Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Political Researcher- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Working Life
Political researchers track down and put together information to help and support politicians. For example, they may help a Member of the Dáil (TD) to prepare for a debate in the Dáil or deal with a complicated issue in their constituency. As well as finding information, researchers write reports, draft speeches and articles, and deal with the media. Many researchers also have general administrative and secretarial duties, depending on the wishes of their employer.
Researchers work in the offices of the main political parties, TDs' private offices, or economic, political and social policy research institutions.
They work very closely with their employer, listening carefully and asking the right questions to find out the information they need to find. To carry out their research, they read newspapers and official publications, visit libraries to look up information, and work with pressure groups and special interest groups.
They must keep up to date with government legislation policies and inform clients of changes that will impact their business. They also may write a politician's speeches for the media, track down and gather information the politician needs to debate a particular issue.
Early in their careers, political researchers may do more routine administrative tasks than political research.
The tasks performed by a political researcher will vary depending upon the employer. However, typical tasks performed on a daily basis include:
- Keeping up to date with political sources released by government agencies, including press releases and reports
- Finding out about new sources which may be relevant to the employer, including press releases from particular interest groups and other organisations
- Researching past sources of information to see if they may still be relevant or applicable to current cases
- Performing detailed research on a wide range of subjects
- Keeping up to date with the media every day
- Working on case studies and individual projects
- Researching issues personally affecting members of an MP’s constituency
- Answering queries and questions from members of the constituency and the general public
- Following up on these queries to make sure issues have been fully resolved
- Liaising with individuals from other companies or political offices in order to discuss research issues
- Researching public opinion through techniques including questionnaires, surveys, and interviews
- Writing detailed reports which focus upon the findings of research
- Answering telephone calls and dealing with general media enquiries
- Dealing with general correspondence via e-mail
- Deciding which issues should be passed on to the employer and which should be discarded as irrelevant
- Sending out the post and dealing with incoming post
- Paying bills and managing general expenses
- Attending regular meetings with the employer in order to keep them fully updated about political issues
- Writing speeches for a TD or employer
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
- Teach political science.
- Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
- Identify issues for research and analysis.
- Interpret and analyse policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organisations.
- Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
- Collect, analyse, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
- Provide media commentary or criticism related to public policy and political issues and events.
- Evaluate programmes and policies, and make related recommendations to institutions and organisations.
- Forecast political, economic, and social trends.
Qualities - Political Researcher
You should be passionate about politics and current affairs. You must be enthusiastic and energetic, and willing to take on a heavy workload, especially at election time. You'll need very good organisation skills, to organise and prioritise tasks, and to arrange meetings and prepare agendas.
You must have a methodical, logical and analytical approach to research. Political researchers need the skills to find and assimilate information, and to present it clearly and concisely to the people who need it.
You must have very strong communication skills, including the ability to write reports, speeches and articles. Word processing and IT skills are necessary.
Political researchers need good interpersonal skills, as they may liaise with a variety of people (including politicians, special interest groups and other research assistants).
This job demands a high level of commitment and perseverance.
Interests - Political Researcher
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Entry / Progression - Political Researcher
Most political researchers are graduates, unless they have considerable relevant experience, in social research, news/political journalism, or a record of involvement with a political party. It may be an advantage if courses involve; information research, analysis and concise presentation.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: social research, politics, journalism, data analytics.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: social research, politics, journalism, data analytics.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: social research, politics, journalism, data analytics.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: politics, social policy, research, data analytics.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Springboard ICT Conversion: data analytics NFQ level 7-9.
Pay & Salary - Political Researcher
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €38k - €77k
Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.
Data Source(s):
Oireachtas/ PAS/ Gov.ie/ Morgan McKinley/ CPL/ Indeed
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Political Researcher
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Chemical scientists; Biological scientists; Biochemists; Physical scientists; Social and humanities scientists; Natural and social science professionals n.e.c.; Conservation professionals; Environment professionals; Research and development managers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The annual employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, with employment increasing by almost 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Almost a third of employment was in industry with the remainder spread across many sectors. The number of new employment permits issued grew from 164 to 506 between 2021 and 2022, with two fifths of permits issued for roles in the manufacturing of chemicals/pharma sub-sector for scientists and analysts (e.g. quality control, chemists); other roles include medical scientists/technologists, microbiologists, process development and R&D scientists.
In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates; in Summer 2023, the Government announced plans to expand the number of training places for medical scientists by 20 places. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions for analytical and process scientists. Online job adverts for this occupation grew slightly in 2022, almost all related to posts for R&D managers.
This was the most frequently occurring occupation in online job adverts in 2022. With employment levels increasing and demand still evident, shortages are expected to persist for this occupation, particularly in the chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas. The recent decline in the value of pharmaceutical exports in Ireland is unlikely to have a significant impact on the demand for skills as, in addition to being in strong demand in the pharma & biopharma processing industry, they are much sought after elsewhere in both the life sciences sector (e.g. medical devices) and other manufacturing (e.g. food & beverage); in addition, Government focus (and investment) on research and innovation will also sustain the already strong demand for these skills. Shortages of analytical, process and medical scientists are likely to continue.
Useful Contacts - Political Researcher
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Oireachtas na Gaeilge
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Oireachtas Political party listing
