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Job outlook for graduate research associates in the United States
Graduate research associate job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected graduate research associate job growth rate is 19% from 2018-2028.
About 150,300 new jobs for graduate research associates are projected over the next decade.
Graduate research associate salaries have increased 14% for graduate research associates in the last 5 years.
There are over 132,966 graduate research associates currently employed in the United States.
There are 52,244 active graduate research associate job openings in the US.
The average graduate research associate salary is $45,012.
Are graduate research associate jobs in demand?
Graduate research associate job and salary trends over time
Graduate research associate jobs over time
Graduate research associate job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 132,966 | 0.04% |
| 2020 | 137,645 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 139,389 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 111,724 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 106,609 | 0.03% |
Average graduate research associate salary over time
Graduate research associate salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $45,012 | $21.64 | +3.6% |
| 2025 | $43,457 | $20.89 | +1.9% |
| 2024 | $42,661 | $20.51 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $42,076 | $20.23 | +6.5% |
| 2022 | $39,506 | $18.99 | +1.7% |
Graduate research associate jobs by state
Most common states for graduate research associates
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,406 | 35% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 212 | 31% |
| 3 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 753 | 18% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 110 | 18% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 173 | 16% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,084 | 15% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 272 | 14% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 186 | 14% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 104 | 14% |
| 10 | California | 39,536,653 | 5,220 | 13% |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,653 | 13% |
| 12 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,131 | 13% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 730 | 13% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 715 | 13% |
| 15 | Delaware | 961,939 | 129 | 13% |
| 16 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 111 | 13% |
| 17 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,016 | 12% |
| 18 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 658 | 11% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 225 | 11% |
| 20 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 635 | 10% |
Most common cities for graduate research associates
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Knoxville | 1 | 1% | $42,121 |
| 2 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $45,478 |
| 3 | San Diego | 1 | 0% | $53,232 |
Graduate Research Associate job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of graduate research associate experts
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Washington State University
Ohio State University
University of Texas at Austin
Vanderbilt University
University of St Andrews
Seattle University
Adelphi University
Washington University in St Louis
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Elizabethtown College
Wilkes University
Saint Peter's University
Creighton University
University of New Hampshire
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Newark
East Tennessee State University
Utah State University
University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
What general advice would you give to a Graduate Research Associate?
Jacob Nordman: Salary potential in my field of neuroscience almost always involves publications, awards, and technical acumen. Therefore, as I mentioned, it is important to start early looking for opportunities that can strengthen these areas. Another important aspect of getting high-profile, and thus high-paying, positions, is being able to tell a story with your research and career. Employers want to see that you have thought deeply and strategically about your career and where it’s going. This will allow them to believe you are a safe bet and worthy of their investment.
What will help Graduate Research Associates increase their earning potential?
Lindsey du Toit: Take every opportunity you can to learn, network, and build an effective team of people that bring a greater breadth and depth of skills and expertise to the work on which you will be focusing. Cultivate a life-long sense of intellectual curiosity and learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Treat ignorance as an opportunity to learn. Questions demonstrate you want to understand the situation/problem effectively and that you are paying attention. Always demonstrate integrity in your work. It is one of the most valuable traits you can bring to your career. Be kind and supportive of your colleagues.
Dr. Judson Jeffries
ProfessorOhio State University
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What general advice would you give to a Graduate Research Associate?
Dr. Judson Jeffries: Introduce yourself to some of the more noteworthy people in the field at conferences. Establish a relationship with those folks. I am not saying that your circle should include only the most celebrated academics in your field, but you want to get to know maybe 3 to 4 such persons for the following reasons: 1) to position oneself to get sage, counsel and advice from seasoned academics 2) to learn about various opportunities that may not be publicly advertised and 3) at some point the person 's department will need people to evaluate that person for tenure and promotion. Some departments will ask the junior professor for a list of names. At that point the junior professor will be equipped to provide that list. Finally, go into those fields understanding that you have a responsibility to advocate on behalf of those historically marginalized groups that you're studying. What's more, that person needs to understand that what comes with that is doing research that addresses some of the challenges those groups face.
