How to Prepare for a Research and Development Job

Research and development jobs are great for people who like to problem solve, who like to experiment and who like to make things bigger and better. If you are interested in an R&D career then you need to start collecting the experience and skills needed to get a research and development job. Follow these steps to prepare for an R&D job.

Instructions

1. Start preparing for a research and development job in high school. The best way to jump-start a career in research and development is to begin experimenting in high school. Take advanced science and math classes, and enter science fairs, math fairs and other academic competitions to hone your research and development skills. These competitions are also a great way to gain the attention of top R&D companies and corporations.

2. Complete your undergraduate degree in a science subject, math subject or engineering subject. Your undergraduate degree is going to give you the base of knowledge that you can use later on while performing R&D job duties. Research and development jobs vary based on the company that you work for, so select an undergraduate degree that make sense for the R&D field you are interested in.

3. Complete a research and development internship. Internships are key to getting a good R&D job once you graduate. These internships can provide you with practical experience that companies appreciate. To find an R&D internship, work with your school academic or career adviser, or you can set one up yourself by applying for internships with local companies that interest you.

4. Make sure you obtain administrative skills as well as technical skills while in college. Administrative skills like report writing, basic accounting, computer operation and public speaking are all important to people in R&D careers. You can use these skills to communicate your results to the company and to keep track of your research and development activities.

5. Apply for and complete advanced degrees if you want to enter a research and development career at a level above entry level, or if you want a management position in a company's R&D department. Generally, you won't need a degree above a bachelors degree to get an entry level R&D job. However, some employers show preference to applicants with advanced degrees.