I may be naive to the world of research administration, but I can't
understand the consternation surrounding these seemingly innocuous
questions.  Although I have no idea as to the identity of the mystery
author, I am willing to take up the gauntlet with full disclosure.  My name
is David Goett.  I am currently a senior subcontract administrator at the
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory which is run by the University of
California.  Prior to this, I was an officer in the U.S. Air Force where I
was a PCO (Procuring Contracting Officer).  All of my 20 years of
experience has been in the contracting field.  Recently, a colleague, who
had made the jump from contracts to research administration, turned me on
to your field of endeavor.  As a direct result of the Research
Administration Discussion List, I have become quite interested in "your
side of the fence" and would most assuredly like to learn more.

Therefore, I respectfully request that anyone who is so inclined, please
answer these questions, which are reproduced verbatim below, for the
benefit of at least one potential newcomer (xxxxxx@llnl.gov).  Thank you.

-------------------
>Hello to all you research administrators.  Okay, forgive me, I just
>now created an anonymous email specifically to send this very message,
>because I didn't want my famous university to be identified
>here.  But I have a VERY important question that needs some anonymity.
>
>The question is... just HOW does one become director of a campus
>office of sponsored research services?
>
>1) Does a degree help?  What degree was your campus administration
>looking for when they interviewed you?  What degree do you have? (this
>is my main question as I consider getting additional training/education)
>
>2) What kind of experience was your campus administration looking for
>when they interviewed you for the job?  What kind of experience did
>you have at that time?
>
>3) Did networking help?  did they already know you, or know of you?
>
>4) Was it a big "jump?"  that is, were you working at a position that
>was a step or so down from being the boss?  And how about
>geographically? did you travel far to get the job?
>
>5) Did certification help? If so what kind.
>
>.....ANY other advice would be appreciated.  I really value all the
>terrific feedback that folks provide on this serv!  I've worked in
>research administration for about 15 years, the promotions have been
>hard to come by, but I am starting to think that two things would
>help:  a) advice from this group and b)further education...(but what
>degree?)
>
>Thanks everyone, for sharing your success stories and
>telling us how you did it!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>_________________________________________________________
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