The academic journey: Insights for Early Career Researchers

The journey of an early career scholar is exciting and challenging, filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and developing a solid foundation for a future in academia. Recently, I had the honour of speaking at the FAR LEAF programme closing ceremony at Future Africa, where I shared insights and advice with a group of emerging researchers, being a mentor in the programme. In this blog post, I want to extend that message to all early career scholars, not from a place of having all the answers but as someone who continues to learn and grow every day. The lessons I share here are ones I am still navigating myself, and I hope they provide encouragement and support as you forge your own path in academia.

One of the most important lessons from experiences like the FAR LEAF programme is the power of perseverance. The academic path can be long and sometimes daunting, with setbacks and unexpected challenges. But you can persist, adapt, and continuously learn, setting you apart. Your journey so far has been a testament to your capacity to do just that, and I have no doubt you will carry these qualities forward into your future endeavours. 

Success in academia depends mainly on a trio of interrelated factors: institutional support, prior experiences, and the personal characteristics of the academics themselves. While institutional support and previous experiences are often beyond your control, you can focus on nurturing and developing your individual characteristics. Successful early career academics share common traits. They are resourceful in seeking support, have solid relational agency, and build broad networks. They demonstrate resilience in the face of setbacks and obstacles and are respectful, organizationally aware, and committed. Importantly, they also balance work and home life, ensuring they get adequate rest and recreation.

Consider how you are doing in these areas. Are you resourceful? Do you actively seek support and advice? Have you developed a broad network of support? Are you resilient and respectful? Are you balancing your work and personal life effectively? Reflecting on these questions can help you set goals and continuously improve as you progress in your academic career. As you embark on or continue your educational journey, you must recognize your unique position as a researcher. Whether conducting research on the African continent or elsewhere, you have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to contribute to solutions that will drive our societies forward.

Your work will advance knowledge and address pressing issues that directly impact the lives of many. Whether it’s energy, climate change, public health, or socio-economic development, your research can make a difference. But being a researcher often means navigating resource constraints, systemic challenges, and sometimes, the need to forge your own path. It requires creativity, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. Remember that your work is vital, and your voice as a researcher is essential in shaping your communities' present and future.

In addition to your research roles, I encourage you to embrace leadership within your academic and scientific communities. We need leaders who are not only knowledgeable but also visionary—individuals who can guide others, advocate for science, and influence policy. Effective leadership in research is about more than just managing projects; it’s about inspiring others, building strong teams, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. 

During my tenure as Co-Chair of the Global Young Academy, I had the privilege of working with some of the brightest minds from across the globe. This experience reinforced the importance of inclusive and forward-thinking leadership. As emerging leaders, you can shape the future of science and research, ensuring that it reflects the needs and aspirations of the people it serves.

As you continue to build your academic careers, I want to emphasize one crucial aspect that often goes unspoken—relationships. At its core, academia is about people. It is about the connections you make, the collaborations you foster, and the networks you build. Throughout my career, the relationships I cultivated with my mentors and peers were as meaningful as the research I conducted. These connections provided me with invaluable opportunities, guidance, and support. As I progressed, I found that these relationships became the foundation of my academic career. Reflecting on my experiences, I am reminded of my enriching engagement with colleagues from various programmes and disciplines. the ASLP, for example. Even without conducting joint projects, our interactions have been profoundly impactful. 

Our discussions have spanned numerous topics, reflecting the richness and diversity of our collective knowledge. From refining research methodologies to offering strategic advice, the input from these networks has opened doors to new opportunities and broadened my understanding of various academic and professional landscapes. This experience underscores the power of a supportive academic network. Even if you don’t immediately collaborate on research projects, the guidance and insights from your peers can significantly influence your career trajectory. So, as you move forward, nurture your academic relationships and remain open to the diverse perspectives and opportunities they can offer.

Academia is not just about publishing papers or securing grants—it’s about the community you build around you. It’s about finding those who challenge your ideas, push you to think differently, and stand by you in your successes and failures. So, I encourage you to value the networks you have formed and to actively seek out new ones. Attend conferences, engage with colleagues, and don’t hesitate to contact others in your field. These connections will be your greatest asset as you move forward.

To build a successful academic career, it is essential to effectively market yourself. Networking is key. If your work isn’t visible, you might struggle to get published, secure funding, or engage with the academic community. Conferences and social media are powerful tools for this. Conferences should be strategically chosen to align with your research interests and career goals. Find communities that resonate with your work and where you can contribute meaningfully. Engaging actively and genuinely in these settings can lead to fruitful collaborations and career development opportunities. Social media can also be a valuable platform for self-promotion and broader engagement. While it requires time and skill, it offers a way to showcase your work and connect with a broader audience. However, be mindful of the time commitment and the need to navigate various online spaces with care and good ethics.

As you advance in your academic careers, I also want to touch on something often overlooked but absolutely vital—mental health. The pressures of academia can be intense. The pursuit of excellence, the drive to publish, the demands of teaching, and the quest for funding can all take a toll on your well-being. It is crucial to remember that your mental health is just as important as your academic achievements. Taking care of your mind and body is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Make time for self-care, seek support when needed, and be kind to yourself in the face of setbacks. Academia can be challenging, but it should never come at the cost of your well-being. A healthy mind is the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career.

Remember, you are more than your job. Academic life's creative and individualistic nature often leads us to treat our careers as extensions of our identities. While this can be rewarding when you excel and receive validation, it can also be detrimental when faced with criticism or a lack of recognition. Your worth is not defined by your academic success or failures. Academic achievements result from your choices, efforts, and the environment in which you work, not a reflection of your intrinsic value.

If you’ve ever felt like an impostor—worried that you don’t deserve success or questioning your capabilities—know that you are not alone. Many academics experience impostor syndrome at some point. Remember, you have been chosen for a reason; you are an expert in your field and have earned your place through hard work and dedication. Visualize your success, share your thoughts with others, and take time each week to write down your achievements. Seeing your wins in black and white can help reinforce your self-belief and counter those feelings of inadequacy.

Another key aspect of your academic journey will be mentorship. Just as you have benefited from the guidance of others, you will soon find yourselves in a position to mentor the next generation of researchers. This is a responsibility but also a privilege. I have always told my mentees that mentorship is not a one-way street. As much as you learn from your mentors, we, too, learn from you. Mentorship is a reciprocal, two-way exchange of knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. The insights and fresh ideas that mentees bring often challenge us to rethink our approaches, view problems from new angles, and grow alongside you. As you advance in your careers, I encourage you to embrace the role of a mentor. Share your knowledge and experiences with others, but remain open to what you can learn from those you guide. This reciprocal relationship is one of the most rewarding aspects of an academic career and will enrich your professional and personal life.

As I close, I want to leave you with three thoughts to carry with you on your journey:

• Cultivate curiosity—keep exploring and questioning as you navigate your research journey.
• Build and cherish relationships—they are the bedrock of your academic and professional success.
• Engage in giving and receiving mentorship, as it enriches your growth and fosters continuous learning.

You are stepping into a world filled with challenges but also with boundless opportunities. The skills, knowledge, and relationships you’ve cultivated are invaluable tools that will help you navigate whatever lies ahead.