How to ignite your research career when your advisor is so disappointing?

Question

How can I ignite my research career when my advisor is so disappointing and I can learn nothing from him?

He rarely publishes academic papers, but he has his fingers in many pies(engineering projects) and has no time to give any suggestions and directions for my MS project. I think nothing can be learnt from him. How can I startup my own research career under such a condition?

Answer 1

As mentioned in the comments, if you are not happy with your advisor, find a new one.

I think there are some misconceptions underlying this question. Typically graduate students write papers, not faculty members. Publishing is up to you, not your advisor. Faculty are typically not trained as managers. Therefore it is up to you to give yourself direction. I think you should consider these features important in an advisor:

• Can obtain funding you need to complete your research.
• Can add to your reputation and connection to other researchers.
• Knowledge of the discipline (less important because it's easier to get this elsewhere)

From a faculty member's perspective, the best way to achieve all of these things is to be involved in as many projects as possible.