What will help Graduate Research Associates increase their earning potential?
Dr. Judson Jeffries: Grant writing ability. Scholars will become increasingly reliant on securing grants as universities and colleges continue to tighten their belts. This is especially true for state schools where some state legislatures are not as generous with funding as they once were. The state supported The Ohio State University is one such example. There are many more.
What general advice would you give to a Graduate Research Associate?
Autumn Mathias Ph.D., LCSW: Similar to my answer for the first question, I think that this begins during college as students
build their overall portfolio of knowledge and skills. In addition to strategically selecting
courses, students might think about different volunteer activities (both on and off campus) and
experiential learning opportunities that could help them to further develop skills and build
professional connections. For instance, students can ask professors if there are opportunities for
them to work as a research assistant, or develop their own independent research project. In
addition, students can complete internships with public or private organizations within
community, or even through study abroad programs. In some cases, internships can provide a
bridge to employment post-graduation in that organization.
After students graduate and secure employment, they might consider different ways to engage in
professional development and continuing education. This can occur both within and outside
employer-sponsored activities. For instance, graduates might consider online courses on software
such as Excel, ArcGIS, Python, Tableau, or R. In addition, graduates may think of creative ways
to take leadership on projects in their respective organizations, and/or make a significant
contribution to their organization that will showcase their professional strengths. Finally,
graduates may consider pursuing graduate degrees according to their professional goals, such as
a Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Public Health (MPH), Juris Doctor (JD), Master's in
Education (M.Ed.), or a Master of Public Administration (MPA).
What Graduate Research Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Autumn Mathias Ph.D., LCSW: My general advice for undergraduate students majoring in sociology would be to begin thinking
(as early as possible) about how studying sociology might prepare you for different careers.
Explore resources online, including the websites of professional organizations such as the
American Sociological Association and the Society for the Study of Social Problems, and
occupational outlook data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, I would advise
students to speak with their academic advisors, professors, and their college/university career
services personnel about their specific interests, strengths, and opportunities to further develop
various transferable skills throughout (and beyond) their college career. For some students, this
may mean taking certain electives (such as those geared towards maximizing research skills),
and/or adding a minor or a second major. This can also include internships and other experiential
learning opportunities. In addition, students should think about which subfields of sociology
interest them most, and how they see themselves applying their knowledge in a specific field.
Some subfields include urban sociology, medical sociology, political sociology, global and
transnational sociology, law and crime, social inequality, collective behavior, economic
sociology, environmental sociology, and the sociology of education. Sociology students develop
knowledge and skills that are valuable to several fields, including education, legal assistance,
business, public relations, human services/social work, government, public health, urban
planning, criminal justice, market and/or user experience research, and administration. Sociology
students learn to apply a historically and theoretically grounded lens to understanding human
behavior, social institutions, and the interactions between various actors in society across
national and cultural contexts. In addition, they develop both qualitative and quantitative
research skills and are uniquely positioned to apply these skills in a variety of roles to find
solutions to social problems. Accordingly, they are encouraged to develop both cultural humility
and cultural competence, which is critical for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in any
professional setting. As a result, sociology graduates may pursue jobs including (but not limited
to) the following: research assistant at a non-profit organization, probation officer, community
health worker, residential counselor, case manager, legislative aide, policy analyst, and user
experience researcher for a corporation.
In terms of job searching, I would recommend consulting with professors, advisors, and your
college/university's career services office on the best strategies for highlighting your transferable
skills and tailoring your resume and cover letter to specific job postings. Many organizations
utilize AI to review and narrow down job application materials before they are even reviewed by
human eyes. Also, I would encourage graduates to keep an open mind as they search job postings
as their knowledge and skills can be applied in a variety of settings. Additionally, students may
think about whether or not their long-term career goals require a graduate degree. Some
employers offer tuition reimbursement for graduate education.
What will help Graduate Research Associates increase their earning potential?
