Expressed loftily, lol, I perform social research. In humble reality, I work for a small research company affiliated with a university and gather information about assorted [not-for-discussion] topics. It's not too mysterious, as in one sense this is like mystery shopping and auditing. People at my level gather data which is forwarded to others who deal with the data on behalf of their clients.
After I and the others at my level complete the information-gathering process, that phase of the project is closed and the full-time staff here analyze and package this information as raw data or reports, according to client specifications. (In theMS-ing world we submit preliminary information and/or reports for inclusion in the final project report to clients.)
The information I encounter varies from project to project and may be interesting, personal, over the top nosy, timely, sensitive, etc. (And don't we all have opinions about the info we deal with as shoppers and auditiors!?!)
My job is at the bottom of the organization heirarchy, and this is perfect. As long as I can self-schedule and am free to fit this job into a schedule with my shopping and other jobs, I'm happy. Each job gives me some skill or perspective which somehow contributes to me as I improve in my various roles in this large world of gathering information.
p.s. @ OP~ Some colleges and universities have research operations similar to this one. If you like to talk to people and don't mind asking some nosy questions, you might find out if any schools near you have a similar research division.
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/02/2015 04:55PM by Shop-et-al.