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Career Growth & Leadership

Research Administration: Building on Your Skill Set

After 13 years in research administration, I'm stepping into a new chapter. This article shares five key lessons that shaped my career (from setting boundaries to embracing growth) and offers encouragement to those exploring this rewarding, mission-driven field. Discover what makes research administration both impactful and personally fulfilling.

After a deeply fulfilling career in research administration, I will be transitioning at the end of this year to pursue personal interests and new adventures. Over the past 13 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated professionals whose commitment to advancing research has profoundly shaped both my professional journey and personal growth. The relationships I’ve built and the lessons I’ve learned from this vibrant community have been invaluable.

As I reflect on my time in the field, I’d like to share five key insights that have guided and enriched my career:

1. Strive Beyond the Minimum: Commit fully to your work. While going above and beyond may not always yield immediate recognition, in a supportive organization with strong leadership, your efforts will be noticed and rewarded. Excellence is cumulative — it builds trust, opens doors, and sets you apart.
2. Establish Boundaries: Safeguard your personal time. Be intentional about when and how you’re available and avoid sharing personal contact details unless absolutely necessary. Setting clear work hours and honoring them (except in critical situations like grant deadlines) helps prevent burnout and fosters a sustainable work-life balance.
3. Embrace Opportunities: Say yes to special projects and committee work when your schedule allows. These experiences often lead to unexpected growth and new career pathways. Many of us, myself included, entered research administration by chance, and embracing opportunities has led to some of the most rewarding chapters of my career.
4. Cultivate Relationships: Value your colleagues and collaborators. Strong professional relationships are the foundation of a healthy work environment. They ease difficult conversations, foster mutual respect, and create a network of support that enhances both individual and team success.
5. Commit to Lifelong Learning: Invest in your development. Join professional associations, attend workshops, and pursue certifications that deepen your expertise. Continuous learning not only sharpens your skills but also reinforces your commitment to excellence and adaptability in a dynamic field.

For those considering a career in research administration, or just beginning their journey, I encourage you to explore its many dimensions. Skills such as project management, attention to detail, and cross-functional collaboration are highly transferable and essential in this profession.

In closing, research administration is a mission-driven field that offers both purpose and impact. It plays a critical role in enabling scientific discovery, supporting innovation, and advancing knowledge. By managing the infrastructure that allows researchers to thrive, you become an integral part of a larger effort to improve lives and shape a better future. It is a career that offers not only professional fulfillment but also the satisfaction of contributing to something truly meaningful.

Authored by:

Katrina Akioka 
Research Administration Manager
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Disclaimer: Opinions and views presented in this article are of the author's and do not represent New York University.

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