The job market for statistically savvy survey research specialists is expanding rapidly in developing nations and remains strong in the United States, especially for those who broaden the definition of job success to include employment at private sector research firms as well as at government agencies and academic institutions.
That was the encouraging message delivered to students at the Institute for Social Research (ISR) this month by Wendell Knox, president and CEO of Abt Associates, one of the largest for-profit government and business research and consulting firms in the world. Abt Associates has funded a student fellowship for the Michigan Program in Survey Methodology, now in its second year at ISR. Fellowship recipient Kristen Olson is working toward a doctorate in survey methodology; the program also offers master’s degrees and certificates in survey research methods.
The divide between public and academic survey research and private research firms is not necessarily as wide as many assume, Knox noted. Since it was founded in1965, Abt Associates has specialized in research on social and economic policy issues, including poverty, health care, education and criminal justice, with the majority of its work conducted for federal agencies. The firm has seven U.S. and two foreign corporate offices, with project sites around the world. “Good data is necessary to make good policy decisions,” Knox told students and faculty in the fledgling program. “But in addition to methodological rigor, the best survey research is also characterized by creativity and innovation, reflecting the practical adjustments and limitations of particular situations.”
“You’re going to find a rich opportunity to apply the skill base you’re acquiring here,” said Judie Mopsik, vice president for survey research at Abt Associates’ Washington, D.C., office.
Also visiting was Abt Associates Vice President Michael Battaglia, who holds a U-M doctorate and studied under ISR founder Leslie Kish. “Companies like Abt Associates have a growing need for people who are knowledgeable about sampling and survey statistics,” Battaglia said, pointing out that the sophistication of both corporate and government clients has been growing as the field develops.
The Michigan Program in Survey Methodology is directed by biostatistician James Lepkowski, with faculty from a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, education, statistics, political science, education and sociology. For more information about the program, e-mail [email protected] or visit http://www.isr.umich.edu/gradprogram .
