As well as filling a gap in my skillset, the MSc Social Research Methods with Demography at Southampton enabled me to focus my career plans and hone my ability to communicate with confidence.
I started applying for jobs but I realised I didn’t have the quantitative skills to back me up, so I decided to do a master’s to get both my qualitative and quantitative skills polished up. I was lucky to get a scholarship to fund my studies at Southampton, because the University is a partner of the Population Investigation Committee Masters Studentship Scheme in Population Studies.
Clarifying career options
The master’s gave me a good snapshot of all the stages of social research, from design and data collection through to analysis and presentation. It really helped me focus on what I found most interesting. When I started applying for jobs again I had a much clearer idea of what I wanted to do.
Early in the course I went to a careers fair that was specifically for students who were interested in the public and social policy sectors. At that stage I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to go down the civil service route or work for a charity. Being able to speak to employees helped me understand the options much more.
The master’s has been the most valuable thing that I’ve done for myself in terms of personal development.
Emily, MSc Social Research Methods
My personal academic tutor was also very helpful. I went to her for support in figuring out what job opportunities would work for me and how to best communicate my skills and suitability.
We also did a module on research communication skills and I’ve put what I learned into practice in job interviews this year.
Personal and professional development
I’m very excited to be starting a new job as a research officer at the Office for National Statistics in their social surveys team. We used their data all the time on the master’s course so I feel extremely lucky to be joining them. One day future demography students might work with data that I’ve had a hand in producing – that would be amazing!
The master’s has been the most valuable thing that I’ve done for myself in terms of personal development. I’ve built up an arsenal of skills, both quantitative and qualitative, that will help me in the world of work.
My confidence has skyrocketed, not just through academic validation, but because the course trains you up to communicate your ideas, which is just so valuable.
