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Job outlook for research associates, policy in the United States
Are research associate, policy jobs in demand?
Research associate, policy job and salary trends over time
Research associate, policy jobs over time
Research associate, policy job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 287 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 272 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 267 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 251 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 235 | 0.00% |
Average research associate, policy salary over time
Research associate, policy salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $69,079 | $33.21 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $66,959 | $32.19 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $66,255 | $31.85 | --0.2% |
| 2022 | $66,371 | $31.91 | +1.1% |
| 2021 | $65,668 | $31.57 | +0.7% |
Research associate, policy jobs by state
Most common states for research associates, policy
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 274 | 39% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 101 | 16% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,057 | 15% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 156 | 15% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 582 | 14% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 182 | 14% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 124 | 13% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 666 | 12% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 222 | 12% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,360 | 11% |
| 11 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 953 | 11% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 938 | 11% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 609 | 11% |
| 14 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 100 | 11% |
| 15 | California | 39,536,653 | 4,067 | 10% |
| 16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 296 | 10% |
| 17 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 58 | 10% |
| 18 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 528 | 9% |
| 19 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 120 | 9% |
| 20 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 95 | 9% |
Most common cities for research associates, policy
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newark | 1 | 3% | $91,840 |
| 2 | Little Rock | 1 | 1% | $65,632 |
| 3 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $63,432 |
| 4 | Montgomery | 1 | 0% | $56,093 |
Research Associate, Policy job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of research associate, policy experts
College of New Jersey, The
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of Maryland - College Park
SUNY at Albany
Kent State University
North Dakota State University
University of Rhode Island
Oregon State University
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Middlebury College
Lafayette College
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Furman University
Pepperdine University
Chrissy Daeschner OTD, MS, OTR/L
Capstone CoordinatorWhat general advice would you give to a Research Associate, Policy?
Chrissy Daeschner OTD, MS, OTR/L: By saying "Yes". Most companies have standard salaries or small scale for adjusting salary. Per Diem jobs, research interventionist, additional weekend on call, adjunct jobs, and other opportunities gives you the ability to increase salary and opportunities.
What Research Associate, Policy skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Chrissy Daeschner OTD, MS, OTR/L: Research skills will be extremely important as the use of evidence-based research in practice and value-based services are imperative. Leadership and entrepreneurship skills will also be important as we promote programming and services in community-based settings.
What will help Research Associates, Policy increase their earning potential?
Chrissy Daeschner OTD, MS, OTR/L: I would suggest they keep an open mind and don't be fearful of the unknown, embrace it. I think there is a lot of stress of a getting a certain job or style of job, but taking different opportunities increases your connections and experiences.
What Research Associate, Policy skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Piper Williams PhD: I would advise a graduate to reflect on what they've learned about the contributions, experiences, history and present reality of people of African descent in the New World. In addition, thinking about the skills they developed related to the major in African American Studies, including but not limited to: Research and Analysis, Writing, Public Speaking, Project Development and Completion, Ethical Reasoning, Listening, Teamwork and Collaboration, Perspective-Taking, Awareness of Context and what they call 'Cultural Competence. Use this education, to make the case that in addition to all the skills you can bring, the education offered by AAS will allow you to distinguish yourself as a candidate who can meet the needs the current moment demands. Black Americans encounter implicit racism in all walks of life: medicine and healthcare, law, politics and gov't, business and industry, performing arts and entertainment, sports, education, news media and social, community and humanitarian services. With this degree, you can enter almost any field and be more equitable to everyone you meet. (And by the way, in the list above, there are a number of people with a degree in African American Studies.)
What will help Research Associates, Policy increase their earning potential?
Dr. Naomi Bick: While the public sector is not known for overall high salaries, new grads can maximize their potential salaries and benefits by thoroughly researching positions before applying and looking for publicly available data. Additionally, gaining additional training, certifications, and ultimately a Master's Degree can help grads advance to higher paid positions in the field.
What general advice would you give to a Research Associate, Policy?
Maria Ivanova: My general advice for graduates beginning their careers in Public Policy is to connect research to practice continuously. Engage deeply with your passion and remain adaptable. Building strong relationships with mentors and colleagues is critical. Collaboration across disciplines and contexts can lead to innovative ideas and responses to real-world problems. Remember to follow your intuition—you often know the right thing to do. Once you leave a policy program, you will not only produce policy but also use and follow it. Lastly, you likely entered this field because you are committed to making a positive impact on society, keep this drive alive.
