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Thanks for completing the Research Adjacent job roles quiz. As you’re here I’m guessing you’re curious about the scoring and other job roles.

How the scoring works

There is no right or wrong answer! It’s just how the quiz software works. The score is used to allocate you to one of the four categories. Obviously it is not an exact science and the quiz is meant to be for fun and inspiration. Nothing can replace getting personalised advice from a careers adviser or coach.

  • Research Services = 13 and under
  • Training and development = 14 to 19
  • Knowledge exchange, impact, policy = 20 to 25
  • Communications and Engagement = 26 and over

If you are close to a boundary you might also want to scroll down and look at the description and episode recommendations for that job category.

Research services (scores of 13 and under)

You are brilliant at organising things or thinking through complex problems. You are practical, analytical and have an eye for detail. You are probably at your best when you can get stuck into a challenging independent project.

You might thrive in some of the more ‘behind the scenes’ professional roles which are essential for making sure that research and research organisations run smoothly. Consider roles in project management, finance, publishing, legal services, or information management.

If you want to go into a specialist or regulated role like accountancy, legal services or information management you’ll probably need to do a professional qualification. But in junior roles you might find that your employer will allow (or even pay) for you to do it alongside your work.

Start building your skills now by taking on responsibility for a running a project, at work or at home. You might find some free online courses in places like LinkedIn that will help you build your knowledge. Volunteering or asking to work shadow someone can also help you to decide if this is the right path for you before you commit to a formal qualification.

Need some more inspiration? Here are some Research Adjacent podcast episodes just for you

Training and development (scores of 14 to 19)

You are a people person who loves helping others reach their full potential. You are empathetic, adaptable and have great interpersonal skills. You might also have a strong sense of purpose and want to make the world a better place – whether that’s advocating for disadvantaged groups or teaching people how to use AI.

If you are more outgoing and creative, you might make a great trainer. If you prefer to work one-to-one you could become a coach or mentor. And if you like a bit of everything with some project management thrown in you might make a great researcher developer.

You may find you need to take a specific qualification if you want to become a trainer, coach, or careers consultant. For most other research-adjacent roles training and development roles aptitude and experience is more important.

Start building your skills now by looking for opportunities to teach, tutor or mentor. Perhaps supervising junior colleagues or students, stepping up to do team presentations or volunteering for tutoring schemes like The Brilliant Club.

Need some more inspiration? Here are some Research Adjacent podcast episodes just for you

Knowledge exchange, impact, policy (scores of 20 to 25)

You are a natural connector – whether that’s connecting people or ideas. You want to get research out of journals and into the world so that it can make a real difference. You have high levels of social intelligence and are probably good at influencing others. You might also have a talent for lateral thinking – seeing opportunities or connections that others don’t.

People who thrive in these roles have often done something else quite different – perhaps coming to the research world as a mature student or after a career in industry or healthcare. It’s a great opportunity to bring all of your life experiences together, even if they don’t immediately seem relevant.

In these roles experience and aptitude matter much more than qualifications. You’ll need great interpersonal skills and a clear understanding of the different worlds you are working to connect.

Start building your skills now by learning about different workplaces. Look for placements, internships or work shadowing opportunities. Read up on topical issues and go to events or conferences to build your networks and knowledge.

Need some more inspiration? Here are some Research Adjacent podcast episodes just for you

Communications and engagement (scores of 26 and over)

You love nothing more than learning about an amazing new discovery and then telling everyone else about it. You are curious, creative, have excellent communication skills and are good at making connections between research and real-world impact.

There are a lot of different opportunities in the communications and engagement sector. You might prefer to do face-to-face work like schools’ outreach or co-creation workshops. Or you might like to be behind the scenes working as a press officer or writer.

An extra qualification like a master’s degree in science communication or journalism can help you get a foot in the door, but talent and experience are more important. You need to be willing to learn your craft – to put the hours in, practice and seek out constructive criticism.

Start now building your skills now, for example by offering to write a department newsletter or blog, starting a TikTok channel or volunteering as a STEM Ambassador.

Need some more inspiration? Here are some Research Adjacent podcast episodes just for you