In a day and age where anyone can look up anything from their phone at any time, research has become a commonplace activity. But the world is filled with seemingly infinite amounts of information. What is true, and what cannot be trusted? How can you tell? How can said information be utilized? With so much data and so many ideas surrounding us daily, thorough and objective research and analysis is critical.

There are many different potential fields to consider as a researcher. In the medical world, experiments are conducted to develop treatments and medicines that save lives. Investigation into their effects may involve animals or humans as volunteers. Animals and plants are a major part of the life or biological sciences, in which research is done regarding life cycles and how they are impacted by things such as viruses. Another type of environmental research is in agriculture, and may involve food, animals, and insects. For these jobs, you can expect to be in environments such as hospitals, government agencies, colleges, and universities.

If you are looking for a different realm of science with your research, you can consider psychology, or stay clear of science altogether through film and television programs. The former looks at the functions of the mind. Jobs in the field can be found in government, health, and educational sectors. On the other hand, film and television can cover a vast array of topics. Research is needed to put together interviews and verify facts for productions such as documentaries. For those more interested in theory, mathematics and the physical sciences involve greater theoretical concepts regarding the world and our universe. There are many opportunities for jobs in industrial, academic, and laboratorial settings.

Depending on your area of interest, try to make connections with people in that field. Talk to teachers or professors who instruct the subject. For maths and sciences, you can also tutor to gain experience and comfort in the topic. Researchers often require post-graduate education, such as a master’s degree. Be prepared for years of academic study and the possibility of part-time or full-time work to support your education.

Upon graduating, you can find work as a research assistant at many different organizations, including universities, colleges, laboratories, marketing companies, and more. By building your network early, you can meet the right people to get a research assistant job while studying as an undergraduate student. As you progress in your career, you will go from assisting with data collection and analysis to conducting your own experiments and acquiring grants for your own projects.

There are a myriad of fields that need researchers. The skill is far more than just Googling on your phone, but rather being able to collect the right data from a large set of information, synthesize it, and draw conclusions that will benefit your industry. By determining what type of research you want to pursue, you can begin meeting people and gaining experience that will help you build your career.

Resources

Durr, Julie. Types of Researcher Jobs. eHow. http://www.ehow.com/list_6725310_types-researcher-jobs.html

How to Become a Research Assistant: Career Path Guide. Academic Invest. http://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/philosophy-careers/how-to-become-a-research-assistant