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Social scientist skills for your resume and career
Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Quoted experts
Sara Tedrick Parikh Ph.D.,
Sara Tedrick Parikh Ph.D.
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical social scientist skills. We ranked the top skills for social scientists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 26.0% of social scientist resumes contained statistical analysis as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a social scientist needs to be successful in the workplace.
15 social scientist skills for your resume and career
1. Statistical Analysis
Here's how social scientists use statistical analysis:
- Conducted statistical analysis at varying levels of complexity that is used for NATO and ISAF forces.
- Performed quality checks and statistical analysis on assay generated data, to evaluate the activities of tobacco condensate and other chemicals.
2. Data Collection
Data collection means to analyze and collect all the necessary information. It helps in carrying out research and in storing important and necessary information. The most important goal of data collection is to gather the information that is rich and accurate for statistical analysis.
Here's how social scientists use data collection:
- Design data collection and analysis protocols; furnish actionable recommendations to answer commander s Priority Information Requirements.
- Directed qualitative and quantitative survey design, data collection, network analysis and product development.
4. Data Analysis
Here's how social scientists use data analysis:
- Provide qualitative and quantitative data analysis focusing on commercial sentiments and trends.
- Developed study design, methodology and conduct all phases of research implementation, and data analysis.
5. Communicate Research Findings
Here's how social scientists use communicate research findings:
- Worked with PRT constituents and team to develop the most effective products and presentations to communicate research findings and recommendations.
6. Quantitative Data
Here's how social scientists use quantitative data:
- Analyzed this qualitative and quantitative data and provided reports and briefings to relevant counterparts.
- Collect qualitative and quantitative data along with secondary research to support research design.
7. DOD
Definition of Done (DoD) is a set of deliverables that are needed to devise software. These deliverables are valuable to the system and can be exemplified by writing code, coding comments, unit testing, integration testing, design documents, release notes, and so on.
Here's how social scientists use dod:
- Updated CIDNE and other DOD databases, structured research designs to fit into current knowledge management structures.
- Possess Secret Security Clearances for DOD and contractor employment.
8. Visualization
Here's how social scientists use visualization:
- Developed optical system/technique for optical visualization and otherwise characterizing traveling ring vortex and related fluid phenomena in air.
- Design and development of quasi-real-time data acquisition and visualization applications for scientific research.
9. Research Projects
Here's how social scientists use research projects:
- Conducted community-based research projects consisting of interviews with key leadership in rural Kandahar, Afghanistan.
- Developed relationships with local and international partners to plan and implement research projects.
10. Research Efforts
Here's how social scientists use research efforts:
- Determined socio-cultural research efforts from defining research objectives and research instruments to implementing key findings of the socio-cultural research.
11. Human Terrain
Here's how social scientists use human terrain:
- Developed the overarching human terrain research plan that integrated the military decision-making process.
- Write reports, briefs, and working papers that outline importance of human terrain considerations and findings from research.
12. HTS
Here's how social scientists use hts:
- Represented HTS at national and international conferences.
- Designed, planned, and conducted workshops, seminars, briefs, and training curriculum for U.S. Military and HTS personnel.
13. In-Depth Interviews
Here's how social scientists use in-depth interviews:
- Synthesize ethnographic information collected through village assessments, key leader engagements, and in-depth interviews.
- Developed research protocols and guidance for in-depth interviews and focus groups.
14. Afghan
Here's how social scientists use afghan:
- Access to Afghan society through establishment of relationships with various civil society organizations.
- Initiate effective surveys of Afghan population by developing questions and analyzing data.
15. Infrastructure
Infrastructure includes the organizational and physical structures needed to run an area or a society smoothly. It is a group of basic facilities required for any society or firm to run sustainably and efficiently. The infrastructural system is a high investing area and helps majorly in flourishing the economy and prosperity of a country. It is an underlying system needed for ensuring the safety and comfort of the public and to run a country smoothly. All the tasks needed to be performed for a flourishing economy and a happy and healthy public are included in infrastructure.
Here's how social scientists use infrastructure:
- Advised on providing grants to businesses and infrastructure.
What skills help Social Scientists find jobs?
Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.
What skills stand out on social scientist resumes?
Sara Tedrick Parikh Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Faculty, Psychology and Counseling, Caldwell University
-Part of what sets Social Scientists apart is our ability to take in, process, analyze, apply, and act on new information. Highlight ways that you have used these skills in class, especially any service-learning experiences or in internships and jobs.
-Social Scientists are trained to understand, predict, and interact with other people, and every business in the world involves interacting with people!
-Many social scientists have work experience as babysitters, camp counselors, tutors, or resident assistants. These jobs use many communication, empathy, and management skills that could be relevant to jobs such as case managers or group home assistants. To really capitalize on these widely applicable experiences, tailor your resume for each job you apply for. Identify key skills by carefully analyzing the job ad and looking up descriptions of similar positions, then think carefully about how your paid and unpaid experiences have prepared you for the position.
-Remember that your resume is used to get you the interview, where you can talk in more detail about skills and experiences relevant to the job. Do not feel pressured to fit everything relevant into the resume, but have someone else read the resume and job ad side-by-side to see if you have clearly made your case.
-Social Scientists are trained to understand, predict, and interact with other people, and every business in the world involves interacting with people!
