How to Become a Social Researcher?
Explore the steps to becoming a Social Researcher, the skills you need, career opportunities, and top colleges offering courses in social research.
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Social Researcher
“Behind every policy, every trend, and every social movement lies the work of a researcher seeking the truth.”
Imagine being the person who uncovers hidden societal trends, influences public policies, and helps organizations make informed decisions. That’s the role of a Social Researcher—someone who dives deep into human behavior, cultural shifts, and economic patterns to provide valuable insights. If you’re curious about how society functions and love analyzing data to find meaningful patterns, this career might be for you. Let’s explore how you can become a Social Researcher.
Steps to Become a Social Researcher:
Step-1
Start by earning a relevant undergraduate degree in fields such as Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Economics, or Social Work. A strong foundation in research methods and statistics is essential.
Step-2
While studying, engage in research projects, internships, or part-time assistant roles to develop practical skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Step-3
Many social research roles require a postgraduate degree. A Master’s in Sociology, Social Work, Public Policy, or Statistics can enhance your expertise. A Ph.D. is ideal for research-intensive roles in academia or think tanks.
Step-4
Master research software like SPSS, STATA, NVivo, or R for data analysis. Strong statistical knowledge and qualitative research skills will set you apart.
Step-5
Join professional associations like the Indian Sociological Society or the International Sociological Association to stay connected with industry trends.
Step-6
Start your career in government agencies, NGOs, market research firms, or academic institutions. You can also explore freelancing opportunities in research consulting.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate from a recognized institution (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.) |
| Educational Background | Minimum bachelor's degree in Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Political Science, or related fields. |
| Undergraduate Degree | BA/BSc in Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Political Science, or Statistics. |
| Postgraduate Degree | MA/MSc in Social Research, Public Policy, Sociology, or Data Analytics (Preferred). |
| Entrance Exams | CUET, JNUEE, TISSNET, UGC NET (for research and teaching roles). |
- Candidates must complete their 10+2 education with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized board to qualify for undergraduate studies in social research-related fields.
- A strong academic background in social sciences is essential for developing research skills and analytical thinking.
- An undergraduate degree in these disciplines provides foundational knowledge of social structures, research methods, and data analysis.
- A postgraduate degree enhances career opportunities, allowing specialization in advanced research methodologies and policy analysis.
- Entrance exams after 12th required for admissions to top universities and research-based roles in academia and policy institutions.
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Tasks to perform as a Social Researcher:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Social Researcher must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Quantitative and qualitative research techniques | SPSS, STATA, NVivo, R, or Python for research |
| Understanding human behavior and societal trends | Knowledge of government policies and social structures |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Analytical Thinking | Attention to Detail |
| Problem-Solving | Statistical Knowledge |
Understanding what are soft skills? and why is it important, as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of a Social Researcher.
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Job Roles Offered for a Social Researcher:
Once you qualify as a Social Researcher, you have diverse career options after 12th which course is best for future:
Social Policy Analysts work with government agencies, think tanks, and non-profits to develop and evaluate policies that address social issues such as poverty, education, healthcare, and employment. They research societal trends, assess the effectiveness of current policies, and recommend improvements based on data analysis.
Market Research Analysts focus on consumer behavior, market trends, and business strategies. They gather and analyze data to help companies make informed decisions about product development, pricing, marketing campaigns, and customer preferences.
Survey Researchers design, conduct, and analyze surveys to collect public opinions on various topics such as politics, social issues, healthcare, and education. They use statistical methods to ensure the data collected is accurate and representative of the population.
Academic Researchers work in universities, research institutes, and think tanks to conduct in-depth studies on social issues. They publish research papers, contribute to policy discussions, and sometimes teach students. Their work helps shape academic discourse and inform real-world policies.
NGO Researchers assess the effectiveness of social programs and humanitarian efforts. They collect data, conduct field research, and provide recommendations to improve the impact of NGOs working in areas such as education, healthcare, and human rights.
Data Analysts in social research use statistical tools and programming languages (like R, Python, or SPSS) to interpret social trends. They analyze large datasets to uncover patterns in areas like public health, crime rates, or economic inequality.
Not sure where you fit in?
With countless career options, choosing the right path can be tough. Analysis and guidance sessions help clarify what to study, pursue, and achieve.
Career Opportunities for a Social Researcher:
A career in Social Research is highly versatile, allowing professionals to work in multiple sectors:
| Government Agencies | International Organizations | NGOs & Think Tanks |
| Corporate Research & Consulting | Academia & Teaching |
Colleges Offering Courses in Social Researcher:
If you’re aspiring to become a Social Researcher, here is the list of colleges offering the best courses after 12th:
| Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai | Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi |
| Delhi School of Economics (DSE), Delhi University | Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Delhi |
End Note
Becoming a Social Researcher is an exciting journey filled with opportunities to impact society. Whether you aim to work in policymaking, market research, or academia, your role in analyzing social patterns will be invaluable. Want expert career guidance on building a career in Social Research? SetMyCareer is here to help! Connect with our experts to explore the best educational paths and career opportunities for you.
In this Career Outline
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