When someone asks you, “Are you managing?”, you might interpret their question as meaning, “Are you coping?”. In other words, are you on top of things, or are you stressed and overwhelmed?
The word ‘manage’ comes from the Latin word manus, meaning ‘hand’ and, from there, the Italian verb maneggiare developed, which means ‘to handle’ or ‘to control’ (thank you ChatGPT for providing this information). Nowadays it has other meanings connected with organisational tasks and skills and it’s this context of ‘managing’ that is the focus of my blog:
In academia, management can often be seen as a necessary evil rather than a valuable skill set. Yet, mastering it is essential to your success, both in your current role and in your future career, whether it’s within or outside of the academic world. The ability to manage effectively can make the difference between chaos and productivity, between stress and fulfilment.
Here are some examples of how management can play a part in your research:
1. Managing Your Research Strategy
As a PhD student or postdoc, it’s easy to get lost in the details of specific experiments, but it’s crucial to keep your eyes on the bigger picture. Where is your research going? How does it fit into the broader academic landscape? What are your long-term goals, and how does your current work contribute to them?
This strategic management involves making decisions about, for example, which ideas to pursue, which conferences to attend, and how to allocate your time across different tasks. It’s about constantly reassessing your priorities and ensuring that the work you’re doing is aligned with both your short-term and long-term objectives.
2. Managing Time and Deadlines
Research is not a 9-to-5 job, and deadlines can be both rigid and fluid, depending on the context. Learning to set realistic goals, break projects into manageable tasks, and prioritise effectively is crucial. You also need to factor in contingency for the inevitable delays and setbacks. Effective time management requires not just planning but also discipline — the ability to stick to your plans and adjust when necessary.
3. Managing Resources
Whether it’s managing your funding, lab equipment, or data, efficient use of resources is key to successful research. For PhD students and postdocs, this often means operating within tight budgets and making difficult decisions about what materials, tools, or services are worth the investment.
You may also need to manage people, even if you don’t officially supervise anyone. For example, you might have to coordinate with lab technicians, collaborate with peers, or guide undergraduates – these all require people management skills.
4. Managing Data and Information
With the rise of data-driven research, managing information has become a critical skill. You need to be systematic in how you collect, store, and analyse data. Not only do you have to ensure that your data makes sense to others who might have to work with it in the future, good documentation practices means that your research will be reproducible and transparent.
5. Managing Collaborations and Networks
Research is no longer a solo endeavour. Building and managing relationships with collaborators, both within and outside your institution, is critical to your success. You need to be able to communicate your ideas effectively, listen to others, and negotiate when necessary. This requires emotional intelligence, as well as practical skills in project management and coordination.
In addition to active collaborations, building and developing a professional network is crucial and can lead to fruitful collaborations, mentorship and job opportunities.
6. Managing Yourself
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of management during a PhD or postdoc is managing yourself. Research can be stressful, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Knowing how to manage your mental and physical well-being is just as important as managing your research. This means setting boundaries, taking breaks, and finding a balance between work and life.
Learning to manage stress, stay motivated, and maintain a positive mindset through setbacks and frustrations is crucial. Self-management is about understanding your own limits and working in a way that is sustainable over the long term. Developing resilience and learning when to ask for help is not a sign of weakness but a crucial part of professional growth.
So, going back to my original question: “Are you managing?” If the answer is yes (even if it’s just barely!) then you’re already ahead of the game. Every challenge you face in managing your academic life is adding to your experience and the prospect of future career success.