Career management for early career scientists in develop countries - a South African experience

摘要

This paper discusses career development and options for growth for young scientists in developing countries. We also identify and address some of the common challenges early career scientists face, and apply key principles learned from years of research and experience in the South African context as a basis for our discussion. Early career scientists are more likely to succeed in their career if they understand from the start what they need to do in order to grow to the next level and ultimately to the pinnacle of their careers. Strategically, planning one's individual career development is critical to success in the science environment as is the case in any other discipline or domain. The development of early career scientists through their careerladder is determined by a number of factors, many of which arc within the control of early career scientists. These factors include qualifications, publication track record, attracting research funding, contribution to student training and staff development, leadership in science, and research impact. The contribution of this basket of measures to development of a career in science is critical for development to certain milestones in one's career. One of the most critical transitions many research scientists have to make is the move from specialist to manager. Expedient promotion of early career scientists to senior management roles without an adequate track record, experience or proper training can be frustrating for both the manager and those under his/her management responsibility. Regardless of the career path one chooses, a solid foundation in research with a good track record of research outputs, funding and the impact of one's research are crucial to one's development along cither the researcher career ladder or research management career path.