Why collaborate?

- In some ways academia can be seen as a highly competitive,…individualized activity.…You're competing against others to earn grants,…gain tenure, and publish articles in the right journals.…It feels like you're continually striving for status…and success in your field,…while others are trying to do the same.…However, most top professors recognize…that success is rarely accomplished in isolation.…You can't do it all yourself.…Many successful professors use collaboration…as a fundamental tool for their personal benefit,…and for the benefit of others,…and even for the benefit of their overall academic field.…

Fortunately, within academia,…there are many different people…with whom you can collaborate.…You can collaborate with colleagues in your own department,…students, colleagues across the university,…and even with staff, or, in some cases,…administrators in a specific area.…Outside of the university you can collaborate with alumni,…businesses, government agencies,…charitable organizations, or faculty at other institutions,…