Navigating Parallel Paths: How Your Post-Graduate Research Journey is Similar to Setting Up Your Own Business



Note to Reader: This article explores the similarities between post-graduate research and entrepreneurship, highlighting how skills and strategies from one can enhance the other. We’ll delve into how your PGR journey mirrors the entrepreneurial path in terms of independence, problem-solving, resilience, and long-term vision. Learn how the services offered at ND Perspective can support you through these shared challenges, helping you excel in your research and beyond.

Topic: Post-Graduate Research, Entrepreneurship, Independence, Problem-Solving, Resilience, Goal Setting, Networking, Professional Development, NDPerspective.



As a neurodivergent post-graduate researcher (PGR) you might find yourself deeply immersed in the complexities of your research, with the end goal of contributing significant knowledge to your field. But have you ever considered how your PGR journey mirrors the entrepreneurial path? Both experiences, though distinct in their goals, share striking similarities and offer parallel lessons that can enrich your journey. At ND Perspective, our Wellbeing Webinars sessions are tailored to support you through these shared challenges and help you thrive, whether you're eyeing a future in academia, industry, or even entrepreneurship.

Independence and Self-Management: Creating your Own Path

In both post-graduate research and setting up your own business, you're are directing your own path. As a PGR student, you’re the driving force behind your research project, setting objectives, managing time, and navigating through setbacks. Similarly, launching a business demands a high degree of self-management and discipline. At ND Perspective, our webinars provide strategies to enhance your self-management skills, helping you stay organised and motivated in your research endeavours.

Problem-Solving and Innovation: Embracing the Challenges

Both worlds are defined by their commitment to solving complex problems. In research, you tackle intricate academic questions, while entrepreneurs seek innovative solutions to market needs. This problem-solving mindset is crucial for success in both arenas. Our Wellbeing Webinars are designed to foster creative thinking and resilience, offering techniques that can help you approach research challenges with an innovative mindset, just like a start-up founder would tackle business problems.

Resilience in the Face of Challenges: Bouncing Back Stronger

Resilience is a key trait for both PGR students and entrepreneurs. You might face experiments that fail or business ventures that don’t go as planned. The ability to adapt, learn from failures, and keep pushing forward is essential. At ND Perspective Community can support you to build and maintaining this resilience, through support and inspiration to help you recover from setbacks and keep your research journey on track.

Long-Term Vision and Goal Setting: Keeping Your Eyes on the Prize

Whether you're aiming to complete a thesis or grow a business, a clear long-term vision is crucial. Both paths require you to set clear goals, make strategic decisions, and stay focused on your end objectives. Our webinars provide insights into goal setting and strategic planning, helping you align your day-to-day tasks with your long-term research goals and ensuring you remain motivated and organised.

Seeking Guidance and Building Networks: Learning and Growing Together

No successful PGR student or entrepreneur achieves greatness in isolation. Both benefit from mentorship, collaboration, and networking. At ND Perspective, we emphasise the importance of building an ND supportive network. Our webinars and sessions create opportunities for you to connect with peers, mentors, and professionals, gaining valuable feedback and support that can propel your research or entrepreneurial ambitions forward.

Contribution and Impact: Making a Difference

At the heart of both post-graduate research and entrepreneurship is a desire to make a meaningful contribution. Whether it’s advancing academic knowledge or creating impactful products and services, your work aims to bring value to the world. Our Wellbeing Webinars and Motivation Station sessions are designed to help you keep this sense of purpose at the forefront, ensuring that you stay driven and focused on the broader impact of your research.

The journey of a post-graduate researcher shares many parallels with that of an entrepreneur. Both paths require independence, resilience, problem-solving skills, and a long-term vision. At ND Perspective, our services are tailored to support you in navigating these challenges and realising your full potential. Whether you’re considering a future in academia, industry, or even launching your own venture, the skills and support you gain from our shared community, Wellbeing Webinars will be invaluable. Embrace the similarities, and let’s navigate this exciting journey together.

Supporting and Celebrating our Neurodivergent Community,

Jess x x

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Access Schemes for Neurodivergent Adults in the UK: Enhancing Inclusivity and Independence