How a Research Project Strengthens Your Professional Development

CENTER FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Students often have a narrow view of what research is and how it can contribute to their professional development. Research, at its core, is the process of asking a question and using various methods to determine the answer to that question.

For those in STEM, research may occur in a lab and take the form of multiple experiments. For the humanities, research may include finding sources and interpreting the sources to answer a proposed argument. Other fields and industries have their own set of practices for research.

This tells us that there is more than one way to conduct research. Considering the endless possibilities, let’s explore the ways in which it can play an integral part in your professional development.

From Here to Career Skills:

What are the FHtC skills you may develop while completing a research project?

Creative problem-solving

In the workplace, you will definitely encounter a question that you need to answer. Research allows you to ask and answer a question through an established process. So, you’ll definitely be able to add this skill to your resume!

Professional Communication

You’ll sharpen your communication skills as you compile and interpret your information and data. You may focus on practicing your writing abilities through a research paper, or you may work on your verbal communication through a class or conference presentation. Don’t keep your findings to yourself. Find a way to share your research!

Inclusive Teamwork

A group research project is the perfect way to practice working as a team. It’s a way to identify people’s strengths and delegate responsibilities in order to create a final product. This will be a skill that almost every employer is looking for, so why not use research as the opportunity to develop it?

DID YOU KNOW?

Research is one of the experience categories for PDE 400! So, if you're thinking about what you want to do for this graduation requirement, consider a research project that relates to your future career goals.

Talk to the CCD about your options.

Tips for the Research Process:

Be focused when choosing your topic.

You want to make sure it is attainable during the time frame of your project.

Manage your time. There is a tendency to put things off when there isn't an immediate deadline. However, procrastination creates unnecessary stress and could lead to subpar results. Create a schedule for yourself and stick to it!

Stay organized. Create a method for taking notes and collecting information. Make sure to keep it the same throughout the entire process. This will make it easier to find information when it comes to analyzing and writing about your results.

Do not spend all of your time in the research phase. You will have to transition from researching to writing about the data you found. This can be difficult, but it is necessary to make sure you are not at towards the end of your project.

Things to remember when creating a written document for your research:

Create an outline to organize your information. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of data you find. Creating an outline ensures you make all of your desired points

Plan to write more than one draft. This is where time management becomes important! No one creates a perfect first draft. Allow yourself time to edit and to polish your writing.

Ask your advisor if they will review early drafts! They can point out holes in your writing and ask for clarification on confusing points.

Be proud of your accomplishment! Conducting a research project is difficult. It is fulfilling to see something through from beginning to completion.

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Your Next Action Step:

Have you worked on a research project previously? Take 5 minutes and write down the different skills you developed during that experience. If you haven’t completed a research project yet, consider if it would be a good way for you to learn about your field and to strengthen your skills. Talk to your academic advisor and professors-- they’re a great resource for exploring this possibility.

Additional Resources:

Lucy Lester Willet Memorial Library

The Lucy Lester Willet Memorial Library offers a variety of services to support student research and the college curriculum. The library provides extensive electronic and print resources, including more than 100 databases supporting a full range...

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www.wesleyancollege.edu

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