Are you passionate about data, decision-making, and improving the way colleges and universities operate? Consider a career in the field of institutional research.
Institutional research professionals play an important role in analyzing data, assessing learning outcomes, and supporting strategic planning in higher education and beyond. Whether it’s supporting student success, informing strategic initiatives, or aligning resources with long-term goals, IR professionals are at the heart of informed decision-making.
What does a career in institutional research look like?
- Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends
- Supporting accreditation, compliance, and strategic planning
- Designing surveys and research studies to assess outcomes
- Creating dashboards and reports that tell meaningful stories
Who thrives in IR?
- Data enthusiasts with strong analytical skills
- Curious minds eager to ask “why” and “how”
- Collaborators who bridge gaps between data, people, processes, and goals
- Dedicated individuals who are passionate about higher education
As the demand for data-informed decision-making grows, so does the need for skilled IR professionals.
Resources to explore:
- Professional associations, such as the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) for learning, networking, and job postings (airweb.org)
- Certificate and degree programs in data science, higher education, or social sciences (e.g., graduate certificates in IR from Penn State, Indiana, Florida State)
- Skills in analytics tools like SQL, Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or SPSS
- Higher education job boards (Higher Ed Jobs, Chronicle Jobs)
Let’s spread the word about this meaningful and rewarding career path!
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