Masters graduate — Emily Buehler

Emily studied an MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics at The University of Manchester before landing a job as a statistician at the Bureau of Justice Statistics, United States Department of Justice

Why did you decide to pursue this course at this university?

I had double majored in anthropology and statistics with a concentration in social sciences as an undergraduate at Elon University in North Carolina. I had really enjoyed the combination of using quantitative methods to explore social phenomena and wanted a programme that would allow me to enhance and refine those skills.

I had seen that The University of Manchester had an entire department dedicated to social statistics and thought it would be a great match for my academic interests. The university has an excellent global reputation, and I knew that my degree would hold value wherever I chose to live and work later in life. I also researched cities in the UK and thought that Manchester would be a good fit for me.

What was the application process like?

I submitted an application and all supporting documentation in early spring prior to enrolment. The application did not require GRE scores, so it was a much easier and less stressful process than US Masters programmes. I was accepted soon after and began planning and organising for the course. I frequently contacted the international admissions office to ask questions about housing, visas, tuition payments, and other logistical concerns I had.

How did you fund your Masters?

I took out US federal student loans to cover the majority of my tuition. Additionally, I was the recipient of the North American Foundation for The University of Manchester Masters Scholarship. This award helped with my living expenses during my course of study.

Tell us about the course and how it was assessed.

During my one-year course, I took two semesters with four modules each semester, then the summer months were spent researching and writing up my dissertation.

The course modules covered:

• survey research methods
• probability and sampling
• advanced analytical methods such as structural equation modelling
• multilevel modelling.

One different aspect of the coursework was how few assessed projects there were - during my US undergraduate study, there were lots of assignments and projects that contributed to my final grades, but in these modules, there were often only one or two assessed projects. There were no other opportunities to raise your grade other than doing well on those projects, so it was very crucial to get them done correctly.

How did postgraduate life differ to that of an undergraduate?

As a postgraduate student, I felt there was a stronger focus on my academics and less time spent acclimatising to the coursework and way of life. I had already lived and worked on my own and was prepared for a more independent lifestyle as a postgraduate, and that is what was required to be sure I could buckle down and do all the work of the Masters in only one year.

What have you been doing since graduation, and what are your career ambitions?

After my MSc, I remained in Manchester and completed my PhD in Criminology. After a short stint as a research officer at the University of Oxford, I accepted a position as a statistician at the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), the federal agency that is the primary source for US criminal justice statistics. 

As part of my role, I manage national administrative data collections that compile

statistics about:

• sexual victimisation in adult correctional and juvenile justice facilities
• law enforcement basic training academies
• government expenditures and employment on justice system activities.

I am also managing a research and development effort that will inform BJS’s next national survey of people incarcerated in state and federal prisons.

During my time at BJS, I have written 15 statistical reports, overseen the development and launch of a data analysis tool, and presented at several conferences around the USA. It is very rewarding to work on such diverse and meaningful projects that inform the public, policymakers, and other criminal justice stakeholders. I plan to have a long career in the federal civil service.

What did you learn from your Masters that could be used in your current role?

I did a lot of independent learning and studying - because lectures were usually only once per week. It was therefore very important to be self-directed and self-motivated to learn material and complete coursework. These are habits that are crucial in my job. I need to manage my own time, set deadlines, and ensure I am being productive and accomplishing the goals that have been set at my agency. I need to be resourceful, inventive, and adaptable when managing so many different projects. These were all skills that I honed during my Masters.

What tips would you give to others choosing a Masters degree?

• Make sure the classes being taught are relevant to your future career goals and aspirations.
• Give yourself plenty of time to sort out housing, travel, or other administrative tasks before starting. These can be stressful things to manage and you want to make sure you aren’t overlapping those stressors with the actual coursework.
• Be ready to go on day one. When a Masters degree is only a year-long, there isn’t much time to find your footing. It is important to be focused, engaged, and motivated as soon as you start.

Find out more

• Take a look at the MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics.
• Read all about being a social researcher.