What Research Associate, Policy skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Maria Ivanova: In the next 3-5 years, skills related to data analytics and technology will become increasingly important. The ability to analyze large datasets, use machine learning algorithms, and develop data-driven policy recommendations will be highly valued. Sustainability and environmental policy expertise will grow in importance as global challenges related to climate change and resource management intensify. Other critical skills, including effective communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement, will also continue to be essential. Responding to real problems through engagement in the classroom will prepare graduates to tackle emerging challenges.
What will help Research Associates, Policy increase their earning potential?
Maria Ivanova: To maximize salary potential when starting a career in Public Policy, graduates should seek out internships and co-op opportunities that provide practical experience. Connecting with colleagues is crucial—attending industry conferences, joining professional associations, and connecting with alumni can open doors to various new positions. Pursuing advanced certifications or degrees in specialized areas of public policy can also increase earning potential. Demonstrating a strong track record of successful projects and quantifiable impacts in previous roles can make a candidate more attractive to employers.
What general advice would you give to a Research Associate, Policy?
Jaclyn Piatak PhD: Soft skills like professionalism, teamwork, and communication will continue to be vital on the job. However, recent graduates will have an edge with the latest data and technology skills from utilizing AI to streamline tasks to performing data analytics.
What will help Research Associates, Policy increase their earning potential?
Jaclyn Piatak PhD: Our Masters in Public Administration students frequently start full-time careers before graduation. Nonprofit organizations and government agencies across levels of government – federal, state, and local need trained professionals and have entry-level vacancies. Show initiative. Definitely accept guidance, ask questions, and seek mentorship, but also be sure to do your own research on projects, organization, and your department, policy, or issue area.
What general advice would you give to a Research Associate, Policy?
John Ronquillo Ph.D., MPA: Build a strong, foundational knowledge base. Working in public policy requires continuous learning and adaptability, so committing to thoroughly understanding the history, theories, processes, stakeholders, and current debates generally, and in your substantive areas of policy interest can be a tremendous benefit. Develop excellent research, analysis, and writing abilities. The ability to objectively gather data from reliable sources, derive insights, and communicate them clearly and persuasively are critical skills to build. Cultivate strong communication and people skills. One does not act alone in this line of work, and thus collaborating with diverse groups, public speaking, negotiation, and consensus-building are essential components of the policy process. Find a mentor or two who can be good sounding boards and advisors as you confront challenges in your work, and be open to receiving feedback from them and those with whom you interact with. Utilize their advice in the best ways while developing your own expertise and decision-making skills. Be perpetually curious. Stay up-to-date on current policy issues and debates. Read authoritative sources and cultivate a network that helps you continuously remain informed and engaged. By focusing on building expertise, honing relevant skills, getting tactile experience, maintaining engagement and awareness, and leveraging communication abilities, new public policy graduates can position themselves for long-term success and impact.
What Research Associate, Policy skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Ronquillo Ph.D., MPA: Data analytics and visualization. As data continues to play a bigger role in policymaking, the ability to collect, analyze, and visualize complex datasets will be vital. Skills in statistical analysis, programming, and tools like R, Stata, Python, Tableau among many others are and will continue to be highly valued. Digital literacy and technology. Many policy issues will intersect with emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, and others that are likely outpacing our ability to keep up. Having a grasp of these technologies and their implications will allow for more informed policymaking. Cross-disciplinary thinking. Policy issues are rarely, if ever, confined to one domain. An interdisciplinary mindset that can synthesize knowledge from fields like economics, public health, sociology, law, ethics, and more will be a major asset. Stakeholder engagement and collaboration. Policymaking is becoming more open, participatory, and inclusive of diverse stakeholders. Skills in facilitation, negotiation, public consultation, and building coalitions continue to grow in importance. Adaptability and learning agility. The policy landscape is rapidly changing. Those who work in this field will need the ability to constantly upskill, take on new roles, and pivot strategies in response to emerging challenges and priorities. While strong fundamentals in areas like research, communication, and subject matter expertise will still matter greatly, these new skills will likely differentiate top policy professionals over the next few years as the field evolves in response to data, technology, and engagement trends.
What will help Research Associates, Policy increase their earning potential?
