Research

Rajan Gupta | Research Consultant | Various Assignments

What is Research?

There are many nuances of a Career in Research. One should first understand What a Career in Research entails before investing time and effort to figure out How to start a Career in Research. Just like you would normally not trust a non Doctor with names of medicines, you should also not trust opinions about Research from non professionals.

Research Consultant Rajan Gupta has worked in Research for 3 years. Research Consultant Rajan Gupta defines Research as:

Research is systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

How Research Consultant Rajan Gupta got into Research?

I did B Sc Computer Science and MCA from University of Delhi. After that i did Post Graduate Program in Management from IMT, Gaziabad and executive Program in Business Analysis and business Intelligence from IIM, Ranchi and then Ph D in information System and Security from Delhi University. I am a Certified Management consultant from Consultant development Centre and i cleared Certified Analytics Professional exam which is held by INFORMS. I started his career as Research Analyst at Samsung Research Lab, Noida and Worked as Junior Research Fellow & Senior Research Fellow with University of Delhi.

Research Consultant Rajan Gupta's Talk on Research

The Journey of a Research Professional: Insights from Rajan Gupta's Path in Academia and Industry In today's fast-paced world, the significance of research cannot be overstated, especially in areas like technology and business. Rajan Gupta, a dedicated research professional with extensive experience in academia and industry, shares his journey through this fascinating and rewarding career path. With a rich educational background that includes a Ph.D. in information systems and security, Rajan has cultivated a career filled with notable achievements and insights. This article delves into the nature of research as a profession, the educational requirements, necessary skills, the positives and challenges faced, and what a typical day looks like for a researcher, guided by Rajan's personal experiences. What Is Research? Research is a multifaceted profession that significantly impacts various sectors, including academic, business, market, and technology. It involves the systematic investigation to establish facts or principles or to collect information on a subject. Organizations invest heavily in research to discover new methods and improve existing processes. As Rajan explains, understanding the nuances of research can ultimately lead to advancements in products, services, and overall business strategies. Each aspect serves a vital purpose; from academic research that builds theoretical frameworks to technology research in specialized fields, research professionals play a critical role in fostering innovation and driving change. Education Field Knowledge To thrive in research, it is crucial to have a strong foundation in field-specific knowledge. While it is possible to embark on a research career with just a graduate degree, Rajan emphasizes that pursuing further education, such as a master’s or doctorate, significantly enhances the quality of one’s research output. For instance, he pursued a Ph.D. focused on public information systems, which equipped him with the methodological rigor necessary to navigate complex research challenges. A well-informed researcher is better positioned to leverage their expertise and contribute meaningfully to their field. Skills Qualitative & Quantitative Skills Research professionals must be adept in both qualitative and quantitative skills. Rajan highlights the importance of being able to analyze non-numeric data, as well as managing mathematical operations and statistical tests. This duality allows researchers to explore varied data sources effectively, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of their research contexts. Having a robust skill set in both types of analysis ensures that researchers can tackle a wide range of inquiries, making their work both versatile and impactful. Data Handling Skills Understanding the intricacies of data—whether primary or secondary—is vital in the research profession. According to Rajan, secondary data is often more reliable and readily available, whereas primary data requires thorough collection methods to ensure its relevance and accuracy. This challenge underscores the necessity for meticulous data handling skills, as researchers must discern useful data from noise in order to derive meaningful conclusions. Reading & Writing Skills Good reading and writing skills are fundamental for research professionals. Rajan notes that extensive reading of literature—from academic papers to journals—is integral to deepening one’s understanding and enriching one’s own research. This is equally true in writing, where the ability to articulate findings clearly and concisely is paramount. The requirement to produce coherent, well-researched reports makes these skills essential for effective communication in the research community. Public Speaking Skills Public speaking is another crucial skill for research professionals. Rajan asserts that presenting research findings at conferences and seminars is an integral part of a researcher's work. Successfully communicating complex ideas to an audience not only validates a researcher's efforts but also fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing with peers. Developing confidence in public speaking can significantly enhance a researcher’s professional presence. Positives Grants & Funding One of the most significant advantages of being a research professional is the abundance of grants and funding opportunities available. Rajan emphasizes that organizations such as the Government of India provide substantial support to researchers, enabling them to pursue innovative projects. Such financial backing not only bolsters the research process but also alleviates the financial burdens often associated with conducting extensive studies. Patent Your Work The potential to patent research findings is another major incentive for research professionals. If a researcher develops a novel product or process, they might secure rights that can lead to significant financial rewards, as Rajan highlights. By patenting their innovations, researchers can create new markets and revenue streams, incentivizing their efforts in research and development. Working Remotely Flexibility is another appealing aspect of a research career. Researchers often enjoy the freedom to work remotely, which allows for a more personalized working pace. Rajan points out that the nature of research—often involving extended contemplative periods and iterative processes—lends itself well to a less rigid schedule. This autonomy fosters creativity and innovation, which are essential in research. Fame & Recognition Researchers have the opportunity to gain international recognition for their work. Rajan’s experience presenting India at the Informs Annual Meeting serves as an example of how a well-executed study can lead to prestigious accolades and visibility in the field. This fame not only augments a researcher’s credibility but also enhances their career prospects. Awards Rajan also reflects on the gratification that comes from receiving awards for one’s work. Recognitions from various academic and professional bodies not only serve as motivation but also validate the quality and impact of research efforts. Such recognition can lead to elevated status within the community and potential collaboration with other leading researchers. Networking Opportunities The chance to network with other professionals in the field is another extraordinary benefit of the research profession. Through conferences and workshops, researchers can establish valuable connections, collaborate on groundbreaking projects, and nurture partnerships that can lead to further innovations. Rajan recognizes the potential for these partnerships to result in groundbreaking achievements. Challenges Uncertainties However, the research profession is not without its challenges. Rajan points out that uncertainties regarding funding and the commercial viability of research outputs can be daunting. While successful commercialization can lead to significant rewards, there is no guaranteed outcome, and researchers must remain adaptable and resilient in the face of such unpredictability. Giving Time The extensive time commitment required for research is another challenge. Rajan advises that researchers must be prepared for a rigorous and often demanding workload, which includes continuous reading, writing, and experimental trials. This ongoing engagement can be exhausting, requiring a considerable investment of both mental and emotional energy. Requires Patience Lastly, patience is paramount in the research process. Rajan acknowledges that experiments may not yield expected results on the first attempt and that repeated failures can be discouraging. Maintaining faith in the research process and having the tenacity to pursue one’s inquiries are essential qualities for any successful research professional. A Day Of Research A day in the life of a research professional is rarely routine; it often involves irregular hours focused on experiments and analysis. Rajan describes that while some research work might follow a typical schedule, such as 9 to 5, the nature of research often leads to late-night or early-morning experimentation when inspiration strikes. This non-traditional schedule reflects the dynamic and unpredictable nature of research, where truly innovative work can happen at any time. Rajan's insights and experiences highlight the multifaceted nature of being a research professional. With a burgeoning demand for skilled researchers in various fields—including technology and academia—coupled with rich opportunities for innovation and collaboration, this career path promises not only fulfilling challenges but also significant rewards. As Rajan compellingly states, mental preparation is critical, as the world of research continues to evolve with the burgeoning technological landscape and societal needs.

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How to get into

Research?

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Links for this Talk

Research Consultant Rajan Gupta's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/rajangupta

LifePage Career Talk on Research

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/research

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20180810-0003

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ST9PBL7nx4

(Research, Rajan Gupta, Various Assignments, Research Consultant, Data Research, Findings, Systematic Collection and Analysis)

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