Venturing into the field of research can be an exhilarating yet challenging endeavour. When tiptoeing into becoming a researcher, without a mentor in the field yet, rethink the word “mentor”. It could be a person(s). It could also be the enormous knowledge pool available. Having said that, let your work help you seek out mentors in the field.
Re-thinking Mentorship:
It is also important to keep in mind that it is absolutely alright to not find “the one mentor” to cater to all your doubts and questions about research work and the life of a researcher. Chances are, you will encounter several researchers who will eventually become your mentor for different aspects of the researcher journey, or maybe even for only a limited season of being a researcher in your field of study. Keep learning and upskilling from field experiences and general life experiences alike. Embrace the diversity you find in mentorship. Remember, adaptability is the foundation of playing the long game.
Key Reminders-to-Self:
Nevertheless, the following key points serve as helpful sidenotes:
- Strategic Thinking Powers: A researcher is known by her/his strategic thinking powers. Get into the practice of using the six thinking hats approach as and when applicable. This could greatly enhance your ability to analyze problems from various perspectives, foster creativity, and enable you to make well-informed decisions.
- Crafting Effective Research Questions: Make sure all your research questions serve one overarching problem statement. This overarching statement serves as the foundation for your research, providing clarity and purpose to your work.
- Addressing the 5W1H: Thoroughly assess whether your research effectively answers the 5W1H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How) of the fundamental problem statement. This systematic approach ensures a comprehensive, coherent understanding of your research and its implications.
- Exploring Contradictory Perspectives: Deliberately seek out research and engage in conversations on contradictory perspectives. This is one thing that most researchers tend to miss out on. However, it is a crucial element in enriching the practical relevance and applicability of your research, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the subject matter.
- Authentic Acknowledgement of Limitations: Be authentic in enlisting the limitations of your research. Of course, you are expected to eliminate the limitations that you can, and to minimise the impact of each limitation to the best of your ability. However, it is also implied that no research project is sans limitations, and thus, acknowledging them honestly reflects the researcher’s commitment to transparency and intellectual integrity.
Conclusion:
Embarking on a researcher’s journey without a known mentor yet can be a daunting prospect. Nonetheless, mindful adaptability in making the most judicious use of all available resources can help you strive through the different seasons and aspects of your career. As you navigate the intricate landscape of research, remember that the path to becoming a seasoned researcher involves adopting a beginner’s mindset for life, strategic thinking, and exploring diverse perspectives.
Share Your Journey:
The list mentioned in this blog post is only suggestive and far from exhaustive. If you are a fellow researcher in search of a mentor, please share your thoughts and learnings with us. Your insights could inspire and guide others on their own journeys of becoming researchers. Let’s foster collective progress and advocate for collaboration over competition in the dynamic world of research.
P.S. : This post is inspired by a collaborative article on the same topic found on LinkedIn.