John Ronquillo Ph.D., MPA: Consider getting an advanced degree. Having a master's degree in public policy, public administration, or a related field can significantly increase your earning potential upon completion. These degrees are typically designed to enhance skills and demonstrate specialized expertise. Try to gain relevant preparatory experience through internships. Internship experience, especially at government agencies or think tanks, can make you a more competitive candidate and may allow you to negotiate a higher starting salary. Develop specialized skills. Skills in areas like data analysis, GIS mapping, program evaluation, or language proficiency can differentiate you in an applicant pool and potentially lead to higher compensation. Negotiate strategically. Research salary data, highlight your qualifications, discuss the long-term value you bring, and don't be afraid to counter low initial offers. Keep learning whenever possible. Earning professional credentials, in either formal credit-bearing programs or more informal trainings offered through job settings or professional networks can validate your expertise and possibly boost your earning power. The key is leveraging education, skills development, strategic job targeting, and confident negotiation to maximize your policy career earning potential from day one. Building a strong portfolio early can potentially pay dividends.
What general advice would you give to a Research Associate, Policy?
Jennifer Dodge: Two skills stand out as critical for public managers and nonprofit professionals, first, being able to manage information well. We are in an information society where we are overwhelmed at times, and public/nonprofit professional need to know how to filter and judge what is relevant and important information, as well produce information that is credible and useable, and that can serve as the basis for making good decisions, including information from the public. Second, many issues are becoming highly politicized, and public professional will need to be able to understand and operate in politically charged contexts. These two skills are interrelated! It is even more important to be a wise consumer of information when issues become politicized.
What Research Associate, Policy skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jennifer Dodge: When you’re entering the field of public administration and policy, it’s really important to build your professional networks, continue to build your skills by taking on assignments whenever possible that challenge you to grow and develop, and remember your values. In our program, we teach students so called “hard” skills such as public financial management, statistics and information literacy, as well as “soft” skills like working in teams and upholding key public values such as democracy, accountability, transparency and integrity. When entering the workforce, it’s important to remember these key values and practice them from the start. Strong professional networks can help navigate challenging situations while upholding strong public values.
What will help Research Associates, Policy increase their earning potential?
Jennifer Dodge: It is important to negotiate a good salary at every opportunity (at the time or hire, during promotions, when taking on additional work), while keeping in mind that working in the public sector is not only about money but also about creating public value and serving the public. With this in mind, it can be helpful to talk through a negotiation strategy with a trusted mentor to help with this process. Research shows that men tend to negotiate more than women when it comes to salary, so it’s good to know that this is a normal part of the process. You can also negotiate working conditions that are important to you, especially if there are limited resources in your organization for salary increases, such as work from home opportunities to help with childcare.
What general advice would you give to a Research Associate, Policy?
Emily White: A combination of both specialized skills and soft skills will be most sought by employers. Examples of specialized or technical skills include analytical skills, policy development, economics, research analysis, data analysis and project management. Soft skills that would be imperative for any policy job are excellent verbal and written communication skills, leadership skills, and interpersonal skills. After you have completed your degree, find ways to continue building your technical and soft skills to stay current with what is needed in your work.
What Research Associate, Policy skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Emily White: When searching for a career in public policy, public affairs or public policy analysis, networking is so important, particularly with alumni from your university. They are the ones who want to mentor you and have been in your shoes. Making those alumni connections via LinkedIn, conferences or informational interviews can often lead to an internship or even a full-time job. It’s all about networking! It can be helpful to narrow your interest based on your skills and strengths, whether it’s government relations, nonprofit management, federal government, or policy analysis. Employers are looking for job seekers who can tell a good story about what they are interested in and why.
What general advice would you give to a Research Associate, Policy?
Daniel Hawes Ph.D.: There are several good reasons to consider pursuing a career in public administration at this time: - Demand for public service: The demand for public administrators is growing, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic and significant growth has been seen at all levels of government (federal, state, and local). Furthermore, the nonprofit sector – for which a public administration degree is well-suited – is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the United States. - Growing complexity of societal issues: One reason for the growth in the demand for public administrators is that as society becomes increasingly complex, government and nonprofit organizations need greater capacity to deal with growing societal challenges such as climate change, public health, and urban development. Thus, there is a strong demand for skilled professionals who can develop and manage programs addressing these issues. - Career stability and growth: Public administration jobs tend to offer more stability and better benefits compared to the private sector. There is also potential for career growth into leadership positions, especially for those with an MPA.
