To become an R&D manager, a background in hard sciences or engineering and an advanced degree are necessary. Strong leadership and time management skills are also important. A bachelor’s and master’s degree are required, and a PhD is preferred. Excellent communication skills are essential.
To become a research and development (R&D) manager, you must have a background in the hard sciences or engineering. It is also advisable to have an advanced degree in your chosen field of study. Managers must also develop strong leadership and time management skills to effectively lead a team and execute a product development plan.
No matter what type of research and development career you plan to go into, you’ll need both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree to become a research and development manager. Many R&D managers are found in the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring that new drugs meet government regulations before they enter the market. To be successful in this endeavor, having a degree in chemistry or biology is very helpful.
Other research and development work involves developing new technologies to simplify people’s lives. Technology research and development careers require degrees in computer science, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, and similar subjects. As an R&D manager for a high-tech company, you’ll put your education to use managing the design and testing of critical devices, which can range from life-saving medical devices to the most sophisticated electronic readers.
While a bachelor’s degree prepares you to work as an engineer or scientist on a research development team, it is not enough to help you become a research and development manager. Companies looking to hire R&D managers typically require applicants to have at least a master’s degree, if not a doctoral degree (PhD) to become a research and development manager. An advanced degree in the hard sciences or engineering means you’ll publish many articles in your field, thereby expanding your influence and building your knowledge in a specific subject. Companies value master’s or doctoral holders who have published a significant amount of work in well-known journals. This work shows that they are dedicated to the field and capable of advising and managing an entire research and development team.
To become a research and development manager, you will also need to have excellent leadership skills, which often means having great time management skills. Products often have a tight manufacturing schedule. Due to the nature of the production environment, as a manager you will have to figure out the best way to schedule your employees’ time and prioritize tasks. Being able to communicate well with your employees, whether praising them for a job well done or offering constructive criticism, is also a must for any R&D manager.
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