19 Aug Get to Know Associate Researcher Emma Clarke
We’re thrilled to introduce our newest staff member, Emma Clarke. Emma’s journey from intern to full-time Associate Researcher demonstrates her passion for research. In this interview, she shares insights into her career path and what excites her most about her new role.
1) Tell us a about your career journey so far. What inspired you to pursue a career in research. How did you navigate your path from being a student to joining Fluent?
I have always been a curious person, seeking to know as much as I can about the world around me. I was first introduced to research through a family member who researches child development. As a child, I often helped out in her research. Through this experience, I became aware of the many different ways that a research career can manifest itself.
Years later, I majored in psychology and cognitive studies at Tulane University. Exploring the different research opportunities available to me as a psychology major, I was introduced to Fluent through that same family member. I contacted the company in hopes of becoming an intern and was luckily given that opportunity. In college, I also pursued a more academic form of research in a social psychology lab, studying intergroup relations and marginalized groups. Ultimately, I chose to pursue a full-time career at Fluent instead of staying in academia. I appreciate Fluent’s welcoming company culture, the intelligent and helpful staff, and the variety of client projects.
2) What unique challenge have you faced during your college career or as an intern? How did you overcome it?
A unique challenge I faced at the beginning of college was starting my freshman year in the middle of the pandemic. I had always wanted to go far away for college and meet lots of new people. COVID-19 posed a strong challenge to my plan. Although it was extremely difficult to meet people, I was able to reach out to other incoming students through social media and make the best of the situation.
3) As a recent college graduate, what advice would you give to students or recent graduates looking to pursue a career in research?
Internships are very important for a college student or a recent graduate who wants to find a job in research. Having internship eperiences in different research settings throughout my college career helped me figure out my passion and the work settings I enjoyed most. In addition to internships, volunteer opportunities can also provide valuable insight into different research fields and careers. Since research is a key component of solving just about every problem, there are many ways to participate in the process. Internships and volunteering can help you figure out which one is right for you.
4) What’s your go-to hobby or activity outside of work that brings you joy?
Although I have many hobbies outside of work, two things that bring me a lot of joy are weightlifting and participating in trivia nights. I first started weightlifting at the gym during COVID-19 and have been really consistent with it ever since. Not only does it provide me with a good mental health boost, I love that I can just keep improving. Attending trivia nights is so much fun. I love to see how much I know!
5) What are you most excited about in your new role at Fluent?
As an Associate Researcher at Fluent, I am most excited to have full involvement in the research process, from trying out new technologies to learning from my coworkers. While I was able to assist with research as an intern, I didn’t always have the chance to complete the projects I worked on. I am looking forward to seeing projects through from start to finish and learning to use new tools that help analyze and group data. Of course, one of the best things about Fluent is the people. I am so excited about working with so many accomplished and experienced individuals.