-Many social scientists have work experience as babysitters, camp counselors, tutors, or resident assistants. These jobs use many communication, empathy, and management skills that could be relevant to jobs such as case managers or group home assistants. To really capitalize on these widely applicable experiences, tailor your resume for each job you apply for. Identify key skills by carefully analyzing the job ad and looking up descriptions of similar positions, then think carefully about how your paid and unpaid experiences have prepared you for the position.
-Remember that your resume is used to get you the interview, where you can talk in more detail about skills and experiences relevant to the job. Do not feel pressured to fit everything relevant into the resume, but have someone else read the resume and job ad side-by-side to see if you have clearly made your case.
What soft skills should all social scientists possess?
Sara Tedrick Parikh Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Faculty, Psychology and Counseling, Caldwell University
-I am convinced that listening and interpersonal skills get people very far in the work world. Much of business disputes come down to listening, perspective-taking, and clear communication. Communicating is an interactive practice that involves noticing when the other person understands or does not understand the point you are trying to make.
-My personal backup plan if the whole "I have a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology" thing doesn't work out for me is to go for a realtor's license. I live in a competitive housing market (northern New Jersey), and it took us several years of looking to buy a house. In that time, we interacted with many agents who glossed over what we told them. It made such a difference when we found someone who really listened to us and communicated clearly! I recommend her every chance I get, and it really showed me how listening and communication are essential for any environment. I know that, with this skill set, I can be successful in a variety of fields.
-My personal backup plan if the whole "I have a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology" thing doesn't work out for me is to go for a realtor's license. I live in a competitive housing market (northern New Jersey), and it took us several years of looking to buy a house. In that time, we interacted with many agents who glossed over what we told them. It made such a difference when we found someone who really listened to us and communicated clearly! I recommend her every chance I get, and it really showed me how listening and communication are essential for any environment. I know that, with this skill set, I can be successful in a variety of fields.
What hard/technical skills are most important for social scientists?
Sara Tedrick Parikh Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Faculty, Psychology and Counseling, Caldwell University
-Companies are often looking for entry-level employees to bring knowledge of technology. Most organizations expect a strong working knowledge of Microsoft suites (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and appreciate familiarity with graphic design, web design and editing, video, and podcast editing, and social media presence.
-Research and assessment are so essential to Social Scientists that it's easy for me to forget it's not universal. We understand how to break down and analyze a problem in ways that most other fields do not. Even being able to thoughtfully build and interpret internal employee surveys may be highly prized by your employer, especially if you work outside of a typical Social Science field. Being able to work with Institutional Review Boards, select empirically validated scales, and do descriptive and interpretive data analysis might make you the local rock star or even open up job opportunities in high-paying industries.
-Research and assessment are so essential to Social Scientists that it's easy for me to forget it's not universal. We understand how to break down and analyze a problem in ways that most other fields do not. Even being able to thoughtfully build and interpret internal employee surveys may be highly prized by your employer, especially if you work outside of a typical Social Science field. Being able to work with Institutional Review Boards, select empirically validated scales, and do descriptive and interpretive data analysis might make you the local rock star or even open up job opportunities in high-paying industries.
What social scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lisa Cuchara Ph.D.
Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Quinnipiac University
The first and foremost would be Critical Thinking. We live in a world where facts can be easily acquired, sometimes even by asking Siri/Alexa/ChatGPT/Google/etc. But critical thinking is timeless and priceless. I can ask anyone on the street what xyz is and they can look it up, but can they provide advice or interpret.
Also being a good steward towards science and being willing and able to communicate not just with peers as we are trained, but also with the public, the politicians, the board members. John Holdren*, stated that Scientists should be tithing at least 10 percent of their time to public service ... including activism. In the ever growing science denialism that is happening in our country being able to communicate science with the public is important. As Peter Hotaz states, "Anti-science propaganda is "killing Americans in unprecedented numbers,""
*Holdren is an American scientist who served as the senior advisor to President Barack Obama on science and technology issues through his roles as assistant to the president for science and technology, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and a Research Professor in Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government
Also being a good steward towards science and being willing and able to communicate not just with peers as we are trained, but also with the public, the politicians, the board members. John Holdren*, stated that Scientists should be tithing at least 10 percent of their time to public service ... including activism. In the ever growing science denialism that is happening in our country being able to communicate science with the public is important. As Peter Hotaz states, "Anti-science propaganda is "killing Americans in unprecedented numbers,""
*Holdren is an American scientist who served as the senior advisor to President Barack Obama on science and technology issues through his roles as assistant to the president for science and technology, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and a Research Professor in Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government
Do you want to know more?
Read more about what experts have to say about social scientistList of social scientist skills to add to your resume
The most important skills for a social scientist resume and required skills for a social scientist to have include:
- Statistical Analysis
- Data Collection
- Social Science Research
- Data Analysis
- Communicate Research Findings
- Quantitative Data
- DOD
- Visualization
- Research Projects
- Research Efforts
- Human Terrain
- HTS
- In-Depth Interviews
- Afghan
- Infrastructure
- Research Plans
- PRT
- Evaluation Studies
- PowerPoint
- Public Health
- Military Operations
- Conduct Research
- USAID
- Leadership
Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025
3. Social Science Research