The Rookie: Research Administration
Finding yourself in a new role can be challenging, especially in a remote environment. Imposter syndrome, feelings of isolation, and anxiety can creep in. Here is a peek at how a research administrator rookie was able to lean into the discomfort and managing a new environment.
One of my favorites shows on air right now is The Rookie on NBC, which follows John Nolan, played by Castle and Firefly star Nathan Fillion, as he embarks on a career change to be a police office in his forties. Like Nolan, my journey as a rookie in research administration hit a few bumps in the road.
For those who have switched jobs before, or even started a new role, you all know how excruciatingly hard it can be. You have to integrate yourself to the culture of the department, build trust and rapport with your team and the faculty, and learn the role itself. Transitioning during the pandemic, to me, was even harder. I couldn’t just pop into someone’s office to ask a quick question, have lunch or coffee with a co-worker, or have the opportunity to run into PIs in the hallway and have a quick chat.
There are three things that I learned in my first couple of years to be successful as a research administrator rookie:
- Time Management. Utilizing my calendar and bullet journal are things that help me manage my time wisely and keep track of all my tasks and upcoming deadlines. If you don’t know what bullet journaling is, the short version is that it’s an analog way to keep track of your tasks, calendar, notes, etc. I also utilize my calendar religiously and time block certain tasks (e.g., when I need to prepare an RPPR).
- Joining professional group(s). Being part of SRAI and professional development groups on campus has helped me learn more in the last two years than I learned in my first seven years working after graduating college. I met new people and expanded my network, stepped outside of my comfort zones and learned how to moderate workshops and speak in front of a group (albeit only on Zoom), and also had the opportunity to learn about different skills through our LMS or LinkedIn Learning.
- Don’t be afraid to ask. I never want to feel like I’m burdening someone, especially since I know how busy all of us are managing a plethora of PIs, grants, and working on competing deadlines, in addition to all our daily tasks. But I realize that it’s better to ask questions – even if it’s a question that you think is simple – because at the end of the day, that’s how you learn. Not only should you ask questions related to your job, but ask your supervisor about how you can grow, and about benchmarks and skills that you can improve on. The only way we know if we are meeting expectations is to have an open dialogue. And don’t be afraid to have a crucial conversation.
Whether you’re a rookie or have graduated to a seasoned research administrator professional, I hope that you will share your tips with this rookie in how to navigate a (not-so) new environment and profession, especially in a virtual environment.
Authored by Grace Fransisca, Post-Award Research Administrator
University of California, Los Angeles
#April2023
#Catalyst
#ProfessionalDevelopment