Autumn Mathias Ph.D., LCSW: I think it is important for graduates to look at projections on the Bureau of Labor Statistics
website and to conduct general research on the state of certain industries at the time of
graduation. For instance, the tech industry is currently very saturated; some people who started
positions as user experience researchers just a few years ago were laid off. Individuals who have
years of experience in these positions will then have an advantage in securing new positions.
That being said, I believe that quantitative research skills in particular are advantageous for many
positions. This includes attaining coding skills and learning coding languages such as Python, R,
and Java.
In addition to the tech industry, the higher education market for individuals with a Master's
degree or PhD in sociology for tenure-track, full-time assistant professor positions in sociology
proves to remain highly competitive, as there are far more graduates than full-time positions.
That being said, some Master's programs emphasize an applied focus that prepares students for a
variety of research and evaluation positions.
In relation to research skills focused on data collection and analysis, sociology majors develop
writing and presentation skills that are crucial to success in any field. Also, the major's emphasis
on a critical global perspective along with cultural humility, cultural competence, empathy, and
overall interpersonal skills are sought-after skills in many fields. For instance, the U.S. is
experiencing a serious shortage of mental health professionals. Although some mental health
positions require a bachelor's or Master's degree in social work, others are also open to
individuals with a bachelor's degree in sociology or psychology.
Mary Neuburger
Director, Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian StudiesUniversity of Texas at Austin
Slavic, Baltic And Albanian Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What general advice would you give to a Graduate Research Associate?
Mary Neuburger: Network as much as possible, online (LinkedIn or social media) and at events related to Russian studies or policy. These tend to be open to the public at most large er universities and some smaller. Attend, ask good questions, and introduce yourself to people. Make sure you highlight all of the skills you have gained on your CV-include projects in courses, extracurricular activities, study abroad etc.
What Graduate Research Associate skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mary Neuburger: Language skills are always important, as well as research skills, and experience working on team projects. I also think deep interdisciplinary knowledge of Russia and its sphere of influence will continue to be important, as well as teachnical skills and knowledge of the information environment-and especially disinformation. UT Austin has a new Global Disinformation Lab, in which study of Russian disinformation (among other things) is carried out.
What will help Graduate Research Associates increase their earning potential?
Mary Neuburger: Increase your experience and education in the field. Think about a Russian Studies master's program, for which you can get funding and gain more education and professional experience. UT Austin is looking for good applicants! Also think about doing workshops in various technical skills or platforms to bolster your resume. Think about initiating a club, small organization or project, and taking a leadership role. Highlight these efforts on your cv.
Phillis Sheppard Ph.D.
E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Chair Professor of Religion, Psychology, and Culture and Womanist ThoughtVanderbilt University
Theological And Ministerial Studies
What will help Graduate Research Associates increase their earning potential?
Phillis Sheppard Ph.D.: I tell recent graduates read the contract and the faculty manual. Make sure you understand the long term implications of your early salary. Second, plan for retirement now; do not wait until you are making the salary of your fantasies. Take advantage of opportunities to learn about financial health and management. Third, position yourself. Write and publish directly and clearly in your field of study and adjacent areas. Fourth, create a plan with vision for the career you think you want. Finally, one way or the other, you will carve out a career or job, but a vocation is nurtured by paying attention to where and you experience passion and a deep sense of belonging. A vocation is where your heart and intellect find a meaningful place in responding to the world's needs. Your salary best positions you when it supports you whole life and commitments.
Dr. Jeffrey Hughes
Deputy DirectorUniversity of St Andrews
Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies
What hard/technical skills are most important for Graduate Research Associates?
Dr. Jeffrey Hughes: This would be dependent upon the disciplines involved and would be hugely varied.
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorSeattle University
Department of Anthropology and Sociology
What skills stand out on Graduate Research Associate resumes?
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.: Understanding human diversity, Difference is viewed not as an obstacle but as an opportunity for generating new ideas, etc.
What soft skills should all Graduate Research Associates possess?
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.: Understanding human diversity, effective communication (speaking and writing: the ability to convey complex ideas respectfully to a diverse audience) across differences, adept at working in groups, yet also independent thinkers.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Graduate Research Associates?
