
Rob Kadel
Senior Research Fellow
Strada Institute for the Future of Work
Chamblee, GA USA
“Who you know is just as important as what you know.”
Strada Institute for the Future of Work
Chamblee, GA USA
“Who you know is just as important as what you know.”
Senior Research Fellow
I research education and labor market trends to guide future learning to meet the needs of America's changing economy.
Read the news in your field every (week)day. I start my day with the major higher education publications, just to get the pulse of things. I take notes or make little reminders of things that I think are interesting. These might then turn into a blog post, op-ed, or idea for a research study. I also make a concerted effort to connect with my colleagues regularly. (We all work remotely.) Bouncing ideas off of others will strengthen your work.
Here's the first step for professionals
If you have the means, attend conferences in the field. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to people. Most people at conferences don't know that many people either, and most would welcome the chance to discuss your ideas and theirs. Be humble, but don't be shy about asking for advice.
"You can't do much with a sociology doctorate other than teach."