Work for SCRI

Learn About Public Opinion Polling! Build Resume Experience!

These are just some of the valuable opportunities that working at the Siena College Research Institute (SCRI) offers current Siena students. SCRI is the preeminent academically situated public opinion research institute in New York State.

This program gives Siena students the chance to contact New Yorkers and ask them their opinions on New York State politics, economic issues and social and cultural issues.  SCRI’s polls and studies have been featured in local, regional and national media outlets on radio, television, print and on the internet.  Several books, journals and magazines have used SCRI data as well.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply to be a student interviewer, please email Brian Jette (bjette [AT] siena.edu) to set up a time for an interview. If you have never worked on campus before, you will need to bring a picture ID (driver’s license, school ID with photograph, passport) and a document that proves you are eligible to work in the United States (birth certificate, social security card).

Starting wages at $15.00/hour.

Remote Calling Opportunities

SCRI now employs remote telephone interviewers (all remote interviewers must have access to the internet, a computer, and a phone–either landline or cell phone).  This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to work from home.  See the instructions above to apply!

SCRI Call Center Hours

SCRI has shifts available from 4-6 and 6-9:30 Monday through Thursday.  We also have shifts on Sunday from 2-5 and 5-8.  Interviewers are allowed to work more than one shift per day.

Does SCRI Close When Classes End?

SCRI is open year-round. We especially need callers over the summer when most of the students have left.

Where Are You Located?

SCRI is conveniently located on the first floor of Hines Hall on campus.  SRI is in room 117.

What Do Telephone Interviewers Do?

Most SCRI surveys use an auto-dialer.  When a respondent picks up the phone, the interviewer says “hello”and the interview begins.  Callers read the survey script from their computer screen verbatim and ask respondent questions and have them choose between several response options.  One of the challenges of the position is to get a respondent to stay focused on the survey questions and not get sidetracked.  Another challenge is guiding the respondent through the survey without saying anything that could bias them.  SCRI trains its interviewers on using the CATI (Computer-assisted Telephone Interviewing) system and there is training that explains the principles behind public opinion polling.  SCRI explains the AAPOR Code of Ethics to its callers and expects them to subscribe to those principles.

How Long Are The Surveys?

Survey lengths vary by topic and according to the respondent’s answers but most surveys are between 5-15 minutes.  Some can be as long as 25 minutes.

Who Am I Calling?

SCRI’s telephone sample is randomly generated and usually includes a separate cell phone sample.  Because the sample is randomly generated, everyone in the geographic region studied has an equal chance to be called including listed, unlisted, cell phone only and even people on the Do Not Call Registry.  Because SCRI is not soliciting respondents to buy anything, we are not subject to the Do Not Call Registry.

What Skills and Traits Should an SCRI Caller Have?

Basic computer skills are required for the job.  Callers should also be a good communicator and listener on the phone and have the ability to be persuasive, accept rejection and maintain confidence.   Being dependable, self-motivated and focused are also important attributes to have.