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.: Empirical data collection: Research skills for collecting original data, analyzing the data, writing up the information collected, and presenting it in a professional manner.
What skills will help Graduate Research Associates earn the most?
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.: Anthropologists are analysts and researchers with sharp thinking skills who have the ability to collect, manage, evaluate, and interpret large volumes of data on human behavior.
Lea Theodore Ph.D.
Director, School PsychologyAdelphi University
School Psychology and Institute for Parenting and Postgraduate Certificates in Infant, Child, & Adolescent Psychotherapy
What soft skills should all Graduate Research Associates possess?
Lea Theodore Ph.D.: The ability to have respectful communication with people in all roles: directors, supervisors, research participants, peers, and project staff. A 360-degree evaluation would show that everyone agrees that the candidate can be a good fit.
Sharon Deem DVM, PhD
Director of Saint Louis zoo institute for Conservation Medicine, Adjunct professor at WUSTLWashington University in St Louis
Institute for Conservation Medicine
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Graduate Research Associate job market given the pandemic?
Sharon Deem DVM, PhD: I teach a course called One Health: Linking the Health of Humans, Animals, and Environments. I teach to both undergraduate and graduate students. One Health is a growing movement that takes a transdisciplinary approach and is based on the understanding that the health of human and non-human animals, plants, and the environments that sustain all life are interconnected. We will not have health of one without ensuring health of the others. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a wake-up call of this interconnection of health and to the many human public health, including zoonotic infectious diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, and wildlife conservation challenges, such as those related to the unsustainable trade in wildlife. A wakeup call that has made many aware of the need for a One Health approach and for finding a new normal post-pandemic world that will help ensure we prevent the next pandemic.
The outlook for recent graduates that are interested in the One Health approach and for addressing these health challenges for humans, animals, and environments-the One Health Triad-will increase in the coming years. I believe career opportunities that strive for preventive measures that lessen the negative impacts of climate change, emerging infectious diseases, and the loss of biodiversity will increase greatly in the coming months and years. These career opportunities may be in the environmental, veterinary, and human health sciences. They may also be in other disciplines, from communication and art to IT, engineering, law, and political science. The job market will open with positions we may only dream of today, but also with those familiar jobs that help optimize the health of animals, humans, and environments.
How have salaries changed over time for Graduate Research Associates?
Sharon Deem DVM, PhD: My field of One Health is so varied, as are the salaries. You may have a career as an infectious disease specialist, such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, a position in a state public health agency, work for a zoological park, or be a forester. The list of careers within One Health are as varied as the range of the salaries people may receive. As a wildlife veterinarian and epidemiologist, I think salaries have not changed significantly, albeit keeping up with inflation, over the past couple of decades.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Graduate Research Associate job market given the pandemic?
Brady Collins Ph.D.: More remote work/teleworking.
What soft skills should all Graduate Research Associates possess?
Brady Collins Ph.D.: Ability to collaborate and work in teams, delegate tasks, manage short-term and long-term projects simultaneously.
How have salaries changed over time for Graduate Research Associates?
Brady Collins Ph.D.: Depends on the state/locality.
David Brown
Professor of HistoryElizabethtown College
History Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Graduate Research Associate job market given the pandemic?
David Brown: Working amidst a global pandemic has forced many sectors of the economy to conduct its affairs online and via Zoom and other cloud platforms. In a sense this is nothing new as the technology and capacity predated the pandemic, though our new social distance reality has made the use of such applications second nature for many. This way of conducting business will undoubtedly be embellished moving forward. Interestingly, one need not be particularly tech savvy to take advantage of the opportunities it affords. Communication and good writing skills are always in demand. Being able to interact effectively with colleagues and clients throughout the day and from great distance will be increasingly a premium skill.
What soft skills should all Graduate Research Associates possess?
