Job Responsibilities
I spend approximately 65% of my time on science-related work
including searching and reading the social science literature,
writing papers/reports and proposals, and in some cases data
analysis.
I spend about 10% of my time interacting with clients,
subcontractors, or other scientists.
I spend approximately 10% of my time directing the work of
others--assigning and monitoring tasks.
I spend approximately 10% of my time on business-related issues
including contracts, subcontracts, and budgets.
I spend approximately 5% of my time on solving staff problems,
(including annual reviews, personality "issues") and on working
with senior management on group and staff goals.
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Job Requirements
You need a PhD in the social sciences--with strong research and
analysis (both qualitative and quantitative) skills.
It took me 7.5 years to get from my BA to a PhD in psychology
(with a MA in between). I had 4 semesters of required grad
statistics with an additional 2 semesters of independent study
in statistics, and an independent study in qualitative data
analysis. My remaining classes ranged from bio basis of
behavior to policy analysis and evaluation. The classes were
larger than grad classes should be, but most non-stats classes
required high-level writing and synthesis skills.
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Uppers
I learn something new almost every day.
Most of the time, the job requires every skill I ever learned in grad school.
Mentoring junior staff.
Working with really smart people.
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Downers
Since we rely on "soft" money, the job uncertainty can be a
downer.
Clients can be very difficult and no matter what happens or if
someone tries to push you around-- you have to take the hard
line and be ethical in all things.
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Lifestyle
Work hours are flexible and sometimes I work more than 40 hours/week.
Business travel is great--I've been many places (including outside of the US) on
business. I'm not naturally extravagant, so I don't abuse the system.
Dress code varies--casual in the office, dressier (suits) when dealing with
clients.
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Compensation
Salary is ~$90K/year
Bonuses range from 5-7% of base salary, depending upon the year.
Pension plan is well-funded and includes med benefits.
401K is standard
Health insurance is also standard for large company (high-end
insurance is about $210/month for a family with dental about
$5/month)
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Advice to Jobseekers
Don't ever lie on your resume--when you walk in the door you'll
READ the job ad when you apply for it and make your resume meet
the requirements!!
Be a good writer, analyst, thinker, self-starter. Be asked to do
everything you say you can do.
Be flexible and do everything you can to acquire new skills.
The job outlook for social sciences is mixed right now--I think
if you have good skills, are flexible and have good
interpersonal skills, you will always find a job.
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