What Research Associate, Policy skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Daniel Hawes Ph.D.: Public administrators manage and implement public programs and policies within government and nonprofits organizations (and even in some private-sector organizations that work on public projects). Public administrators’ daily tasks can vary widely depending on their role and the size of their organization but generally, their tasks include planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and coordinating resources to provide public goods. For someone with an undergraduate degree entering the field, daily tasks might include supporting policy analysis, assisting in the management of community projects, and conducting research related to program delivery. Alternatively, a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) is specifically designed for upper management roles in public and nonprofit organizations. Those in these positions focus more on strategic planning, decision-making processes, and leading teams to implement policies or projects effectively. An MPA equips them with advanced leadership, decision-making, planning, and policy analysis skills to make organizations more effective in serving the public interest.
What will help Research Associates, Policy increase their earning potential?
Daniel Hawes Ph.D.: Likes: - Impact on society: Many are drawn to public administration because of the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's lives. As we say, public service is for people who care to matter. Public service careers are particularly compelling to those who feel called to help others and aim to make an impact on our world – either locally, nationally, or internationally. - Diversity of roles: The field offers a variety of roles across many sectors and provides numerous career paths and opportunities to work on a range of policy areas from environmental, education, criminal justice, public health to social service provision. Dislikes: - Bureaucracy, red tape, and administrative burden: Working within government agencies can sometimes involve navigating complex bureaucracies and red tape, which can be frustrating (even though many of these rules are in place to increase transparency and accountability). - Political environment: Since many public administration roles are tied to governmental or political settings, recent shifts in political climates have made some policies highly political. Administrators generally aim to address public problems through professional competence in implementing policy. The politicization and polarization of public policy can hinder this. - Resource constraints: Especially in public sectors, there might be significant constraints on resources, which can be challenging when trying to implement programs or initiatives effectively. Overall, a career in public administration is rewarding and dynamic, with significant opportunities for those who are committed to public service and community development.
What general advice would you give to a Research Associate, Policy?
Christina Weber PhD: There are a number of skills that will be important. Soft skills such as creativity, adaptability, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and persuasion. In addition, there is a growing need for folks who have high cultural competence, especially with understanding the experiences of diverse groups. Finally, there is a need for folks to have skills in social science research—understanding how to develop research projects, conduct surveys, focus groups, as well as experience with programs such as GIS, SPSS, and r-studio.
What general advice would you give to a Research Associate, Policy?
Daniel Carrigg Ph.D.: Public sector jobs tend to have public salaries. They may or may not be negotiable, and this may depend on union contract or law. Being a member of an honors society such as Pi Sigma Alpha or Pi Alpha Alpha can help for undergraduates. As can having a high GPA – higher than 3.0. These might get you a start at the GS-7 level instead of the GS-5 pay level in the Federal government. A masters' degree like an MPA can help go higher than that starting out, perhaps at the GS-9 level. Very often they will simply start you at the lowest step in that grade, adjusted for your locality. The salaries are all listed publicly online. Private sector jobs often have more room to negotiate salary. But as I said, most of these positions want 2-3 years experience minimum working with various government entities, and that kind of experience may be easier to obtain working directly for government in an entry-level job.
What Research Associate, Policy skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Daniel Carrigg Ph.D.: Increasingly some basic statistical analysis, modeling projections, and basic programming skills can be useful. Some advanced experience with MS Excel, some experience with a statistical package such as R Studio or STATA and some basic experience with Python can go a long way, and I suspect this will only become more important as more and more data becomes available.
What will help Research Associates, Policy increase their earning potential?
Daniel Carrigg Ph.D.: Getting your foot in the door can be the hardest part. Some good advice is to think very specifically about what you want to do. Do you want to work for Federal, state, or local government? Which department? Which agency in that department? Which office in that agency? Who runs that office now? Who works there? Where is it physically located? What are they currently working on? See if they hold public meetings or conferences you can attend to meet people. Often they will. An internship can help you meet people too. For private sector policy analyst jobs, often they want experience, so doing at least some time in government can help get there. Finally, if it's a Federal job, know that a Federal resume is completely different than a standard resume. It has a lot more info on it and it may be several pages long. You must list salaries. You must not stretch the truth even a little. USAjobs.gov has a wizard to help you build a Federal resume. It does not come out formatted pretty, however. You may format it better yourself, just make sure it includes all of the information from the wizard. They want to know more than most employers, including state and local governments.
