Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA, United States
QS #1Full need-based aid
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science · Mechanical Engineering · Economics
- Tuition
- Est. above $60,000 per year before aid
- Deadline
- Typically 1 November
All careers
Research & Academia
Researcher
Creates new knowledge through rigorous study in academia, industry or policy.
What this career is
Researchers design studies, analyse evidence and publish findings. Careers include university research, research-and-development labs, think tanks and international organisations.
What professionals do
- Read and review literature
- Design studies and collect data
- Analyse results
- Write papers and present at conferences
Outlook: Academic positions are competitive; research skills also lead to industry and policy careers.
Official occupation data
- Survey Researchers$69,460
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$103,410
- Computer and Information Research Scientists$140,300
- Social Science Research Assistants$61,990
Tasks, skills, US pay and job growth from O*NET and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Key skills
Research methods
analyticalNeeded for academic research, policy analysis and evidence-driven roles in any sector.
Start with
- · Learn qualitative and quantitative designs
- · Replicate a published study with open data
Statistics
analyticalStatistics helps you avoid misleading conclusions and is required for data, economics and research roles.
Start with
- · Cover descriptive statistics, distributions and hypothesis tests
- · Run a simple A/B test analysis
Writing & argument
communicationEssays, research reports, policy memos and scholarship applications all depend on strong writing.
Start with
- · Write a one-page memo each week
- · Enter an essay competition
Python
technicalPython is the default language for data analysis, machine learning and scripting, and a common first language for engineers.
Start with
- · Complete an introductory course with exercises
- · Automate a small task you do weekly
Public speaking
communicationInterviews, pitches, Model UN and leadership roles all reward clear spoken communication.
Start with
- · Join a debate or Model UN club
- · Present a project in under five minutes
Education paths
- 1Bachelor's with a research project or thesis
- 2Master's (often research-based)
- 3PhD for most independent research careers
Universities strong in Natural Sciences
Stanford University
Stanford, CA, United States
QS =2Full need-based aid
Computer Science · Management Science & Engineering · Economics
- Tuition
- Est. above $60,000 per year before aid
- Deadline
- Typically 1 November
Imperial College London
London, United Kingdom
QS #2Merit scholarships
Computing · Electrical & Electronic Engineering · Mathematics
- Tuition
- Est. £38,000–£50,000 per year for international students
- Deadline
- Typically late January
Typical entry-level roles
Research AssistantLab TechnicianResearch InternPhD Candidate
Build your profile
Recommended extracurriculars
- · Undergraduate research
- · Summer research programmes
- · Academic essay competitions
- · Presenting at student conferences
Recommended competitions
PrizesOnline
- Location
- Online submission
- Deadline
- Typically late June
Recommended internships & programmes
PaidIn person
- Location
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Deadline
- Typically closes in January
Scholarships & fellowships
Fully fundedIn person
- Location
- Germany
- Deadline
- Varies by programme — many close in autumn for the following academic year
Fully fundedIn person
- Location
- Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Deadline
- Typically mid-October (US citizens) or early December / January (others), depending on course
Certifications that help
Data & AI
IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
IBM (on Coursera)
Python, SQL, data analysis and machine-learning basics.
- Cost
- Coursera subscription; financial aid available
- Time
- About 4–5 months part-time
Data & AI
Machine Learning Specialization
DeepLearning.AI & Stanford (on Coursera)
Andrew Ng's modern introduction to supervised and unsupervised learning.
- Cost
- Free to audit; certificate with Coursera subscription
- Time
- About 2–3 months part-time
Languages
IELTS Academic
British Council / IDP / Cambridge
The most widely accepted English test for study abroad and scholarships.
- Cost
- Fee set by the local test centre
- Time
- Test takes under 3 hours; 4–8 weeks of prep
Languages
Goethe-Zertifikat (German)
Goethe-Institut
Internationally recognised German language certificates.
- Cost
- Fee set by the local Goethe-Institut
- Time
- Depends on level