I am a Master’s student and spiring future leader. I am looking to leave frontline dementia support work and shift to research, strategy and policy. I have faced, challenge after challenge and cannot break in. What tips do you have?
Research can be tough to break into you are not alone but it is very much worth the persistence so please do keep at it! Some tips which may help:
- Try publishing the results of your MSc thesis – this will make you stand out on your cv
- Reach out to academics whose work you admire, read up on it and show them you know about their work. Ask if they have any opportunities for you to work with them even if short term and unpaid. Sell your skills and background – especially as you have been a frontline support worker your skills are invaluable (remember to sell these!).
- Network as much as you can within research communities, attend conferences (virtual or in-person) in dementia care and related fields.
- Develop your research skills, by pursuing additional short courses (try https://www.ncrm.ac.uk/) or workshops in research methodologies, data analysis, or policy analysis to strengthen your skillset and make your profile more attractive to researchers and institutions.
- Look out for volunteering opportunities to raise your profile e.g. writing about your experiences on the front-line, contributing to consultations.
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