Student Social Researcher Review

I support on lots of work within my team and across the Department. I help manage a large consumer survey, and engage heavily in the development of questions, fieldwork and reviewing reports. I also work on the publication of past research. The other main component of my job is supporting monitoring and evaluation across the organisation. Otherwise, I get involved in lots of 'volunteer' projects, and learning and development.

I developed my technical social research knowledge heavily, with a much more in-depth understanding of social research in the real world, like ethics, logistics and resources. Also had lots of short and long-term development opportunities to explore across my placement, which allowed me to really familiarise myself with government social research. I've worked on general skills like presentations, information management, work organisation and communication.

I was supposed to lead on a research project but since it is an election year, there was nothing in the pipeline. I was given responsibility in lots of other areas like in monitoring and evaluation, where I led on two areas, and in exploring alternative/creative data analysis methods with the consumer survey. I also have led in the publication of multiple research projects.

A lot. Some stuff you do just have to power through and learn yourself, there is lots of situational-based knowledge that comes from experience in the civil service, but generally people are kind and willing to help.

This really varies where you are in the civil service. I was lucky and got a very supportive and kind team, with a good, flexible culture around working. They encouraged taking care of yourself while you work, taking breaks and looking after your mental health.

I really enjoyed it! It was overwhelming, and at times it can be tough. It does take a lot of resilience and initiative, and confidence, to get yourself through. You have to kind to yourself as you will make mistakes. But my team is kind and lovely, and I met some really nice fellow placement students through the department. The culture is very open, and I really enjoyed the work.

Yes

Don't stress too much about the numerical testing. I do think you need to find a love for social research methodology both during the application period and in the placement, as that is ultimately the only thing you will be working on relevant to your degree (I did Sociology). The interview process is intended to be fair and more considerate than other places, so don't stress too much. Really make sure you know the technicals though, as they want to see you demonstrate your knowledge.