I currently work with DAR at McGill University in the research department unit. Basically, we try to develop the funds for the University Campaign. The goal of the campaign is to pool in $100 Million dollars by year 2010.
One of the biggest challenges at DAR Research group is that researchers rarely last more than an year in their positions. The demands of the job are not out-of-the ordinary, and the pay is “okay”. However, the working conditions are less than desirable (and by that i mean it gets BORING after the first 2 months).Part of the problem is that while the learning curve is steep, researchers reach a plateau after 3-4 months and it becomes routine, leading to apathy. After six moths to a year, most researchers leave the job to find more stimulating experiences that offer continuous development and learning opportunities.
The rate of turn-over is alarming and the costs needed to re-train new hires are significant. It takes a researcher a full 2 months to learn how to work effectively and another 2 months to be fully competent; meaning that DAR is losing significant productivity each time someone quits and each time a new employee is hired.
I’ve often pondered what management is doing to resolve this issue. Perhaps management is not keen on how deep of an issue it is? Or maybe I’m blowing this over proportion? I suppose management could leave the issue as is (a viable option); re-structure that position so that researchers are constantly stimulated with plenty of learning experiences; start envisioning new knowledge retention strategies; or a combination of both.
I’ve been thinking of proposing a common “wiki” that focuses on key sources for each region we deal with. Currently, I am working with Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, and Australia. I know I am not the first one to deal with this region..yet I had to develop sources of my own. Wouldn’t it have been easier if someone had collected the resources they had used in the past and posted these sources for all to access? It would have saved time at least…
As a student researcher, I’m often in an ambivalent position. I’m part of the team, yet I am not a full employee..so how would I go about recommending a possible solution?
Ideas are welcome!
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