Employers who take on a trainee are expected to facilitate the structured training and development and provide a mentor for the trainee for the duration of the Traineeship Program.

Placement in a research company

During the trainee's placement with a market or social research company, the successful candidate will become familiar with a variety of techniques used in the collection and analysis of research data and develop their proficiency in the use and interpretation of research data. Depending on the organisation they join, trainees may gain insight into a broader range of research planning, research management, and consultancy disciplines.

Ideally, the successful candidate will be able to follow a project from its inception or briefing by the client to the final report to the client. Naturally, the confidentiality of the client will always be respected.

Specifically, trainees will be exposed to all the stages of the research process. Briefly these are:

• obtaining agreement with the commissioning client on the purpose of the research
• translating the research purpose into specific research objectives
• designing the research study. This involves both the selection of research approach (e.g. secondary or primary research; qualitative or quantitative research) and the specification of aspects of the study such as survey type, questionnaire and sampling plan
• participating in the field research
• analysing the data and preparing the report

More specifically, the subject areas the successful candidate are likely to cover during the course of their Traineeship Program are as follows :

• the role of research in decision-making
• sources of existing information
• writing a proposal
• the functions of qualitative, quantitative and experimental research
• defining the research problem and selecting a research design
• calculating time and cost estimates
• sample selection
• questionnaire construction
• testing and pilot questionnaires
• fieldwork, including writing field instructions, briefing interviewers and conducting field interviews
• depth interviews and group discussions, including viewing or conducting groups, analysis of transcripts and the use/discussion of various techniques
• coding and data entry
• setting up an analysis plan
• an overview of analytical computer techniques
• handling computer output
• analysis of data and report writing
• presentation techniques and skills

The above areas will be covered to the extent possible and practical, depending upon the assignments being undertaken by the sponsor at the time of the successful candidate's employment.

Placement in a research department ‘client side'

Client side employers/commissioners of research are encouraged to participate and a placement in the research department of an experienced ‘research buyer' will provide the trainee with insight into all key aspects of research. While a client side placement may differ in the coverage of all aspects in the above list, it will provide an extremely valuable in-house training experience. Client side placement also provides opportunities to attend AMSRS courses and have contact with the research agencies that the client uses to fulfill its research needs.

Contacts and what next

In 2011 the AMSRS Graduate Traineeship Program will only run in Victoria. Click Here to download the application form.

For further information about the program Click Here.

To apply for the Traineeship, please send your completed Application Form, together with a current copy of your curriculum vitae and your academic results to:

AMSRS Graduate Traineeship
Level 1, 3 Queen Street, Glebe NSW 2037

Please note the application close date on the form. Applications will not be accepted after this date. Candidates may only apply for Traineeship in their State of residence and they must be Australian Citizens.   

Enquiries should be directed to the Society on 1300 364 832 or via email to amsrs@amsrs.com.au.