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Job outlook for volunteer research assistants in the United States
Volunteer research assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected volunteer research assistant job growth rate is 19% from 2018-2028.
About 150,300 new jobs for volunteer research assistants are projected over the next decade.
Volunteer research assistant salaries have increased 14% for volunteer research assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 72,255 volunteer research assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 50,983 active volunteer research assistant job openings in the US.
The average volunteer research assistant salary is $52,906.
Are volunteer research assistant jobs in demand?
Volunteer research assistant job and salary trends over time
Volunteer research assistant jobs over time
Volunteer research assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 72,255 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 75,215 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 74,644 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 71,089 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 65,797 | 0.02% |
Average volunteer research assistant salary over time
Volunteer research assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $52,906 | $25.44 | +3.6% |
| 2024 | $51,078 | $24.56 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $50,143 | $24.11 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $49,455 | $23.78 | +6.5% |
| 2021 | $46,434 | $22.32 | +1.7% |
Volunteer research assistant jobs by state
Most common states for volunteer research assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,901 | 28% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 148 | 21% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 104 | 17% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 158 | 15% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 584 | 14% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 187 | 14% |
| 7 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 402 | 13% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 685 | 12% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 89 | 12% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,412 | 11% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 628 | 11% |
| 12 | Delaware | 961,939 | 104 | 11% |
| 13 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 97 | 11% |
| 14 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,927 | 10% |
| 15 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 883 | 10% |
| 16 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 819 | 10% |
| 17 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 311 | 10% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 189 | 10% |
| 19 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,122 | 9% |
| 20 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 187 | 9% |
Volunteer Research Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of volunteer research assistant experts
University of Texas at Austin
Fairfield University
James Madison University
Seattle University
Adelphi University
Adelphi University
New Mexico State University
Columbus State University
Washington University in St Louis
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Elizabethtown College
Wilkes University
University of Illinois
Saint Peter's University
Creighton University
University of New Hampshire
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Newark
University of Pittsburgh
East Tennessee State University
What general advice would you give to a Volunteer Research Assistant?
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 Volunteer Research Assistant 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 Volunteer Research Assistants 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 Volunteer Research Assistant?
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 Volunteer Research Assistant 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 Volunteer Research Assistants 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.
Alessandra Bryant PhD, LMFT
Assistant Professor, Marriage and Family Therapy Fairfield UniversityFairfield University
Human Development, Family Studies, And Related Services
What general advice would you give to a Volunteer Research Assistant?
Alessandra Bryant PhD, LMFT: -Human development is an interdisciplinary major with multiple avenues to pursue post-bachelor's degree. You really need to pursue a master's degree post bachelor's to ensure job security post-grad. Have an idea in mind of what you'd like to pursue-whether it be education or mental health.
What Volunteer Research Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alessandra Bryant PhD, LMFT: -Research proficiency-get involved in undergrad if you can. As the field progresses, we need innovative thinkers to keep advancing our knowledge.
What will help Volunteer Research Assistants increase their earning potential?
Alessandra Bryant PhD, LMFT: -Pursue a master's degree in a more specific human development related field. Do your research-look for reputable programs in areas with earning potential post-grad.
Dr. Lindsey Harvell-Bowman
Associate ProfessorJames Madison University
School of Communication Studies
What hard/technical skills are most important for Volunteer Research Assistants?
Dr. Lindsey Harvell-Bowman: Research assistants in our lab must have strong statistical skills and presentational skills. Specifically, the ability to manage SPSS.
Harriet Phinney Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorSeattle University
Department of Anthropology and Sociology
What skills stand out on Volunteer Research Assistant 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 Volunteer Research Assistants 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 Volunteer Research Assistants?
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 Volunteer Research Assistants 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 Volunteer Research Assistants 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.
Joaniko Kohchi MPhil, LCSW, IECMH-E®
Director of the Institute for ParentingAdelphi University
School Psychology and Institute for Parenting and Postgraduate Certificates in Infant, Child, & Adolescent Psychotherapy
What skills will help Volunteer Research Assistants earn the most?
Joaniko Kohchi MPhil, LCSW, IECMH-E®: Entrepreneurship, creativity, initiative, integrity, perseverance, effective listening skills, good interpersonal skills, adaptability, and flexibility.
Dr. David LoConto Ph.D.
Professor of Sociology, Interim Department HeadNew Mexico State University
Department of Sociology
What soft skills should all Volunteer Research Assistants possess?
Dr. David LoConto Ph.D.: These days in the job market, the abilities, as mentioned previously, to understand human behavior, contextualize events, and frame what is occurring. The problems that STEM students have now are designing products for humans but do not have that training. Our students are trained to understand humans at the state, institutional, organizational, group, and individual levels in sociology. This allows our students to find jobs if they desire to gain employment in STEM fields and data analytics in general.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Volunteer Research Assistants?
Dr. David LoConto Ph.D.: Increasingly, we see that the hard skills, due to technology changing so fast, become antiquated quickly. Employees must be retrained yearly or every other year. Therefore, the hard skills have lost some value. We provide our students the opportunity to learn not only statistical packages like SPSS and R, but they have the opportunity to do computational research, textual analysis, and data visualization. This provides our students the opportunity to learn skills they can apply to STEM fields, but our students have the bonus of understanding human behavior. Something that in the workforce is rarely taught.
What skills stand out on Volunteer Research Assistant resumes?