What general advice would you give to a Research Associate, Policy?
Brent Steel: In the coming years, data analysis and quantitative skills will become increasingly important in public policy analysis. Proficiency in data analytics, statistical software like R and Python, and big data analysis will be highly valued. Digital literacy, including an understanding of digital tools, social media, and online platforms for policy advocacy and communication, will also be essential. Interdisciplinary knowledge, integrating insights from economics, sociology, environmental science, and other fields, will enhance the ability to address complex policy issues. Adaptive and strategic thinking will be crucial for navigating and responding to rapid changes in the political, economic, and social landscape, as well as for anticipating future policy challenges and opportunities.
What Research Associate, Policy skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brent Steel: Beginning a career in public policy analysis requires strategic networking and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals. Attending industry conferences, workshops, and events can help build a robust professional network. Continuous learning is essential; staying updated on current events, policy changes, and emerging trends, as well as pursuing additional certifications or advanced degrees (e.g., Master of Public Policy), will enhance your knowledge and skills. Gaining practical experience through internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level positions is crucial for applying theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Additionally, developing soft skills such as communication, negotiation, and presentation, as well as the ability to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders, will be invaluable.
What will help Research Associates, Policy increase their earning potential?
Brent Steel: To maximize salary potential when starting a career in public policy analysis, obtaining advanced degrees and relevant certifications is beneficial. Specializing in high-demand areas such as health policy, environmental policy, or data analytics can also enhance earning potential. Researching and targeting regions or sectors known for higher salary ranges, such as private consulting firms, international organizations, or government agencies, and being open to relocation can provide better compensation and growth opportunities. Effective negotiation is key; preparing thoroughly by researching industry standards and average salaries, and demonstrating the value you bring to the organization, can lead to better salary outcomes. Engaging in continuous professional development, seeking leadership, and project management opportunities will further build a strong track record and resume, positioning you for a financially rewarding career.
What general advice would you give to a Research Associate, Policy?
John Lyden: Research skills (ability to find and interpret information), oral and written communication skills (ability to present information clearly), data analysis and interpretation, language interpretation and translation. Computer facility will be highly valued. Employers will include those in higher education, government, non-profits, research institutes, and museums.
What Research Associate, Policy skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
John Lyden: You should realize that your degree can lead to many careers, and that you can even change your career direction easily. Your degree has given you important skills in communication, critical thinking, analysis, and problem solving. Employers will see that you are good at adapting to new tasks and learning new skills that go well beyond the content you have studied.
What general advice would you give to a Research Associate, Policy?
Jeffrey Knopf: Some of the most important skills are traditional skills. Good communication skills are still number one. The ability to write well and communicate clearly will always help you. Qualitative research skills also remain important. The ability to learn from history or understand other cultures will always be valuable. Beyond this, I am seeing increasing demand for a variety of hard practical skills, such as data analytics or imagery analysis. Finally, in a world where the problems of misinformation and disinformation keep getting worse, critical thinking skills and the ability to discern what is true and what is fake will only increase in importance.
What general advice would you give to a Research Associate, Policy?
Brett Hendrickson PhD, MDiv (he/him): Remember that employers in many sectors want and need people with the skill set that Religious Studies teaches you. With a Religious Studies major, you have high levels of cultural competence and cultural empathy. Your critical thinking skills are matched by your ability to communicate your ideas in both oral and written formats. When it comes to problem-solving, you are highly skilled in studying and understanding the historical, political, and ethical contexts that guide people's decision making. You are an expert researcher, able to read and digest large amounts of text in a short amount of time.
What Research Associate, Policy skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brett Hendrickson PhD, MDiv (he/him): Religious Studies majors who wish to maximize their salary potential should be bold in articulating the digital research tools that they learned as part of their education. Religious Studies graduates know how to use and assess historical and cultural data from multiple online data sources. They should also emphasize their excellent interpersonal skills and that they are well-versed in interacting with diverse people on highly sensitive topics.
What general advice would you give to a Research Associate, Policy?
