This Nature Careers article offers a practical, realistic view of why consulting can be worth doing as an academic – not only for income, but to build insight into real-world problems, strengthen external relationships, and develop a clearer sense of how your expertise translates beyond the university, and accelerate knowledge exchange. In particular it sets out the typical benefits academics and society report from consulting (insight, networks, reputation, impact) and discusses the challenges to be navigated at an institutional level.
“You should never underestimate the convening power of being an academic. We have independence and legitimacy that allow us to bring together people from industry, government and civil society.”
Bob Doherty, Professor of Marketing and Sustainable & Responsible Business, University of York. Read more from Bob.
What will you take forward?
One thing to consider: What is the clearest consultancy offer you could make to an external partner in one sentence?
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