Sociology, '17 working with Professor Devah Pager

This past semester I had the incredible opportunity to work on a research project with renowned sociology professor Devah Pager.  The aim of the project was to better understand how "Ban The Box” policies—which aim to remove checked boxes regarding criminal records from job applications—have affected the hiring practices of Boston/Cambridge businesses.  As a research assistant my main tasks included traveling around the Boston/Cambridge area to locate interviewees, conducting and recording interviews, and writing weekly summaries that identified key points, trends, and saturation. In addition to learning a ton about the business world, corporate structure, and the sociological implications of these entities I also got a better feel of the Boston area through this research project. I traveled all over the Boston area to obtain the project’s interviews. Some regions I visited include North Quincy, Dorchester, and Somerville. Seeing the rich and diverse cultures embedded within Massachusetts was an eye-opening experience. One day I would be talking to wealthy business owners in posh neighborhoods and the next I would be talking to new business owners trying to improve entire neighborhoods that are currently laden with crime, poverty, and joblessness. This research project truly allowed me to break out of the “Harvard bubble” and explore regions of Massachusetts that I otherwise would have never visited. 

Working as a research assistant has been an enlightening, enjoyable, and educational experience. My data collection skills are better than ever. I have been able to work with one of the most respected professors in the field of sociology.  And I was able to work on a project that is pertinent to my interests and the world at large. Prior to declaring sociology as my concentration I was frustrated by how many of my classes did not apply to the real world nor relate to my interests in business, entrepreneurship, and racial equality in the U.S.  After completing this research project I knew that sociology was without a doubt the perfect concentration for me. This project seamlessly tied my educational interests together and simultaneously pushed me to explore new sociological topics that I had never studied before. I have had a phenomenal experience working as a research assistant in Harvard’s sociology department.  I encourage any Harvard undergrad to pursue similar opportunities.