James Harrold PhD: I think folks starting in their careers need to be aware of and confident in the skills they have gained as a result of their education and other experiences. If you are a wiz at cost-benefit analysis, be prepared to demonstrate, for example. Degrees might open a door for recruiting, but then the interview part starts. I like to tell students that keeping a portfolio of their most important or impactful projects helps. If you did a capstone project that evaluated rural housing programs, be prepared to provide details.
What general advice would you give to a Research Associate, Policy?
Lori Bruce MA, MBE, HEC-C: Multidisciplinary partnership is critical, since bioethicists can be “gatekeepers;” their policies may influence which members of the public receive certain health services, and which do not receive them. Knowledge, applied cautiously! It’s important to have a nuanced understanding of many bioethics principles and theories, and apply them with caution, so that the most relevant values are influencing your work.
What Research Associate, Policy skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lori Bruce MA, MBE, HEC-C: If you only have a Bachelor’s degree in bioethics, your best bet is probably to get a position within research ethics. These positions are in academic institutions or private industry, and you can move up in management. You could work in Human Research Subject Protection, or for an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees. All these positions mean you would review research studies and suggest modifications to ensure they are in line with federal standards. This is important work to safeguard trust in medicine!
What will help Research Associates, Policy increase their earning potential?
Lori Bruce MA, MBE, HEC-C: Multidisciplinary partnership is critical, since bioethicists can be “gatekeepers;” their policies may influence which members of the public receive certain health services, and which do not receive them.
Knowledge, applied cautiously! It’s important to have a nuanced understanding of many bioethics principles and theories, and apply them with caution, so that the most relevant values are influencing your work.
Richardson Dilworth
What general advice would you give to a Research Associate, Policy?
Richardson Dilworth: You should have already started your career, through internships, relevant coursework, informational interviews, conferences, everything … You need to distinguish yourself as having unique knowledge and experience in whatever field you’re pursuing. I personally think any form of thesis is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate unique area knowledge relevant to whatever career you want to pursue.
What Research Associate, Policy skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Richardson Dilworth: There are so many sources these days for learning about the salaries in various professions. So, you need to research the existing data you can find on salaries. Since we’re talking about public policy jobs, governments are typically quite transparent about salaries and salary ranges. Many states have laws on the books that require companies to disclose various aspects about salaries, though if a company declines to follow those laws they obviously won’t help you (but that does tell you something about your potential employer). And don’t be afraid to negotiate and ask for a higher salary if you’re offered a job. Any company that would balk at negotiating may well not be a company you want to work for. They may so no to a salary increase but it shouldn’t hurt to ask.
What will help Research Associates, Policy increase their earning potential?
Richardson Dilworth: Data analysis, but even more importantly research design – intelligently constructing the systems for data analysis – and the intelligent interpretation of data analyses. Also, in a world of big data, smart data collection is also crucial. And writing – good writing, which is also a reflection of clear thinking, is a critical element in the age of AI-generated writing (which reflects no thinking at all).
What general advice would you give to a Research Associate, Policy?
Dr. Claire Gilliland PhD: The skills we prioritize in sociology (generating research questions, thinking critically, examining social systems, analyzing multiple types of data) are all skills that are well-suited to multiple different careers, but it may require some translation to match the priorities of a particular field.
What will help Research Associates, Policy increase their earning potential?
Dr. Claire Gilliland PhD: my general advice is for students to be thoughtful and strategic about how they sell the skills they've gained in sociology to potential employers. The skills we prioritize in sociology (generating research questions, thinking critically, examining social systems, analyzing multiple types of data) are all skills that are well-suited to multiple different careers, but it may require some translation to match the priorities of a particular field. For example, students would describe a class paper where they searched for and read about empirical research as a "literature review," a term that mostly applies to academic work. However, the skills required for a literature review are gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information from a range of sources, which is a skill many employers would want in a future employee.
What will help Research Associates, Policy increase their earning potential?
Anna Penner: Methodological skills are important. Knowing how to construct a good survey or conduct an interview to get rich data is critical. But I think just as important as being able to analyze qualitative or statistical data, is finding ways to communicate results in clear and compelling ways so that stakeholders know what action to take is equally important. Some of the gaps we are seeing between science and the general public today could be ameliorated by someone explaining findings in concise and applicable ways that show why we should care about this information. You could be the bridge from expertise to the general public.