¶ … future as a manager and leader. The research process is fairly formal, but it is valuable to have this formality because it illustrates that having a process for doing things helps to achieve consistent results. Moreover, when a manager wants to learn something, it is necessary to investigate, to be creative and curious, and to follow ideas and threads. This way, one may find conclusions and facts that were not immediately apparent. Learning about applied research showed me the value in examining my own biases, and the traps that one can fall into when seeking answers to a particular question. As a manager, there will be many problems to solve, and while it is tempting to simply follow assumptions or rules of thumb, that can lead one to make bad decisions. Knowing that there is a process by which information can be acquired and turned into knowledge will help me as a manager because I will be able to make better decisions based on well-researched facts. I will be open to different perspectives and ideas. In general, I will be more inquisitive and knowledge, not simply relying on what I think I know. As a manager working in an increasingly complex world it is important gather different perspectives, to be open to the idea that there are things you don't know, and just to generally seek out knowledge to assist with decision-making and strategy formulation. My own career path can be influenced by this as well. At this point, when I am looking towards my graduation, I have to think about what steps need to be undertaken to get me...

That is not dissimilar to the concepts behind research, where you have a question, need to gather information, examine that information and ultimately come to certain conclusions on the basis of your findings. For me, I think that knowing where my skills are, what I am good at and what I need to work on, is helpful. But it is more helpful when examined in the context of what the job market might look like going forward. Researching where the best opportunities lie, where the best fit is, might actually help me to make stronger decisions going forward when I start to dial in what my career path should look like.
Topic 2: I need to refine my search at this point, and start zeroing in on the best opportunities for myself. In part, this means understanding what is out there for me. It is not enough to simply say that I have a lot of skill and ability, and can do a lot of things. I need to look for that one starting point, in particular one that leads me towards my career ambitions. It is hoped that the Career Network can help me to gain that sort of clarity. I understand through a skills inventory what I can do, but how that can be applied when there are so many industries and positions out there can be a bit daunting. So talking to other people, seeing what job postings are available, and other interactive techniques can hopefully lend a little bit more clarity as I move towards graduation and the pursuit of a career.

This presentation highlighted a few things that can help me when thinking about how…