Policy and Program Officers, Researchers and Consultants

What they do?

Professionals in natural and applied science, social, health, education, business development, and marketing areas conduct research, develop policies, provide advice, and implement/administer various programs related to their field of work.

Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts conduct research and develop models to provide for economic forecasting.

Recreation and sports fitness program supervisors and consultants oversee and administer programs/activities, provide consulting services, and develop policies.

Program officers in government administer and operate programs associated with institutions such as Parliament, and activities such as international relations and elections.

Social science professionals such as anthropologists, geographers, historians, political scientists, sociologists, criminologists, linguists, and archaeologists study, analyze, and conduct research in their respective fields.

Psychometricians administer and interpret psychological tests.

Where they find work?

1. Public administration - 31.0%
2. Health care and social assistance - 12.0%
3. Management scientific and technical consulting services - 9.0%
4. Educational services - 9.0%
5. Other services (except public administration) - 6.0%
6. Finance and insurance - 4.0%

What education do I need?

1. In general, you usually need a college diploma or a university degree in your field of work.

2. Depending on your chosen field, you may need a master's or doctoral degree in that field of work.

3. You may require several years' experience, specialized training or certification in your field of work.

4. To be a foreign services officer, you must take competitive examinations.

5. To be a recreation and sports program supervisor or consultant, you may need certificates in areas such as fitness/lifesaving.

6. Most recent entrants have an undergraduate university degree and almost 3 in 10 have a graduate degree.

High School Subject that will help:

1. Math
2. English
3. Business
4. Sciences

What can you expect to make:

The average hourly wages for Policy and Program Officers, Researchers and Consultants is $26.65/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the social science, education, government service and religion and are close to the average for all professional occupations. These wages grew at an above-average rate from 2002 to 2004.

Unemployment:

3% of Policy and Program Officers, Researchers and Consultants are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for professional occupations.

Current Job Outlook:

The job outlook for Policy and Program Officers, Researchers and Consultants is considered Average because:

1. Employment grew at a below-average rate.

2. The retirement rate is above average, and the number of retiring workers contributes to job openings.

3. Hourly wages ($26.65) are above the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is also above average.

4. The unemployment rate (3%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).

Future Job Prospects:

Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:

1. The employment growth rate will likely be close to the average.

2. The retirement rate will likely be above average and the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.

3. The number of job seekers will likely exceed the number of job openings.

Highest Concetration:

The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Policy and Program Officers, Researchers and Consultants are found in Ontario and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

Unionization Rate:

The unionization rate (48%) is above the average (32%) for all occupations.

Useful Experience:

1. Leadership

2. Research skills

3. Project management

Age Demographics

Age Demographics:

Self Employed

Self Employed:

Men vs Women

Men vs Women: