A Day in The Life:
Field Researcher
During my London Inventory assignment, my usual day started about 8am when I would set off to my area. The project was very ambitious as it needed to deliver an exact mapping of every commercial property in London. Every area was done in blocks to make sure that no building was missed, and every person was assigned an area.
Once in my assigned area, I turned on my tough book (hand held laptop) and started with my first block. I'd do a walk around and check where each building started and finished. Some of the buildings were amazing – especially the Bloomberg one! I must have walked around it a dozen times trying to establish how to add this to the system. I'd check each record we held against the real building and make any small changes out in the field. Anything major, I would record it on my Dictaphone and amend it in the office. I would also check the photo and re-shoot the building if required.
Once I had gathered about 60 records I'd make my way back to the office, usually about 1pm, and get lunch on the way. As I was never in the same place I got to sample so many amazing delis. Once at the office I would listen back to my recordings and make all the necessary changes. Any problems I'd come across in the field, where I wasn't sure what to do with a record and needed an opinion, I'd ask my colleagues to take a look and we'd figure it out together. Once an area was completed, I'd sign it off on a map in the office and move on to the next area. Some of my areas included Mayfair, Baker Street and Shoreditch. I got to see a completely different sides to London – not just buildings but also all the little unknown boutiques that I would have never known about had I not been doing the job.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
I'd say the hardest part was working in the field in all weather conditions (unlike the air conditioned office I was used to). With the project beginning in March it was still pretty cold and wet! However we were provided with all the clothing we could possibly need, branded waterproof trousers and coat, fleece, gloves – the lot. On the other hand, come May to June it was glorious weather and I built up quite the tan!
And the best part?
It was getting to work with the Field Research team. They are a great bunch of people. They work really hard but make it enjoyable at the same time. No one team member was alike which made the dynamics of the group great fun!
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in working as a Field Researcher?
Just do it! There are so many opportunities within the company and they are firm believers in supporting their employees to take on new challenges and grow.
