Name: Roz Davies
Job Title: Research Consultant
Location: London
Degree: MSc Urban Development Planning
University: University College London
I joined SQW’s London office as a Research Consultant in October 2007 after completing an MSc in Urban Development Planning and a degree in Geography at UCL. Part of my studies involved carrying out research overseas in Africa and India. I organised an expedition to Ethiopia to research urban agriculture during my undergrad, and carried out research in India during my MSc to evaluate a development project that housed people living on the streets on Mumbai. Prior to my MSc I had spent a year working in community and economic regeneration for a Local Authority.
I applied to work for SQW because I wanted to work in social and economic development and SQW is a leading consultancy in this field. So what is it like working for SQW? Well, a Research Consultant’s work is varied. Since joining the company I have been able to work a large number of different projects for national, regional and local government clients. These have ranged from working on the national evaluation of a community development programme called Neighbourhood Management, to researching the environmental market in emerging economies including Brazil, India and Turkey.
As a Research Consultant you will have the opportunity to work on all stages of a project, for example supporting the submission of proposals, carrying out desk research and telephone interviews and contributing to the writing up of reports for the client. Project work is great as it means you get a broad range of experience and never get bored, because you can be working on four or five projects at a time – and if one isn’t interesting you know that there will be others round the corner that will be.
The company supports your development, encouraging you to develop at your own pace. The graduate scheme normally takes two years but if you show you are prepared to work hard you will be given more responsibilities. The scheme is good for someone entering the world of consulting because it enables you to get experience in a broad range of projects. You have opportunity to specialise as you progress through your career.
There are opportunities to get to know other graduates in the offices round the country as each office takes it in turn to host all of the graduates, putting them up in hotel for the night, taking them out for a meal and organising other activities that prove to be good fun.
The office is friendly. We have regular team lunches and gatherings with other offices in addition to the graduate events. There is a lot of cross office working on projects, and there are opportunities to work outside of the office.