Day in the life of a ... Research Assistant

As a Research Assistant working in the Policy Research Centre at the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), I work on a wide variety of research on behalf of clients in many sectors. I joined the Communities, Work and Income team in December 2023, where I contribute to projects from start to finish, gaining knowledge on a range of topics and experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative research methods. Policy areas covered by our team include employment, environment, transport, and welfare. 

Within the team, we have expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods and conduct primarily mixed-method studies, both fast-paced and longitudinal. Projects I have worked on include a qualitative study for Acas about the characteristics and drivers of disability discrimination claims and upcoming reports for the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Transport. 

Since joining NatCen, I have built my skillset and gained a range of experiences through internal training courses, I have benefited from opportunities to lead the recruitment of participants and data management, conducting in-depth interviews, analysing data, and contributing to reports. 

So, what activities do I do? 

Due to the variation of topics and time scales of the projects, my daily activities depend on the progress of each study. My week usually involves meeting with various project teams to discuss updates, managing data, tracking recruitment progress, conducting interviews with project participants, and synthesising or reporting on the data we collect. As a Research Assistant, I am exposed to each element of a research study, learning the necessary skills and processes to be confident in researching across studies.

No two days are the same in this role; my day may involve interviewing people on sensitive topics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or disability discrimination, or reading up on the workings of technical topics, such as the tax obligations of Social Media Content Creators or Volumetric Concrete Mixers. Quickly becoming a specialist in niche or unexpected areas is something I really enjoy in this role. 

Who I work with on a day-to-day basis

As I am on approximately four different studies at any given time, I work with many members of the team and other researchers across the organisation, from collaborating and organising with fellow Research Assistants and Researchers to giving suggestions and receiving feedback from Senior Researchers and Research Directors. 

Although some days are very sociable, particularly our weekly ‘team day’ where everyone is in the office, some days are less so, and I am able to work on my tasks from home. Whilst I have at least one meeting most days, there is a good balance of collaboration and completing tasks alone. My hybrid working schedule is very flexible, so I can easily adapt my working hours depending on the needs of the tasks and the people I am working with, as well as my own preference. 

What do I think you should consider when entering the research industry? 

The processes and outputs in the research industry vastly differ from academic processes and writing. Coming to NatCen after my Master’s degree took some adjustment, as the collaborative nature of each project is vastly different to a dissertation. Being open to developing a new writing style and learning new research processes through direction, feedback, and trial and error is important. 

If your role involves conducting in-depth interviews, you should also consider the emotional impact these may have on you. I have conducted many interviews about sensitive topics at NatCen, and some have been very difficult. Both NatCen and the team are incredibly supportive and encourage you to look after your mental health and wellbeing, with designated ‘Wellbeing Champions’ ensuring this is the case, but this is also important for you to be aware of before entering the research industry. Some days may be difficult in this role, so considering your mental health throughout is very important.

*NatCen provides a variety of staff development and promotion opportunities. Since writing this blog, we are pleased to announce that Yasmin was promoted from Research Assistant to Researcher within a year of joining the organisation.