Nurturing critical thinkers: Shaping Our Industry’s Future

The future of our industry hinges on the successful development of younger generations to be critical thinkers, but we’re still struggling to consistently deliver this. I had the privilege of participating in a panel on this topic at the 2024 Research Society’s Human Insights Conference, where we discussed the importance of age diversity within the workplace, career self-management, the impact of new technologies (in particular AI) on how we work, and the importance of mentoring support early on in the career path.  

the benefits of age diversity

Within the discussion, a question was asked about the importance of having a workforce that contains diverse age groups. As researchers, we aim to understand all aspects of the market, and without diversity, we are limiting ourselves. Generational differences go beyond just attitudes and behaviours, with different generations interpreting and processing information differently. The fresh perspectives they bring can therefore help us improve on previous practices, ensuring that we don’t miss out on potential opportunities. From their side, involving them in the research process will ensure they build the critical thinking skills needed to succeed in the industry today. 

Action: Managers need to engage young researchers in the research process and foster the development of their critical thinking skills. 

managing your own career

The concept of ‘managing up’ has become the norm in modern workplaces and is a crucial skill for young researchers to learn. This also gives them the skills to own their personal career development, which is another important area that can often be overlooked. We discussed the importance of them taking their careers into their own hands by regularly reflecting on their needs and the opportunities for growth they are being given. Careers are rarely linear, and young researchers need to not be afraid of seeking new training or considering a change if they feel stagnant; sometimes steps sideways or backward can be the best ones, leading to valuable skills growth and experiences.  

Action: Regularly assess your career goals and development to find fulfilment and align with your personal aspirations. Stay open-minded and focused on continuous learning. 

the changing landscape & AI

With technology comes change, and the introduction of AI is a gamechanger. AI is here to stay, and as an industry, we must learn how to adapt and approach it responsibly. There can’t however just be a “plug and play” approach with AI – researchers need to understand how to leverage it as a collaborative partner, not use it as a replacement for human thinking. This is particularly relevant for young researchers, as they are in the early stage of developing their critical thinking skills, and need guidance around how they can use these tools responsibly to achieve the best outcomes.  

Action: Teach young researchers how to integrate AI thoughtfully, so they can be empowered to use it to add value and increase the quality of their research. 

the art of mentoring

Despite only being introduced to mentoring later in my career, it has been incredibly valuable on my journey. Mentoring provides an outlet to discuss career paths or challenges with a person who brings an outside perspective. It can play a particularly crucial role in the development of young researchers, but its effectiveness hinges on a reciprocal, trusting relationship between them and their mentors. Senior researchers should not only provide guidance and support, but also help them identify their own opportunities to grow and learn.  

Action: Encourage young researchers to seek out mentors within formal or more informal arrangements. Support more senior team members in contributing back to the industry as well. 

Lastly, I was asked if I did it all again, would I change anything? For me, every decision I made has led me to where I am today, and it has been an important part of a continuing journey. Learning from my mistakes has helped me identify areas of improvement and refine what I do and do not want from my career. It’s clear that the core challenges that I have experienced in my career are still present, but the landscape has evolved and the industry now offers more structured development paths and support networks than before. 

As we look to the future of our industry, it’s important to focus on developing young researchers and providing them with the skills, support, and opportunities they need to drive innovation and excellence. 

Click here if you’re a young researcher and you’re interested in joining the Fifth Quadrant team.

critical thinkers