“What can I do with a research degree?” is a question that many students ask. It’s a valid question and one that we hear often from students and professionals looking to make a change. The truth is, research degrees can lead to a variety of careers in many fields.
Knowing what research careers exist, what they have to do and how much they earn can help you determine which career path is right for you. In this article, we will discuss all the things we mentioned above and more. So, keep reading!
What Does a Researcher Do?
Not sure what a researcher does? Let us break it down for you. A researcher is responsible for studying a particular topic in depth, in order to gather as much information as possible. They then use this data to develop new theories or hypotheses, which they can test and prove or disprove.
In order to do this, researchers often work in close collaboration with other scientists, as well as experts in other fields. They also need to be able to communicate complex information in a clear and concise way, so that it can be used by others in the field.
If this sounds like something you would be interested in, keep reading.
What Skills Do You Need to Be a Researcher?
You might be wondering what skills you need to be a researcher. And that’s a great question! Here are a few skills that will come in handy:
- Research skills: Obviously, this one is a given. But it’s important to be able to not only find information but to also know how to evaluate sources and determine if they’re reliable.
- Writing skills: A lot of research is writing—whether it’s writing proposals, papers, or grants. So being a good writer is essential.
- Critical thinking skills: This is probably the most important skill for a researcher. You need to be able to take information and data and critically evaluate it, looking at all sides of an issue.
What Are the Benefits of Working in Research?
There are many benefits of working in research, both for the employee and the company. Here are five reasons why you should consider a career in research:
- You’ll have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and solve complex problems.
- You’ll have the chance to make a real impact on the world.
- You’ll have access to some of the best resources and equipment in the world.
- You’ll be able to learn new things and develop new skills all the time.
- It pays well too.
Who Hires Researchers?
Not just universities hire researchers, but also private companies, non-profit organisations, and government agencies. In fact, research is an important part of any business or organisation.
Think about it: every company needs new ideas and new ways of doing things in order to stay competitive. That’s where researchers come in. They help find new solutions to old problems and come up with creative ideas that can help a business grow.
So if you’re thinking about a career in research, don’t worry—you have a lot of options. There are plenty of opportunities for you to use your skills and knowledge in the real world.
Top Industries that are hiring researchers
When it comes to research, there are a few key industries that come to mind. These are the industries that are always hiring researchers and are always in need of fresh talents, such as:
- Business
- Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Laboratory science
- Medical science
- Social science and communications
- Technology
Top Companies that Hire Researchers
You will find hundreds of companies that have openings in their R&D department, we will list down the top companies that hire researchers.
- Alphabet Inc
- Huawei
- Microsoft
- Roche Holding
- Johnson & Johnson
- Volkswagen Group
Research Career you can Pursue
Researcher professionals can find work in several fields, here are some careers in the research field for you to consider:
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
| Market Researcher | $55,825 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator | $68,413 |
| Research Analyst | $63,585 |
| Archaeologist | $64,160 |
| Food Technologies | $70,825 |
| Historian | $84,486 |
| Mathematician | $93,173 |
| R&D Engineer | $94,363 |
| Research Scientist | $107,217 |
| Actuary | $113,308 |
| Data Scientist | $120,122 |
Conclusion
When it comes to a research career, the benefits are clear. From the ability to make a real difference in the world to the satisfaction of intellectual curiosity, there are many reasons to consider a career in research.
Of course, a research career is not for everyone. It takes a certain kind of person to be successful in this field. But if you have the skills and the passion, a research career can be immensely rewarding.
