Page 6 - Dare to Make an Impact

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1. Define Your Niche
It’s easy to develop a great idea. We’ve all had flashes of brilliance about how to save the world, or to even solve the most obscure problem. But if you don’t have a compelling, novel idea that will advance your field forward, you need to think again.
So, how do you find this elusive niche?
Examine your passions
Choose a topic that you find interesting. This is a common theme in career development folklore, but it’s worth repeating. There’s a reason you chose to pursue a doctorate in your field, and part of that reason is that you could envision yourself spending time examining a unique question. If you don’t find your research question intriguing, you won’t enjoy it, and you won’t be willing to put in the time it takes to craft a strong grant proposal.