Being a Researcher in Information Science and Technology Course

Editorial Take

Politecnico di Milano’s 'Being a Researcher' course on Coursera is a rare and valuable offering for those entering or advancing in academic and technical research careers, particularly within Information and Communication Science and Technology (ICST). Unlike technical upskilling courses, this program addresses the meta-skills of research: how to think, act, publish, and grow as a scholar in a competitive, ethically complex environment. It fills a critical gap for graduate students, early-career researchers, and professionals transitioning into research roles.

Standout Strengths

• Foundational Depth: The course begins with a robust exploration of the history and philosophy of science, helping learners contextualize modern research within centuries of intellectual evolution. This grounding fosters critical thinking about assumptions and paradigms in ICT research.
• Methodological Clarity: It clearly distinguishes between qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches, offering practical guidance on selecting and justifying methodologies. This is especially useful for ICST researchers dealing with both technical systems and human behavior.
• Ethics-Centric Approach: Research integrity, data privacy, authorship norms, and plagiarism are emphasized throughout. In an era of growing scrutiny on research misconduct, this focus builds responsible scholarship from the ground up.
• Publication Strategy: The course demystifies the publication process, explaining journal selection, peer review dynamics, and open access models. This is crucial for early-career researchers aiming to build visibility and credibility.
• Real-World Career Navigation: It goes beyond academia to address funding acquisition, performance evaluation, and promotion pathways. This practical orientation helps researchers plan long-term trajectories in both university and industry labs.
• ICT-Specific Relevance: While applicable broadly, the course highlights challenges unique to information technology—such as rapid obsolescence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and reproducibility in computing—making it highly relevant for the target audience.

Honest Limitations

• Limited Interactivity: The course relies heavily on lectures and readings, with few opportunities for hands-on practice or peer feedback. Learners seeking immersive project work may find it too theoretical without supplemental activities.
• Assumed Academic Literacy: It presumes familiarity with academic structures like conferences, journals, and grant systems. Those new to higher education may struggle without prior exposure to research environments.
• Narrow Case Examples: While conceptually strong, the course lacks detailed case studies from recent ICT breakthroughs. More concrete illustrations would enhance relatability and application.
• Minimal Technical Depth: It does not dive into coding, data analysis tools, or experimental setups. For researchers needing technical skills, this course should be paired with domain-specific training.

How to Get the Most Out of It

• Study cadence: Dedicate 4–5 hours weekly to fully absorb lectures and readings. Consistent pacing prevents overload, especially when balancing with other academic or professional commitments.
• Parallel project: Apply concepts by drafting a research proposal or literature review. Using course principles in real time deepens understanding and builds tangible outputs.
• Note-taking: Maintain a digital research journal to reflect on ethical dilemmas, methodology choices, and publication strategies discussed in each module.
• Community: Join Coursera discussion forums or form a study group with peers. Sharing perspectives on research ethics and career paths enhances learning through dialogue.
• Practice: Simulate writing abstracts, responding to peer reviews, or preparing grant applications using course guidelines to build practical fluency.
• Consistency: Complete all quizzes and writing exercises on schedule. Regular engagement reinforces retention and builds momentum toward certification.

Supplementary Resources

• Book: 'Research Methods in Information' by Alison J. Pickard offers complementary guidance tailored to ICST, expanding on topics like digital ethnography and data mining ethics.
• Tool: Use Zotero or Mendeley for reference management, integrating citation practices taught in the course with real-world research workflows.
• Follow-up: Enroll in a Coursera specialization on data analysis or machine learning to complement methodological knowledge with technical skills.
• Reference: Consult the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines to deepen understanding of ethical publishing standards beyond course content.

Common Pitfalls

• Pitfall: Treating the course as purely theoretical. Without applying concepts to real research plans, learners may miss opportunities to internalize best practices and ethical reasoning.
• Pitfall: Underestimating the importance of research ethics. Skipping or skimming these sections can lead to unintentional misconduct in future work, undermining credibility.
• Pitfall: Delaying publication planning. Many researchers wait too long to consider journals or conferences; this course encourages early strategic thinking about dissemination.

Time & Money ROI

• Time: At 10 weeks with 3–5 hours per week, the time investment is manageable for working professionals and full-time students alike, offering strong conceptual returns.
• Cost-to-value: While not free, the course fee delivers exceptional value for those serious about research careers, providing structured guidance often learned only through trial and error.
• Certificate: The verified certificate enhances academic profiles, useful for CVs, grant applications, or PhD admissions, justifying the cost for career-oriented learners.
• Alternative: Free resources exist, but few offer the structured, institution-backed curriculum from a reputable university like Politecnico di Milano.

Editorial Verdict

This course stands out as a rare and essential resource for aspiring and early-career researchers in information science and technology. It successfully bridges the gap between technical expertise and the broader scholarly ecosystem, offering not just methods but a philosophy of responsible, impactful research. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, progressing logically from foundational ideas to practical career navigation, with a consistent emphasis on ethics and integrity. For students in computer science, data systems, or human-computer interaction, this course provides the meta-skills often missing in technical programs—how to position work, engage with peer communities, and sustain a research trajectory over time.

While it could benefit from more interactive elements and real-world case studies, its strengths far outweigh its limitations. The course is particularly valuable for non-native English speakers and international students unfamiliar with Western academic norms, as it clearly explains unwritten rules of publishing, collaboration, and evaluation. When paired with hands-on research experience or technical training, it forms a powerful foundation for long-term success. We strongly recommend it to PhD candidates, research assistants, and professionals aiming to contribute meaningfully to the field of information and communication technology. For anyone serious about becoming a principled, effective researcher, this course is a strategic investment in both skill and identity.