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.”
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I thought I wanted to become a college professor. But I came up against so many massive egos in academia that I left after the first year. I returned 10 years later, but only for part-time teaching.
Experience is as important as education. I finished my doctorate at age 27. I thought I was wise. I wasn't. I bounced around in a few uninteresting jobs until I found my groove.
Starting my own educational research consulting firm was risky. I had to learn to network like crazy. And it was not stable income - feast or famine.
After six months on one full-time project, I had a falling out with the client and was fired. It was humiliating. But it also taught me about the kind of boss I wanted to be.
Don't necessarily seek out the most ambitious people to network with. Seek out those with the best hearts. They'll support you in finding new work after a devastating blow like being fired.
Work for companies / organizations whose mission you believe in. After I closed my consulting firm, I found a great company that worked in education and had fun, dedicated people.
I took a job in academia again, but not as a professor. I was a researcher. That helped me steer clear of some of the egos I had experienced previously. (Some, but not all.)
When you interview for a job, remember that you're interviewing them, too. I was about to make a big career shift, and I wanted to make sure it was with people and an organization I believe in.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Lakewood High School
Lakewood High School
Bachelor
B.A.
Eckerd College
B.A.
Eckerd College
Graduate
M.A.
Emory University
M.A.
Emory University
Doctorate
Ph.D.
Emory University
Ph.D.
Emory University
Career
Senior Research Fellow
I research education and labor market trends to guide future learning to meet the needs of America's changing economy.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Non-Profit Organizations
Problem Solving
Day to Day
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.
Advice for Getting Started
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.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
B.A.
B.A.
Graduate
M.A.
M.A.
Doctorate
Ph.D.
Ph.D.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Friends:
"You can't do much with a sociology doctorate other than teach."
Challenges I Overcame
Mental Health Issues