Dr. David LoConto Ph.D.: Typically, especially now, would be proficiency in statistical analyses-specifically carried out in SPSS or R. Students also can develop a survey instrument and interview schedules. They can orchestrate several methodologies, including participant observation, historical analyses, focus groups, and a host of other skills. And they can understand human behavior to contextualize events and frame what is occurring.
What skills will help Volunteer Research Assistants earn the most?
Dr. David LoConto Ph.D.: The hard skills at this point provide the most earning potential, but we are finding now that the soft skills that are learned in the social sciences, specifically here, Sociology, provide an avenue that has higher earning potential.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Volunteer Research Assistants?
Dr. Monica Frazier: I would hope that it would not be enduring. However, I do realize there may be immediate impacts. Students who did not start their research until maybe the second semester of their junior year are impacted by not getting any time to participate in hands on research experiences. Not having that experience means they miss out on an opportunity to learn laboratory skills needed for certain jobs. In addition, this also impacts student one-on-one interactions with faculty which prevents faculty from really getting to know the student in a way that will inhibit the faculty from providing the employer with a more comprehensive review of the student's ability, work ethic, etc.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Volunteer Research Assistants?
Dr. Monica Frazier: Depends on the job.
What will help Volunteer Research Assistants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Monica Frazier: Unfortunately, there are not a lot of certifications available in this area on the undergraduate side. So for those people, I would say they need to get hands-on research experience, to attend and present their research at conferences and, if possible, get a publication. Having these experiences out of college will help a student increase their earning potential.
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
How have salaries changed over time for Volunteer Research Assistants?
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 Volunteer Research Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Brady Collins Ph.D.: More remote work/teleworking.
What soft skills should all Volunteer Research Assistants 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 Volunteer Research Assistants?
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 Volunteer Research Assistant 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 Volunteer Research Assistants 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 Volunteer Research Assistants 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 Volunteer Research Assistant 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 Volunteer Research Assistants?
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 Volunteer Research Assistants?
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.
Ken Paige
ProfessorUniversity of Illinois
Department of Evolution, Ecology & Behavior
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Volunteer Research Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Ken Paige: There are looming opportunities for hiring post-pandemic in the field of conservation biology/ecology, broadly defined. The Biden administration is proposing to conserve at least 30 percent (we currently conserve about 15 percent) of lands and oceans by 2030 and a National Biodiversity Strategy which would include establishing climate corridors for species, establishing regular monitoring, reporting, research and development and adequate funding for conservation efforts and employment opportunities.
He also calls for the creation of a Civilian Climate Corps Initiative. This program would put American graduates to work conserving and restoring public lands and waters, increasing reforestation and carbon sequestration, protecting biodiversity and improving access to recreation. The order gives the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture and other relevant agencies 90 ,days to create a plan to "mobilize the next generation of conservation and resilience workers and maximize the creation of accessible training opportunities and good jobs."
The Great American Outdoors Act enacted by congress will also provide job opportunities in the field of ecology/conservation. The Act fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund, at $900 million per year, supporting up to 28,000 jobs. An additional $1.9 billion per year for five years contained in the Great American Outdoors Act would support an added 59,000 jobs in parks development and restoration of public lands nationwide.
What soft skills should all Volunteer Research Assistants possess?
Ken Paige: Leadership skills, problem-solving skills, strong work ethic, independence, good interpersonal skills, adaptability
How have salaries changed over time for Volunteer Research Assistants?
Ken Paige: Salaries have been going up over time with entry level salaries starting at $50k and ranging as high as $80K depending upon level of education.
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 Volunteer Research Assistants?
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.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Volunteer Research Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Katherine Wydner Ph.D.: COVID-19 has focused worldwide attention on the importance of public health, so jobs that relate to healthcare services and wellness will be on the rise. Even before the pandemic, employment in healthcare occupations was expected to experience greater job growth in the next decade than other occupations. There have been losses in healthcare jobs during the pandemic, but fewer losses than in jobs outside of healthcare. In the short term, many medical specialist practices and dentist offices that offer nonemergency services have taken a hit with losses of jobs and revenue.
Here are some examples of specific careers that should be in demand for the foreseeable future. Epidemiologists are public health scientists who investigate patterns and causes of disease. Mental Health Professionals include clinical and counselling psychologists and therapists. Public Health Educators are professionals who spread health information and counter misinformation. Public Health Policy Makers are people who work in government and make decisions toward healthcare goals in a community.
Jobs related to Food Services are also expected to grow faster compared to many other job sectors. These include Nutritionists and Dieticians as well as those involved in food safety and menu planning. This is part of the growing attention on wellness and preventative medicine.
Healthcare will remain an essential field. Physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and medical laboratory scientists will continue to be very important in our workforce, especially due to the aging population in the US.
How have salaries changed over time for Volunteer Research Assistants?
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 Volunteer Research Assistant 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 Volunteer Research Assistants?
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 Volunteer Research Assistants?
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 Volunteer Research Assistants 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 Volunteer Research Assistant 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 Volunteer Research Assistants?
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 Volunteer Research Assistants?
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 Volunteer Research Assistant 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 Volunteer Research Assistants?
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 technical skills for a Volunteer Research Assistant stand out to employers?
Sarah Hainer Ph.D.: So as an undergrad, working in a research lab, is helpful. Or doing computational work that is related. But that would only be for if one wants to go into biological research.
What soft skills should all Volunteer Research Assistants 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 Volunteer Research Assistants?
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 Volunteer Research Assistants?
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.