Change management

With Deb Koen Careers consultant

You've probably heard the saying “the only thing constant is change”. When it comes to careers, that axiom certainly holds true. My career is no exception. After an interesting and rewarding year of writing in this space, my role is evolving, as is the column. In response to reader interest, the column is moving to an electronic medium, and we're adopting a Q&A format.

It seems only fitting, then, that I devote this column to adapting to change. From Charles Darwin to management guru Peter Drucker, writers have been fascinated by this topic, which is relevant to both research and workplace survival.

The questions I'll leave with you relate to three key skills for adapting to change and evolving in your career. Those skills are your ability to continuously develop, to establish a niche, and to let go of what is no longer useful or meaningful.

In response to changing influences, particularly in the continuously evolving world of science, the ability to keep developing takes on added significance. Ask yourself: “In what areas do I want to focus my own learning and development to continually recreate my career?”

Establishing a niche to address emerging needs in science is a second strategy for career management. Survival in today's work world requires that you find a balance between differentiating and fitting in. Ask yourself: “How can I build on my unique qualities to fill a gap?”

Along with building on strengths, adapting to change means you must say good-bye to the familiar and let go of that which is no longer useful or meaningful. With limited resources and changing agendas, distinguishing between what is essential or extraneous becomes a critical survival skill. Ask yourself: “Which core qualities, skills and responsibilities are integral to my work and identity, and which can I let go of?”

As your career evolves, please join me in my new setting and format (http://www.naturejobs.com). Here you'll have an opportunity to submit your own career management and job-search-related questions as well as review suggestions to questions posed by readers throughout the scientific community.