Navigating the World of Applied Research: Advice for Graduate Students
If you’re a graduate student passionate about turning theory into practice, there’s a path in applied research waiting for you. While many students in fields like psychology, social sciences, or public health are drawn to academic research, applied research opens doors to immediate, real-world impacts. My journey from graduate student to applied researcher has been full of learning, growth, and the occasional misstep, but it’s been immensely rewarding. If you’re interested in this career path, here are some insights and advice that might help you make the most of your graduate experience and beyond.
1. Find Your Path in Applied Research Early On
One of the most important decisions I made during my time as a graduate student was recognizing that my interests were in community psychology and applied research rather than the more traditional academic route. Applied research allows you to engage directly with communities, organizations, and policy-makers, working on projects that can immediately impact people’s lives.
I realized early on that I enjoyed program evaluation — the process of using research methods to assess the effectiveness of programs, interventions, and policies. This work has led me to a wide variety of settings, from small community organizations to larger government agencies like the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services. If you’re someone who enjoys seeing your research put into action, applied research might be a good fit for you, too.
2. Keep Building Your Skills — and Never Stop Learning
A critical lesson I learned is that in applied research, your learning continues. I don’t say this to scare you but to emphasize that the nature of applied work is always evolving. New research methods, technologies, and societal needs emerge regularly, and keeping your skills sharp is essential.
During graduate school, I focused heavily on building a strong foundation in research methods and sought out opportunities to apply those methods in real-world settings. Whether you’re conducting evaluations or working on policy changes, you’ll need to continuously develop your skills in data collection, analysis, and communication.
One piece of advice? Get comfortable with data science. While my journey began with learning the basics of program evaluation, I quickly realized that understanding data science and becoming proficient in tools like Python and R would set me apart from others in the field. It’s not about becoming a full-time data scientist, but knowing how to wrangle and analyze data will make you invaluable, especially in fields that are just beginning to leverage big data, like social services.
3. Connect the Dots Between What You Learn
In graduate school, you’ll encounter an overwhelming number of concepts, theories, and methodologies. One strategy that worked for me was trying to make everything “hang together” conceptually. Instead of chasing exciting but unrelated topics, I focused on how each course, paper, or project could build on one another. This approach not only helped me manage the workload but also allowed me to develop a cohesive understanding of the field.
For example, I strategically aligned my courses and projects around applied research and program evaluation. This focus paid off when it came time to meet my graduation requirements — I could tie together everything I had learned, making the process smoother and more meaningful.
4. Build Your Network and Maintain Relationships
Networking is a buzzword in graduate school, and it’s for good reason. Applied research is, in many ways, a relationship-driven field. Whether you’re working with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or private firms, your ability to form and maintain professional relationships will often determine the success of your career.
During my time in graduate school, I was fortunate to make connections with people in the community and public health sectors, which led to future projects. But the key isn’t just making the connections; it’s maintaining them. You never know when a relationship you cultivated years ago might bring new opportunities. For instance, a few years after attending a conference, I received a call from someone I met there. They had a project that aligned perfectly with my skills and interests, and it was only because I had maintained that connection that I was offered the opportunity.
5. Be Open to Multidisciplinary Collaboration
One of the unique aspects of applied research is its interdisciplinary nature. Unlike academia, where specialization is often encouraged, applied research thrives on collaboration across fields. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with medical doctors, public health professionals, social workers, and even data scientists. The ability to communicate and collaborate with experts from other fields has been invaluable.
For example, the methods I use to evaluate a public health intervention can be applied to projects in completely different sectors, such as education or environmental policy. This ability to transfer skills and knowledge across disciplines not only makes the work more interesting but also broadens the range of opportunities available.
6. Consider Different Career Paths in Applied Research
Only some applied research careers require starting your consulting firm as I did. While I enjoy the flexibility and variety of work that comes with running a small business, I understand it’s not for everyone. There are many paths you can take, from joining a consulting firm to working in government or nonprofit organizations.
Suppose you’re risk-averse or unsure about entrepreneurship. In that case, you might look into research associate positions at organizations like the American Institute for Research, Aptive, the RAND Corporation, or Booz Allen Hamilton. These roles allow you to work on significant applied research projects without taking on the administrative and financial responsibilities of running your own business.
7. Balancing Work and Life in Applied Research
Work-life balance is always a hot topic, especially for those of us working in high-stakes fields like public health or program evaluation. While the nature of consulting means I’m often juggling multiple projects, I’ve learned how to structure my time in a way that aligns with my family’s needs. A lot of my work is remote, which allows me to stay flexible with my schedule. I generally work during traditional hours, but I have the freedom to adjust that when necessary. The key is to find what balance looks like for you and to make sure your career path allows for that.
8. Final Thoughts for Aspiring Applied Researchers
Graduate school is a critical time to shape your future in applied research. Take every opportunity to get hands-on experience, whether it’s through internships, community partnerships, or research assistantships. The skills you build now — especially in research methods and data analysis — will serve you well in the future. More importantly, don’t be afraid to take risks. The field of applied research is broad, and there are countless ways to make an impact.
If there’s one takeaway from my journey, it’s this: Stay curious, keep learning, and maintain those professional relationships. You never know where your next opportunity might come from.
