Gina ⋅ Worker-Climate Project

Researcher Details

Name
Gina

Nationality
UK

University
Leeds

Research Pathway
Sustainable Growth, Business, Work and Economic Productivity (SBE)

Thesis Project
Exploring perspectives on postgrowth-oriented working time reduction among UK trade union members

Mode of Study
Full-time

About the Placement 

Role Title

Research Intern

Mode of Placement

Full-time

Placement Location

Online

How did you find your placement?

It was advertised on the WRDTP website / by email announcement

What were your main responsibilities during your placement?

• Supporting the further establishment and expansion of the host’s Research Centre.

• Establishing the research design and methodology for the Movement Assessment (the WCP’s primary research focus at the moment, which hopes to provide a reasonably comprehensive review of articles from across the worker-climate movement to identify and compile the case studies of actions being taken for the sustainable transition).

• Producing the ‘Movement Assessment Methodology Guide’, which aims to provide guiding support for (new) researchers joining the project on how to conduct their analysis.

• Conducting secondary data collection of “grey literature” from relevant sources (e.g. unions, union-affiliated groups, worker-climate groups, NGOs, etc).

• Data management.

• Supporting data analysis.

• Supporting and leading the onboarding of new researchers to the project.

• Jointly managing research volunteers, offering check-ins, providing research support, delegating tasks, etc.

How did your placement help you to develop your current skills and knowledge?

The placement hugely helped to develop my research design and science communication skills. In designing a method that was intended for non-academic purposes, that would also be accessible for volunteer researchers joining the project, I had to think carefully about the method and how to communicate it to non-experts.
The placement helped to develop my secondary data collection, data management and data analysis skills, as I led on these.
It has also massively expanded my understanding of the worker-climate space in the UK labour movement.

How has your placement experience influenced your future career goals and aspirations?

It has made me feel confident I would like to stay in academia, but pursue a career which enables me to collaborate with organisations like the WCP moving forwards. I found the experience of conducting research for a social-movement like the WCP and producing eco-socialist organising resources highly rewarding.

What tips or advice would you give to current or future WRDTP postgraduate researchers interested in undertaking a placement?

Enjoy your placement! It’s a brilliant opportunity to practise your research skills outside of academia, and contribute to other organisations.