Career Advancement for Scientists: Is it just a ‘Pyramid Scheme’?

Career Advancement for Scientists:  Is it just a ‘Pyramid Scheme’?

In my past corporate life, I conducted a survey with the scientists in the technical department where I worked.  One of the questions on the survey concerned career advancement.  The response surprised me.

Over 50% of these scientists expressed uncertainty about promotion criteria.  

This wasn't just a minor issue; it pointed to a bigger problem in how the organisation was communicating potential career paths. 

In this respect, if I think about my own career, there are three things that I have learned as a scientist attempting to navigate organisational structures:

• Corporate environments are fundamentally pyramidal.  As you ascend, roles become more limited.  This isn't just a metaphor, it's basic maths.

• In the initial stages of your career, it is your individual capabilities that enable you to get promoted.  Quick wins, technical expertise, and demonstrated potential become your primary currency.   You're essentially “pushing yourself up” the first few pyramid levels.

• Once you get to mid-career, however, here's where the game changes.  Advancement becomes increasingly dependent on strategic relationships.  Those above you "pulling you up" the pyramid, in effect.  These people aren't just contacts, they're your professional ecosystem.

It took me a while to realise this dynamic was in play.  That while my technical skills could get me in the door, building strategic relationships and increasing my visibility were needed to keep me moving forward.

·       At what stage of the pyramid are you? Push or pull?

·       As a scientist, how much time do you spend on your strategic relationships? 

·       Or does networking seem to always get in the way of your more ‘interesting’ scientific work?