering (SSE) at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen) sincerely invites applications for mul…
Shenzhen, China
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK Shenzhen)
We seek outstanding applicants for full-time tenure-track/tenured faculty positions. Positions are available for both junior and senior-level.
Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Southern University of Science and Technology (Biomedical Engineering)
Qiushi Chair Professor; Qiushi Distinguished Scholar; ZJU 100 Young Researcher; Distinguished researcher
No. 3, Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang (CN)
Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital Affiliated with Zhejiang University School of Medicine

A plan for action
How agile project management can work for your research
A project-management tool from the tech industry could benefit your lab
Careers advice from scientists in industry
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