September for some reasons is a very special month for me. A lot of things I have experienced in life happened in the month of September, and this includes my first appointment!
12 years ago, I was employed at the CSIR-Science and Technology Policy Research Institute and oh a lot of things have changed since.
I have seen growth, I have seen plateauing, I have experienced moments of being on top of issues , the same way I have experienced moments of imposter syndromes (yes, we all get it at some point and you don’t have to be ashamed to admit it).
I win some, I lose some; but that is absolutely fine! It is part of growth and I am grateful for all the experiences!
One key lesson in this over-a-decade experience is that our research interests mostly stem from the exposure to tasks that are assigned us when we begin our career; the opportunities we gain along the way for further training and the people who mentor us along the way. They may not necessarily be what we have planned -that is even if we had plans at all😀. These shape our path, which is absolutely ok!
However, I have come to learn that to love what you do as a researcher, one needs to go deeper within to explore what really causes a spark for us! If you find out what gives you that spark is within what you’re already doing, bingo!😀. On the other hand, if they do not align, and something else gives you the spark, one will need to begin retracing those paths to find fulfillment.
We do get lost in the myriad of research opportunities, especially because we need to survive as individuals or as an institution. This is a reminder that in the midst of the noise of research opportunities you think you can dig in, do make time to also pursue what inspires you! That one thing that gives you joy and fulfillment! If we do not do that, we will be very busy as researchers but empty!
Do I love the research I do? Yes! Do I want to explore other niches? Absolutely! Looking forward to what the next 12 years have to offer, God willing! 🙏🏽 Until then, I keep pushing, perfecting my skills and opening up myself to more learnings!
Happy September and Happy 12-years #workanniversary to me!
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Founder/C.E.O @pcreatorss()IBM/WPP/NBCUniversal/VIACOMCbs/Alphabet/Microsoft/Amazon/SalesForce/Walmart/Nielsen.
3moAnd we’re so much appreciative for the support, opportunities provided and promoted by Paramount, we #pcreatorss will forever give our testimonies 🙏🏿💪🏿🫵🏿🫶🏿🙌🎉