Did you know that undertaking an independent piece of social science research does not only test your academic abilities? It also enables you to demonstrate some of the skills that future employers are looking for in the workplace.

In this short blog post, we identify some of the principal skills that you will likely learn and develop when embarking on a research project such as a dissertation or final year capstone project, and how these are transferable to the world of work.

Whether communicating your research through a presentation or in an extended piece of writing such as a dissertation or report, a solid structure and good expression are crucial for the audience or readers to follow what you are saying. The time spent undertaking a piece of research will undoubtedly help you to polish up on your communication skills, making you focus on only the most pertinent points. Communication is crucial for a good working environment whether that is communicating with colleagues by working in teams, dealing with customer complaints or representing your place of work by collaborating with outside agents. Being clear while remaining sensitive is central to both the completion of a research project and the development of a good working environment.

A good research project is a submitted project. Producing an extended piece of writing that draws on data that is collected and analysed will involve multiple deadlines such as the submission of an ethics application, draft chapters, and possibly a presentation. These deadlines may be informal and/or formal and all come before the deadline for the final written project. They are also deadlines that you must make alongside other university and non-university deadlines. Working to competing timelines that you need to prioritise is an essential component of work. Prioritisation and time management skills are therefore skills that you can furnish during a research project.

Selectivity of what to include (and exclude) is paramount in research. Whether it is distilling large volumes of data, summarising previous academic work on the topic you are studying or deciding what to include in your findings chapter, when undertaking a research project you will invariably learn to synthesize, if only to keep within the word count. Determining what is relevant and important is essential in the work place too. Deciding what information needs to be passed on and to whom is a tacit skill that all employees learn but are not necessarily taught.

Most research projects are empirical in nature. This means that they draw on data that is first collected and then analysed. Analysis of this type might be qualitative e.g. narrative analysis, thematic analysis, discourse analysis or quantitative e.g. the use of descriptive or inferential statistics. Such techniques are clearly skills that are learnt, some formulaic, others that are a little less procedural and restrictive. Problem solving, decision making, risk management and data interpretation are the bread and butter of many social science related jobs. Such skills can inform business strategies, marketing campaigns, and operational improvements. An analytic mind is sought after by employers.

Students undertaking a research project will always say that they need to be self-motivated. There is an expectation, more than on other taught modules, that you are self-driven, accountable, adaptable and responsible. Examples include finding time to work on your project outside of timetabled teaching activities, coming up with a researchable project idea, and searching and synthesizing academic work. Employers will be looking for energetic, creative and motivated staff to support overall organizational success. They will not expect to always mollycoddle and will value self-driven individuals.

A research project offers you an exciting opportunity to explore a topic of personal interest in much greater depth than other modules. The autonomy and flexibility to choose what to research, the methods to employ, and the approach to analysis make these projects particularly engaging. However, this freedom also requires a focused and disciplined approach to ensure successful completion. Students who excel in their research projects often treat them as if they were in the workplace, setting aside distinct periods of time to work on their research, writing detailed notes from supervisory meetings, and identifying the skills they need to develop. These practices not only enhance the research experience but also help prepare you for the professional world. In job interviews, being able to showcase the skills that you have acquired through undertaking a research project can be highly advantageous. We encourage students to talk enthusiastically about their dissertations or research projects, highlighting the valuable skills gained throughout the process. This approach not only demonstrates your expertise but also shows potential employers your dedication, discipline, and ability to manage complex tasks independently.

By Charlotte Brookfield and Jamie Lewis
Charlotte Brookfield is a senior lecturer of Social Sciences at Cardiff University. Jamie Lewis is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology in the School of Social Sciences at Cardiff University.