My name is Aruoj Toqeer and I am a Year 13 student studying Economics, Business and Maths. This summer I was fortunate to have the opportunity to complete a two-week research placement with Edge Foundation through STEM Learning's Research Placements and Experiences programme. During the placement, I was asked to research lower-level vocational education and training (VET) in England. Before starting the placement, this was a topic I knew very little about, so one of the biggest challenges was getting to grips with a completely new area of research. Over the two weeks, I carried out independent research, analysed data, met with members of the Edge team and produced a research report before presenting my findings.
The beginning of my placement involved a lot of background reading. I looked at existing research, policy documents and data to develop my understanding of the VET system and identify some of the main successes and challenges within it. I did struggle to find relevant resources; however, my supervisor Kat was especially supportive at this point. She was always available whenever I needed support and regularly checked in to make sure I was on the right track. She provided me with resources to help me fill gaps in my report and also provided feedback on my report throughout the two weeks that helped me improve my final report.
One of the most valuable parts of the placement was being able to experience the work of the Edge team beyond my own research project. During my time in the office, I was given the opportunity to attend meetings which gave me an insight into what working in policy research actually looks like. It was interesting to see how researchers discuss evidence, develop ideas and consider how their work can contribute to wider policy discussions. I also enjoyed getting to know the team outside of the meeting, including going out for lunch with them.
I also had the chance to interact with various members of the team and discuss their roles and career paths. Through these discussions I was also given advice about other programmes and opportunities I could apply for in the future. At the end of my placement, I presented my findings to some members of the Edge team. I was initially quite nervous about presenting to people who work in the field, but after meeting the team throughout the placement the experience became much less daunting. This placement has given me a range of skills that I will definitely use in the future. I developed my ability to research independently, analyse data, evaluate evidence and communicate my findings clearly. I also became more confident in presenting my work and asking questions when I was unsure about something.
More broadly, this placement gave me a realistic insight into policy research and an understanding of how research can contribute to discussions about education and skills. I'm very grateful to Edge Foundation and STEM Learning for giving me the opportunity to take on a project that was outside my previous experience. I also really appreciate how welcoming and friendly everyone on the team was throughout the placement. It has been a very valuable experience and I am looking forward to applying the skills and confidence I gained to future opportunities.
Written by
Aruoj Toqeer
You can read Aruoj's report below.
