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 and biochemists, Physical scientists, Social and humanities scientists, Natural and social science professionals n.e.c., Research and development managers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).
Average annual employment growth over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, although employment levels remained unchanged between 2022 and 2023. At 26%, the share of non-Irish citizens employed in this occupation was above the national average. Despite a fall in the number of online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) in 2023, scientists were the fifth most frequently occurring occupation across all online job adverts.
Employment permits issued were across various roles in industry and health including bio-process associates, QC chemists, and medical scientists. The Recruitment Agency Survey highlighted issues with recruiting process/analytical scientists and microbiologists, while Skills for Growth data identified the need for skills in good manufacturing practices (GMP), quality and validation. The number of biochemistry and chemistry awards made at third level has been growing annually for several years and reached nearly 900 and 1,000 awards respectively in 2022 (up from 580 and 800 in 2018). Similarly, the number of awards made in medical or pharma/bio-pharma fields grew to 1,400 (up from 1,300 in 2018).
A high level of demand for these occupations remains evident, with shortages expected to persist, particularly in the life sciences sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas.
Useful Contacts - Political Researcher
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Oireachtas na Gaeilge
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Oireachtas Political party listing
