Social Research Placement Student Review

My role is very varied. It involves engaging with policy colleagues to develop research projects and understand their evidence needs, developing and carrying out smaller research projects - eg. surveys with Local Authorities, conducting Rapid Evidence Assessments etc, contract management, supporting on larger projects, and developing and presenting webinars and teach-ins on social research skills and research results.

I've learnt a lot of skills around procuring and managing research projects (finance, data protection, commercial, etc). I've learnt about the role of social research in government and how evidence is used. I've developed stakeholder engagement skills and general professional working skills. I've developed a lot of specific social research skills (quality assurance, SPSS data analysis, rapid evidence assessment methodology, evaluation approaches - contribution analysis etc.)

I was given a lot of responsibility during my placement (although I believe this level of responsibility was not common for placement students). I have lead on a range of research projects and I currently contract manage a major multi-year research project. The level of responsibility has ramped up throughout my placement as I have shown myself willing and able to take it on.

I received a good amount of support and guidance. My managers and social research colleagues have been extremely supportive and always happy to provide support and guidance if I've needed it. There is not much formal support of guidance and the 'placement scheme' doesn't come with any formal training or support, so it depends on how lucky you get with your manager really.

Defra has a wonderful culture. It's a friendly atmosphere and, at least in the team I worked in, they were really good at checking in on my workload. They are also really good at allowing you to work a bit flexibly (I worked extra hours most days and take a half day on Friday). There are good expectations around work-life balance and I've never had to stay late or take work home.

I've loved it, one of the best things I've ever done. I hope to continue working as a Defra social researcher once I have finished my degree.

Yes

Make sure you look up the behaviours, format your behaviour answers according to the STAR format and address all the key aspects of the behaviour (and drop in lots of buzzwords). If you do get in, make the most of the learning opportunities, go on courses etc. And if you find yourself bored or feeling like your work is too easy, talk to your manager and ask for more responsibility.