Starting a career in R&D management can become a fulfilling and lucrative endeavor if done properly. If you are a creative and analytical individual who also possesses strong interpersonal and management skills, this type of position may be a good fit for you. The best way to start a career in R&D management is to make yourself marketable to potential hiring companies. This can be done through education, experience, and a track record of success.
Research and design, widely known as R&D, is a method for the development of many products and services. In general, this process follows the structure of scientific research, only it is geared in product-specific manners. For this reason, there are usually teams associated with businesses to help each maximize the success of its particular products.
Although research and design, also sometimes known as research and development, is seen in almost every industry, its processes are most effective when room for innovation is present. R&D management could include some participation in research and development; however, most related positions are primarily management oriented. R&D managers oversee teams or groups beneath them in order to fulfill the responsibilities of research projects.
Any good manager is able to relate to his or her employees, and if you wish to pursue R&D management, it is wise to have experience in the trenches. By relating to employees, great managers are able to empathize or put themselves in the shoes of team members. If you can do this, you'll realize that more respect is given to a manager if he or she worked his or her way up or knows what its like to work in research and design.
Less respect is given to a recent business school graduate, for example, who is hired to run an R&D department like a business without actually knowing the ins and outs of the process. Putting in time to gain experience will go a long way if you want to get into R&D management. This experience must be coupled with a related education, without which you will likely not be able to enter the field in the first place.
An education strong in research and analysis is best suited for R&D management. This can be acquired in many ways, but science-based degrees are usually desired. Maintaining a track record of success can be done through both education and experience. Be sure to create a reputation and document all successes on each level of your journey. This should include high marks in school and integral roles in R&D projects. Keeping these things in mind will help position you for a great career in R&D management.
