The ‘best person for the job’ is a myth... Science needs ‘squiggly careers’, not rigid rules

A ‘squiggly career’ is where people take non-linear career paths, gain diverse experiences, and develop their potential in ways beyond that of standard promotions. This approach, however, can sometimes clash with arguments for a strict ‘best person for the job’ approach.

My scientific career has been somewhat ‘squiggly’, as I have progressed from the aerospace industry to the food industry to the pharmaceutical industry. I also know that a few eyebrows were raised when I started to work on ice cream with no background in food science, and again in pharmaceuticals with no Pharma background. Clearly, in the sceptics’ eyes, I was not the ‘best person for the job’. But in all cases, thanks to the foresight and vision of the hiring managers, I was chosen specifically for the different approach I would bring to the role (Materials Science & Engineering), rather than my level of experience in that field, per se. I was, in fact, a diversity hire.

This topic is of particular importance of late, because this same ‘best person for the job’ argument is being openly used by some to push back against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. DEI programmes often aim to remove rigid barriers that have historically excluded talent from underrepresented groups.

Similarly, squiggly career models challenge the idea that only a single, predictable career path leads to success. Both approaches recognise that talent comes in many forms. The ‘best person for a job’ is not necessarily the one who followed the most predictable path, but rather the one with the greatest potential to grow into the role, spark new ideas, and deliver the most impact. And that can come from a variety of experiences and backgrounds.

Adoption of both these approaches, however, requires a certain level of boldness amongst hiring managers – a quality that I would suggest is being severely tested in the current climate.

#OmeigoTC, #CareerGrowth, #STEM, #DEI, #DiversityinHiring, #SquigglyCareer, #Unilever, #GSK, #Haleon