David Brown: It's critical to be able to work as a team. Empathy, understanding, a bit of diplomacy, and integrity - aside from the obvious need of technical competency - are highly valued. As always, motivation is terribly important and this can be conjoined with flexibility. If energy and attitude remain positive this will rub off on others and create an attractive dynamic that draws people in. Finally, the ability to make a decision and follow through with it is perhaps too little appreciated.
What will help Graduate Research Associates increase their earning potential?
David Brown: Salaries have generally kept up with inflation, though with the decline of funding in the Humanities disciplines, the number of jobs has not been robust. There is a wide variance in compensation within a highly stratified university system that includes adjuncts, lecturers, visiting faculty and full-time faculty in the ranks of assistant, associate, and full professor. There is an increasing interest in pubic history - in museums, archives, and historical societies - that provide opportunities for those seeking opportunities outside of the academy.
Dr. Kenneth Klemow Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of BiologyWilkes University
Biology and Health Sciences
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Graduate Research Associate job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Kenneth Klemow Ph.D.: I believe that certain fields will be stronger than others. In particular, we have been speaking with hiring managers for Medical Laboratory Science. They cannot find enough qualified candidates to fill their positions. Wilkes University has a relatively small program in MLS that we are planning to expand to satisfy that demand.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Graduate Research Associates?
Dr. Kenneth Klemow Ph.D.: Related to the first question, I believe that certification in Medical Lab Science would be important. Likewise, having certification or coursework in Virology, Epidemiology, or Disease Ecology would be helpful. We are seeing more interest in Data Analysis skills, as well as Bioinformatics at both the molecular and environmental levels. Finally, having certification in Geographic Information Systems is important in many applications. Beyond that, students should have good written and oral communication skills, be flexible, and be capable of learning new techniques as the market provides opportunities.
How have salaries changed over time for Graduate Research Associates?
Dr. Kenneth Klemow Ph.D.: I don't have sufficient familiarity with salary trends to give a good answer, though I know that individuals with data analysis skills command relatively high salaries.
Dr. Katherine Wydner Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology and Health Careers AdvisorSaint Peter's University
Biology Department
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Graduate Research Associates?
Dr. Katherine Wydner Ph.D.: Because of current job shortages caused by the pandemic, many college graduates may find this to be a good time to go back to school for additional certifications, masters, or doctoral degrees. Many advanced degrees in healthcare and medicine at the masters or doctorate levels require courses such as Biochemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Psychology. Another useful course can be Nutrition if someone is interested in a career related to Food Services, a job sector that is anticipated to be in growing demand.
Job prospects for Medical Laboratory Scientists are also excellent. Graduates of bachelors of science and certificate programs who go on to earn their license from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP-BOC) typically find employment within weeks of graduation and licensure. This has held true for many years, as demand for these jobs exceeds the supply of qualified persons. Medical Laboratory Scientists are employed by hospitals, commercial and reference labs, and medical and veterinary offices.
How have salaries changed over time for Graduate Research Associates?
Dr. Katherine Wydner Ph.D.: My direct field is science education, since I am a university professor. I would say that salaries in this field have been rising over time, but not by much, because of cost-saving measures that are in place, especially at small private colleges and universities.
Richard Witmer Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor of Government and PoliticsCreighton University
Department of Political Science
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Graduate Research Associate job market given the pandemic?
Richard Witmer Ph.D.: Students interested in preparing for life after the pandemic, and/or graduation will need to start online with internships. In-person opportunities will be harder to come by.
In addition, I expect the job market to continue to reward skilled applicants. This includes liberal arts students with evidence of research and presentation skills. Students with more advanced skills in quantitative research and statistical analysis should find the job search less daunting as well. Having the ability to show this on a resume is even more important now as new and recent grads compete for the same jobs.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Graduate Research Associates?
Richard Witmer Ph.D.: With the move to online a few key ones are adaptability, a willingness to continue to learn, teamwork, and reliability.
How have salaries changed over time for Graduate Research Associates?
Richard Witmer Ph.D.: Students with specific skills, like research and statistical methods, have been able to command a higher salary and have found it easier to find jobs.
What soft skills should all Graduate Research Associates possess?
