This is a topic which greatly interests me, as I’ve really reached the point where I can’t do both sponsored programs (pre- and post-award) and institutional research/effectiveness/assessment as an office of one (with not even a student worker). I’m hoping to pitch an entry level position to leadership, perhaps geared toward one of our upcoming graduates, as a way to get a person in to help. Here’s my thoughts which may or may not have relevance to the original question:

 

 

So really, nothing that was not already stated. Except to try to work to make sure a resume will pass the AI/ATS screening.

 

(And, if anyone has a job description for an entry-level RA person, with minimal/no experience, and is willing to share I’d greatly appreciate it!!!)

 

R-

 

**********************************************

Robin N Dewey, MS

Director, Office of Institutional Research and Sponsored Programs

McDaniel College

2 College Hill

Westminster, MD 21157-4390

410-386-4699

 

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From: xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org <xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org> On Behalf Of Minessa Konecky
Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2024 7:35 AM
To: xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org
Subject: Re: [RESADM-L] Re: Question on RA Industry Positions without a Bachelor

 

 

Caution: This email originated from a non-McDaniel address. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

 

Melissa's take on degrees adding entry barriers to our field is spot on. While degrees have their place, they certainly shouldn't be a strict requirement for this job. Experience is often the best teacher, and those who've been in the field know this all too well. I’m a proponent of continuous education in research administration myself, but we face a real issue with job vacancies and the misconception at leadership levels that a BA is a requirement rather than a nice to have, which excludes many potentially stellar candidates, particularly from the small business sector. Having worked closely with entrepreneurs, I can vouch for the skill overlap.

For Bianca’s friend, job descriptions may emphasize educational credentials, but seasoned hiring managers weigh real-world experience heavily, so I don't think it should cause too many issues that she lacks specific RA experience, her life and biz experience will be sufficient. With her extensive background, it’s about strategically highlighting those experiences and spinning them for the hiring manager. 

 

I love to help entrepreneurs pivot into research admin - I love the job, and it has SUCH incredible potential for security for those of us who are independent consultants and would be more than happy to discuss pathways with your friend to help her transition into this field. Feel free to reach out or connect us if you think it would help. xxxxxx@minessa.com. 




On Wed, Feb 14, 2024 at 2:41 PM Melissa Vaught <xxxxxx@uw.edu> wrote:

I recently looked at several RA job postings to get a sense of duties and required qualifications across different orgs. The vast majority called for bachelor's or higher, though one considered graduates from 2-year degree programs.

 

As Susan shared for their search, many postings include some variation of, "Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration." 

  • For Bianca's friend, as someone commented earlier, this provides the flexibility to pitch experience that aligns with RA.

 

For those who are involved in hiring/writing job descriptions, I note concerns about how such language can impact diversity and equity.

  • There's lots of data illustrating that different demographic groups approach job requirements differently (e.g., men apply for jobs when meeting fewer required qualifications).
  • Central HR folks have to know what 'equivalent education/experience' looks like for the role you're hiring into. 
  • Implicit biases may creep in to decisions about what counts as 'equivalent education/experience' (e.g., other data on biases in judging/valuing potential vs. performance. 

 

Most of us have to deal with constraints from central HR, but I think it's also worth considering the need for listing a bachelor's degree as a minimum qualification if it actually isn't.

 

Sincerely,

Melissa

 

MELISSA D. VAUGHT, PHD, PMP

(she/her/hers)

Director of Research Development

Institute of Translational Health Sciences

 

Upcoming vacation: Feb 19-26 (limited email access & unavailable for meetings)

 

850 Republican St., Box 358051, Seattle, WA 98109

206.616.3875 / xxxxxx@uw.edu / www.iths.org

 

 

 

 

 

From: xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org <xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org> on behalf of Cao, Susan <xxxxxx@oregonstate.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2024 09:47
To: xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org <xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org>
Subject: [RESADM-L] RE: Question on RA Industry Positions without a Bachelor

 

Our last search for a pre-award proposal manager did not require a university level degree, but it did show up in the preferred qualifications as:

 

“Bachelor’s degree or higher with coursework in Engineering, Science,

Mathematics, Finance, Accounting, or a related field, or equivalent

experience.”

So 10 years of running a business would certainly be more than equivalent.  I would recommend to your friend that they craft a resume with the skills that are needed for this job: excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, multi-tasking, prioritizing work to a deadline etc. to show of those skills.

 

 

Susan


Susan Cao, Proposal Manager – xxxxxx@oregonstate.edu

Oregon State University | College of Engineering Research Administration |

509-432-9386 (permanent remote location: Pullman, WA)

 

 

 

From: xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org <xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org> On Behalf Of Bianca Fajl
Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2024 9:31 AM
To: xxxxxx@lists.healthresearch.org
Subject: [RESADM-L] Question on RA Industry Positions without a Bachelor

 

You don't often get email from xxxxxx@uchicago.edu. Learn why this is important

[This email originated from outside of OSU. Use caution with links and attachments.]

Hello everyone,

I’m currently a Senior Research Admin and have a family friend who is inquiring about potential positions in the RA industry that do not require a higher ed degree. I haven’t heard much about actual Research Admin positions available without a BA or BS minimum. Has anyone heard of positions without this requirement?

The person looking is older and has a ton of experience running her own business (+10 years) but no secondary degree.

Thanks for your input everyone!

Bianca

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