Welcome!
This section of the site is for those graduating this year, and recent graduates with a couple of years of work experience who are considering applying to SQW for a position as a research consultant. This page has been written by some of our recent graduate recruits, and aims to answer some of the questions you may have about working for SQW.
An overview of our company
SQW is a leading provider of research analysis and advice on sustainable economic and social development solutions for public, private and not-for-profit organisations, with offices in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Cambridge. We work in teams which will typically be led by a Director and managed by a Senior Consultant or Consultant. Research Consultants provide a research input role on the teams.
Our work is project-based and can vary considerably in length, nature and location. For example, one project may require quarterly economic progress reports, which would consist of one consultant spending a day compiling and analysing information every three months. Another may be an in depth project evaluation which could last over three years and involve a team of ten staff plus external associates.
All our people generally work on several projects at any one time and gain a range of experience across different policy areas. Our clients range from central government departments to small local councils to partnerships of several organisations. Many of our clients are public sector organisations, although we also work for private companies and charities, both in the UK and overseas.
The role of a Research Consultant
All new graduates are recruited as Research Consultants and typically work in a number of different market areas in order to gain a breadth of experience – e.g. Innovation, Children, Young People and Families etc. Initial assignments may typically include background research, design and analysis of surveys, telephone and field interviewing, report writing and contributing to discussions and presentations in client meetings. There are opportunities to make a real contribution early on. Within a short period of time, research consultants are given responsibility for whole tasks within projects, such as survey management and literature reviews.
Current opportunities
Details on current opportunities for our Graduate Recruitment programme are available at Current Opportunities.
An introduction to some of our current graduates
Personal profiles of some recent graduates can be viewed by clicking on the names below.
Our most recent recruits have contributed a series of questions based on the things they wanted to know about SQW before joining the firm.