Ronald Boucher: The development of soft skills is extremely important in the hospitality industry as a whole. Since dining out will become more expensive the customer expectation will also increase. I often remind my students that we are in the business of saying yes and that we are not in the business of saying no. A trained professional figures out how to satisfy the customer by exceeding expectations by utilizing and implementing soft skills learned at the University of New Hampshire.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Graduate Research Associate job market given the pandemic?
Ronald Boucher: Given the pandemic, the hospitality industry is in the process of re-inventing itself. This shift has been needed for a long time and the pandemic is demanding that these changes take place. Smart operators are changing how they conduct business and figuring out how to best meet not only their customer's needs but also their employees needs as well.
All of these changes will shrink the labor pool because of streamlining operational efficiencies. However, the pleasure of dining out will not go away. In fact, the industry will need educated and trained professionals to meet this new demand. In fact, the good part is that salaries and benefits to employees will increase as well. This will mean that it is going out to eat will get more expensive for the consumer but that has to be expected and accepted.
I recently informed my freshmen students that they are positioned to have many new opportunities afforded to them for personal and job growth after graduation in four years. In addition the work place environment will be a much friendlier, more respectful and more appreciative environment.
How have salaries changed over time for Graduate Research Associates?
Ronald Boucher: As previously mentioned salaries on all levels are going to increase substantially especially for those whom have obtained a college degree in the hospitality field. The industry now recognizes that we have to improve the way that it has been doing business. Regaining customer confidence will take time but it will happen. Creating a safe, friendly and courteous environment will transcend the industry. Educated professionals will take the lead on this and help to re-establish consumer confidence and customer satisfaction. Personally, as a result of the pandemic I believe that it is safer to eat out now than it has been for decades. Proper use of sanitation and safety protocols are here to stay.
Dr. Rachel Emas Ph.D.
Assistant Teaching Professor, MPA Program DirectorRutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Newark
School of Public Affairs and Administration
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Graduate Research Associates?
Dr. Rachel Emas Ph.D.: The courses or certifications that have the greatest impact on a person's public service job prospects are highly dependent on that person's career goals. Some of the courses that are helpful for nearly all public servants include topics like grant writing, administrative ethics, leadership of organizations, equity and diversity, and evidence-based decision making.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Graduate Research Associate job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Rachel Emas Ph.D.: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of good governance and effective public services. I believe that career opportunities in the public sector will grow as we better support our local and state governments. Public service careers in the nonprofit sector will also advance, as we have witnessed the significance of these organizations in supporting and uplifting people in times of crisis. Within the field of public administration, I believe that the healthcare, technology, infrastructure, and emergency management fields will be a critical focus. It is also important that public servants understand and address issues of inequity, injustice, and systemic oppression throughout all social systems and public institutions.
How have salaries changed over time for Graduate Research Associates?
Dr. Rachel Emas Ph.D.: Given the expansiveness of the field of public administration and the range of job types, I am not sure of the data on salary changes over time.
What soft skills should all Graduate Research Associates possess?
Paul Trogen Ph.D.: Soft skills will smooth human interactions. Communicating clearly and politely is nearly as important as what you have to say. Active listening skills and a desire to see things from the other person's perspective help build rapport. Honesty and keeping your word help maintain that rapport. Learning about motivation and social psychology will enable you to help others to meet their goals by working towards organizational goals. Treating others as you would like them to treat you will help you build healthy work relationships.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Graduate Research Associates?
Paul Trogen Ph.D.: The new "normal" will not be like the old normal. The virus may circulate for years (Daniela Hernandez and Drew Hinshaw, "Virus to Stay After Crisis Fades," Wall Street Journal, 1-8-2021 p. 1A). According to the census bureau, about two-thirds of civilian public sector jobs are in local government. Since local government revenues have fallen due to the closure of many small businesses, cash strapped governments may hire fewer entry-level employees this year. It may take longer to begin your career. If you must take a "lifeboat" job, pick something that will give you skills you can use in your intended career.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Graduate Research Associates?
