Learn about public opinion polling and gain valuable resume experience!
Working at the Siena College Research Institute (SCRI) provides Siena students with unique opportunities to develop their skills and gain real-world experience to help build their resume. As the leading public opinion research center in New York State, SCRI offers students the chance to actively engage in important political, economic, and social discussions by collecting feedback from New Yorkers.
SCRI’s research is frequently highlighted across local, regional, and national media, including radio, TV, print and online platforms. Our data has also been referenced in books, academic journals, and various publications.
How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming a student interviewer, please fill out an application here. If you have never worked on campus before, you will need to provide a photo ID (such as a driver’s license, school ID with photograph, or passport) and proof of eligibility to work in the United States (such as a birth certificate or social security card). A valid passport can serve as both forms of ID and is preferred.
Starting wages at $15.00/hour.
We offer shifts from Monday to Thursday, 3:00pm – 9:00pm and on Sunday 2:00pm – 8:00pm.
Does SCRI Close When Classes End?
SCRI operates year-round. We particularly need callers during the summer months, when classes are not in session, and during election years.
Where Are You Located?
SCRI is conveniently located on the first floor of Hines Hall, Room 117.
What Do Telephone Interviewers Do?
Most SCRI surveys use an auto-dialer. When a respondent answers, the interviewer greets them and begins the interview. Callers read the survey script verbatim from their computer screen, asking respondents questions and asking them to select a response from several options.
One challenge of the role is keeping respondents focused on the survey without getting sidetracked. Another is ensuring the questions are presented without introducing any bias. SCRI provides training on using the CATI (Computer-assisted Telephone Interviewing) system and explains the core principles of public opinion polling. Interviewers are also trained on the AAPOR Code of Ethics, which all SCRI callers are expected to uphold.
How Long Are The Surveys?
The length of each survey varies depending on the topic and the respondent’s answers, but most surveys take between 5 to 15 minutes to complete. Some, however, may take up to 25 minutes.
Who Am I Calling?
SCRI’s telephone sample is randomly generated and often includes a separate cell phone sample. This means that everyone within the geographical region being studied has an equal chance of being called, whether they have listed, unlisted, or cell phone-only numbers – even those on the Do Not Call Registry. Since SCRI is conducting research and not selling any products or services, we are exempt from the Do Not Call Regulations.
What Skills and Traits Should a SCRI Caller Have?
Basic computer skills are required for this role. Callers should be effective communicators, good listeners and able to engage confidently on the phone. The ability to be persuasive, handle rejection and maintain composure is key. Dependability, self-motivation and staying focused are also important traits for success.