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Working in Research

As a student at the University of York, you are likely to develop a range of research skills, whatever your degree subject and level of study. 

These skills are valuable in many different contexts - from an academic career, to science and technology, policy making, media, arts and heritage, and more. For you, there may be an obvious direct link to some career paths, such as scientific research, social research or economics; or you may find these skills can be used in other types of work. Have a look at the sections below to consider where your research skills could take you, and find out about York graduates and others applying research skills in a variety of careers. 

For further information about general professional skills, see the York Strengths Professional Skills page.

There may be an obvious career path for you or research may take you in a direction you hadn't expected. Watch From scientific researcher to police officer (6 mins).

Working in research - May 2025 panel discussing options in and outside of academia - notes from the panel discussion

Academia / Education

Find out more about an academic career at:

Science

Scientific research skills can be applied in a variety of settings, in industry, government or charity funded research centres, as well as academia. Find out more about science research careers at:

Technology

Research skills, combined with practical technical skills, problem solving and analytical skills are needed in a range of technology careers, some of which may require a postgraduate qualification. Find out more at:

Finance and consultancy

Find out how research can play a part in finance and consultancy careers at:

Data / statistics

Researching, analysing and interpreting data is vital to ensure efficiency and effective business and policy decisions. You can find out about possible careers in this area at:

Arts and heritage

If you've studied in arts and humanities, you are likely to have developed research skills and the ability to evaluate and communicate information, needed for careers involving research in the arts and heritage sector. Find out more at:

Policy

Research is essential to inform policy making. Find out more at:

Media

For information and ideas about research careers in media, or using research skills gained from your media-related degree, please see:

What next?

We hope this page has helped you to see the range of careers open to you, where you can use and develop your research skills. Here are some things to consider as you think about your next steps:

  • What type of research skills do you have/are you developing? 
  • Are there any you need to develop?
  • How do you want to use those skills? What type of things do you want to research? Which sectors interest you the most?
  • What do you want the outcome/purpose of your research to be?
  • Do you want it to be the main focus of your work or part of a wider job role?

Watch Careers Consultant, Janice Simpson, help you think through your next steps.

For more information about professional skills and how to develop them, see the York Strengths Professional Skills page.

Connect with York graduates

Join York for Life to connect with our global network of alumni. Start building your own network - find people from your course, look at different careers, ask questions and request a mentor.

Use LinkedIn to make connections, follow organisations of interest, and find out what York graduates are doing. Find out more about LinkedIn on our Networking page (how to build your network).

Talk to us

If you would like to discuss your thoughts and plans with a careers consultant, please book an appointment.