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Thomas, Senior Research Fellow at Clayton Christensen Institute: Advize Career Interview
A career path from engineering to a Senior Research Fellowship at the Clayton Christensen Institute, fueled by a summer job revelation and an MBA, is highlighted in this interview.
The work involves impactful research in K-12 education, disseminating findings through various channels, and enjoying a flexible work-life balance.
Critical thinking, strong communication, and proactive networking are key skills, while resilience and project management are crucial for industry success.
The most rewarding aspects include meaningful work on large-scale problems and a collaborative environment.
A key lesson learned is prioritizing networking and connecting with those in fulfilling roles, instead of solely relying on academic pursuits.
Entry-level positions often involve data gathering and project support, providing valuable experience.
The interview underscores the importance of pursuing passion, discovering unconventional career paths like think tanks, and building a strong foundation in critical thinking and writing.
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Job Title
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Undergrad
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Thomas Arnett
Senior Research Fellow
Clayton Christensen Institute
Brigham Young University, 2009
Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business, Master of Business Administration
Economics
Education
Research and Development (R&D)
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans
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Career Path of a Senior Research Fellow at Clayton Christensen Institute
Initially an engineering major, Thomas's summer job working on a construction crew revealed a passion for understanding societal dynamics, shifting their focus to economics and ultimately education. After teaching and earning an MBA, a role at the Clayton Christensen Institute followed, driven by a desire to apply "profoundly insightful" theories of innovation to address large-scale challenges in education and beyond.
Main Responsibilities of a Senior Research Fellow at Clayton Christensen Institute
Thomas's main responsibilities as a Senior Research Fellow involve developing insights to "make the world better by helping innovation happen more successfully," focusing on K-12 education. This translates to studying school districts and schools as case studies, then disseminating findings through papers, articles, presentations, and travel to conferences and school sites.
A Day in the Life of a Senior Research Fellow at Clayton Christensen Institute
A Senior Research Fellow's workday, contrary to common assumptions, often involves working from home, balancing meetings on Mondays and Fridays with focused writing and idea development Tuesday through Thursday. The work frequently entails "having conversations and thinking about things and then trying to articulate those... into written pieces" to help others approach challenges differently.
Most Important Skills For A Senior Research Fellow At Christensen Institute
Thomas, a Senior Research Fellow, emphasizes "critical thinking" and a systems-level understanding as paramount for his role, likening it to an "engineering mindset." Strong writing and presentation skills, alongside proactive networking to foster collaborations, are also crucial for effectively conveying research and building professional relationships within the field.
Favorite Parts of Being a Senior Research Fellow at Clayton Christensen Institute
Thomas, a Senior Research Fellow, most enjoys the "meaningful work" tackling "big problems with impact in the world," alongside the intellectually stimulating nature of the role and its collaborative environment. The work-life balance and flexibility also contribute significantly to their job satisfaction.
Biggest Challenges as a Senior Research Fellow at Clayton Christensen
The biggest challenge Thomas faces as a Senior Research Fellow is the "entrepreneurial nature" of the role, requiring "figuring out" projects and methodologies without a clear playbook or established precedents. This lack of a structured path, while difficult, also makes the work deeply rewarding.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Education Industry As A Senior Research Fellow
Thomas, a Senior Research Fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute, finds the education industry rewarding because "people don't get into education because they're wanting status," but rather "want to make a difference." This shared ethos, despite disagreements on specific approaches, creates a fulfilling work environment for Thomas.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Research Industry According To A Senior Research Fellow At Christensen Institute
Thomas, a Senior Research Fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute, identifies resilience—"being okay with failure and rebounding"—and strong project management skills as key traits for success in their industry. The ability to prioritize tasks and effectively manage time and attention are crucial for navigating the challenges of the field.
What A Senior Research Fellow At Christensen Institute Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Think Tank Industry
Thomas, a Senior Research Fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute, wished someone had told them about the existence of "think tanks" as a career path before, as their understanding was limited to portrayals in movies like "Iron Man 3". This highlights the value of networking to discover unconventional and fulfilling career opportunities like their current role.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Researchers
Entry-level roles in Thomas's field, typically titled "research assistant," "research associate," or "research analyst," involve supporting senior researchers like Thomas by "Gathering data" and assisting with project management. These positions offer undergraduates valuable experience in research processes, allowing them to learn "the nature of this research" firsthand.
Significant Career Lesson From A Senior Research Fellow At Christensen Institute
Thomas, a Senior Research Fellow, learned that career planning should prioritize networking and connecting with people doing interesting work rather than solely focusing on academic pursuits. He advises asking, "What are the steps to get to do what you're doing?", demonstrating a shift from a purely academic approach to a more proactive, people-focused strategy.
College Experiences That Helped a Senior Research Fellow at Clayton Christensen Institute Succeed
While hard work and good grades in undergraduate studies built a strong foundation of critical thinking and writing skills, Thomas's career success was significantly shaped by a passionate, focused approach – "what am I really passionate about and let me really go hard on that passion". This allowed them to stand out in job interviews by demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and commitment, rather than simply applying broadly.
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