Paul Trogen Ph.D.: Some surveys suggest that as many as half of local government jobs may be filled by business graduates. One should take courses similar to what those business students study. One of our graduate students surveyed local governments, and found the skills most in demand included accounting, human resource management, budgeting, public relations, and risk management. The ability to use spreadsheets and communicate clearly with tables and graphs helps. Quantitative skills like linear programming, PERT/CPM, inventory models, and queuing theory will make you an indispensable problem solver. Some high demand niches that are unique to the public sector include geographic information systems (GIS), city planning, and economic development. Hard skills will increase your chances of landing an interview.
Dr. John Stevens
Professor of StatisticsUtah State University
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Graduate Research Associates?
Dr. John Stevens: In statistics and data science, there are a lot of good jobs for people with BS degrees, and those who also have a MS degree have more opportunities longer-term for team leadership. For higher-level leadership (like VP-level), a lot of companies do look for the PhD degree, but in statistics and data science many students don't consider going that far because they can already get a good-paying job in industry with the BS or MS. I think those who look longest-term and seriously consider getting a PhD (even without any academic career goals) will have tremendous senior leadership opportunities down the road. That's not to say you can't develop those opportunities in other ways, and of course there's no substitute for good, hard work, in any field. For shorter-term boosts in job prospects, the hot things now are Python and R programming, but I'd emphasize the need to do more than just taste those things in a surface-level introduction. True understanding and value only come with deep experience, and deep experience requires real, dedicated time.
What's a good job out of college for Graduate Research Associates?
Dr. John Stevens: In my field, I can say that the future continues to be very bright for statistics and data science. The corporate vocabulary is still evolving, so I tell my students to search for jobs with a variety of keywords. Most employers need statisticians and data scientists, even if they don't call them that. The reason that these are good jobs is because the need is ever-growing with the ongoing data explosion, and people who can really develop deep experience (meaning they really understand core ideas and can see connections between topics) will be in high demand even as new data-generating technologies are developed.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Graduate Research Associate job market given the pandemic?
Dr. John Stevens: At the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, I saw an almost immediate drop in hiring statisticians and data scientists -- not for lack of need, but more for lack of certainty on the part of the employers. I think a lot of companies had to pause to wait and see what the pandemic would bring. While the pandemic has lasted longer than most of us first thought it would, fortunately the hiring freezes didn't last as long. By September/October 2020 I started to see job openings more frequently, and while I can't say for certain that things are back to 'normal', it looks like a lot of companies have figured out their new path forward and are back to filling needed positions. Many of these positions now include greater flexibility in location and hours, but I've also noticed that the salaries are sometimes less than they would have been a year ago. At the same time, many positions are reopening with salaries as high as before. There does seem to be more salary variability now, and I don't know how long this will last.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Graduate Research Associates?
Shelly Lesher: The coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for students entering their final years of studies as physics and engineering emphases hands-on skills. It has forced us to emphasis different skills that are of importance in today's ever-changing world. Advanced labs can emphasis modeling and simulations, while continuing to work with students on important data analysis and technical writing skills since hands-on experiments were only sporadically available over the last few semesters. Forcing classes online has also made our students more comfortable with communication software which is important since many science collaborations are national and international. Collaboration will continue to be important in physics/engineering and the pandemic has allowed us to help our students to develop additional skills to help them adapt.
UWL Physics sets itself apart by offering research experiences for students at all levels. The majority of these experiences were canceled during the summer of 2020, especially those in laboratory settings. This will continue to impact students hand-on skills and comfort in the lab for years to come.
What's a day at work look like for a Graduate Research Associate?
Shelly Lesher: I don't see this changing much. Since most of our students are involved in hands-on work, they will be required to work in a laboratory of some sort. It will probably be masked and distanced but the same as pre-pandemic. I am concerned graduates will receive less training for this reason making their positions more frustrating at first.
What technical skills for a Graduate Research Associate stand out to employers?
Shelly Lesher: Employers value our graduates for their ability to independently solve complex problems, whether in or out of the lab. This skill has not and will not change regardless of instructional mode.