Ruth, Research Specialist at University of Southern California: Advize Career Interview
A career journey starting with an art history major and an MTA Arts for Transit internship led to a current role as a Research Specialist at the University of Southern California.
This path involved exploring market research, arts education, and a master's in public administration. The work focuses on managing grants, particularly one focused on equitable hiring practices for opportunity youth, and fundraising.
A typical day involves grant writing, program research, stakeholder engagement, and translating complex research into accessible formats.
Success requires curiosity, strong organizational skills, multitasking abilities, and technical skills like SQL, Tableau, and GIS. The most rewarding aspects are the intellectual stimulation, constant learning from new people, and collaborative environment.
Challenges include the lack of feedback in the grant writing process. A generalist mindset, valuing collaboration, and prioritizing personal well-being are keys to success, lessons learned through experience managing depression and anxiety.
Entry-level positions like analyst roles or interviewing positions are suggested, highlighting the importance of diverse skills and technical proficiency for high earning potential.
The interviewee's journey emphasizes the value of self-reflection, continuous learning, and building a supportive professional community.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Ruth McCormack
Research Specialist
University of Southern California
Barnard College, 2015
University of Southern California, Masters of Public Administration
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
History, Art History
Nonprofit
Sales and Client Management
LGBTQ
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Career Path of a Nonprofit Manager at Center for Social Innovation
Ruth's career path reflects a journey of exploration, starting with an art history major and an internship at MTA Arts for Transit, which sparked interest in "ways for culture to be ingrained into our society". Subsequent roles in market research, arts education, and a master's in public administration, culminated in their current position as a Research Specialist, where they manage grants and are now pursuing further advancement in management and fundraising.
Main Responsibilities of a Research Specialist at University of Southern California
Ruth's primary responsibility as a Research Specialist at USC is ensuring the success of a grant focused on equitable hiring practices for opportunity youth in Los Angeles County, "facilitat[ing] that research" from interviews to report writing and stakeholder engagement. A secondary, but crucial, focus is fundraising for her team to sustain and grow their impactful work.
A Day In The Life Of A Research Specialist At USC
A Research Specialist at the University of Southern California prioritizes planning and collaboration, spending half their day on grant writing and half on a grant-funded program researching equitable hiring practices. This includes translating complex research findings into "digestible and understandable" formats for nonprofit partners and navigating the unique requirements of different grant applications, such as using a "survey as their way of submitting the grant".
Most Important Skills for a Research Specialist at University of Southern California
A Research Specialist at the University of Southern California emphasizes "curiosity, always asking questions," as crucial for success, alongside strong organizational skills and multitasking abilities to manage competing priorities and collaborate effectively with colleagues. This requires prioritizing work "in a timely manner" while respecting others' needs for efficient collaboration.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Research Specialist At University Of Southern California
Ruth, a Research Specialist at the University of Southern California, thrives on the intellectual stimulation inherent in her role, stating that "curiosity is itched all the time." This allows her to leverage a generalist approach, connecting diverse research areas to strategically advance grant proposals and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Research Specialist At University Of Southern California
Ruth's biggest challenge as a Research Specialist at USC is the lack of feedback in the grant writing process; the lengthy wait times—"sometimes it's 10 months later"—for results hinder improvement because learning from mistakes is impossible due to the lack of communication with funding teams.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Academia Industry As A Research Specialist
Ruth, a Research Specialist at USC, thrives on the constant influx of new people in a university setting, stating that "being able to constantly learn from a new group of people is invigorating". This dynamic environment allows for continuous learning through mentorship, where Ruth finds "learning from the people" equally valuable to teaching, fostering humility and ensuring professional growth.
What Type of Person Thrives in a Research Center According to a Research Specialist at University of Southern California
Research specialists who thrive in this industry are "curious" and interested in "multiple different things," possessing a generalist mindset that allows them to consider the "bigger picture" and interdisciplinary connections, unlike specialists focused on niche areas. Success requires a willingness to explore diverse perspectives and delve into "rabbit holes" to understand how various disciplines influence a given environment.
What A Research Specialist At University Of Southern California Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Research Industry
Ruth, a Research Specialist at USC, wished someone had emphasized the importance of technical skills, specifically "certain softwares" like SQL, Tableau, and GIS, for career advancement in research. This knowledge, while not initially apparent, is crucial for effectively translating data, even for those with a qualitative focus like hers, highlighting the evolving technological demands of the field.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Research Specialists At University Of Southern California
Research specialist Ruth recommends analyst roles as highly accessible entry-level positions, emphasizing the high earning potential of those with skills in coding and software like "GIS and Tableau". Alternatively, interviewing roles offer a different entry point, but Ruth suggests diversifying skills to increase competitiveness and attain "high paying jobs".
Significant Career Lesson from a Research Specialist at University of Southern California
Ruth, a Research Specialist at USC, emphasizes the importance of "always listen[ing] to other people and...trust[ing] yourself," highlighting that career success hinges on collaboration and community building, avoiding the pitfall of "exclud[ing] other people" in one's ambition. This collaborative approach, she notes, creates allies and strengthens the overall work environment.
College Experiences That Helped a Research Specialist at USC Succeed
Ruth's unconventional approach to undergraduate studies, taking a year off to re-center and determine their career path, ultimately proved beneficial. This decision, initially perceived as a "mistake," fostered self-confidence and clarity, leading to a fulfilling career as a Research Specialist; the experience taught them the importance of prioritizing personal well-being and listening to "what's best for them."
How Identity Influenced Research Specialist's Career At University Of Southern California
Ruth, a Research Specialist battling depression and anxiety for over a decade, reveals how these conditions significantly impacted their career navigation, including leaving two jobs due to deteriorating mental health; this experience underscores the importance of workplaces offering "space, grace, and the opportunity to breathe," rather than perpetuating harmful attitudes like "suck it up, deal with it."
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