RESEARCH SERVICES
I work as a freelance researcher investigating a variety of career, education, labour market and training issues. I have twenty years research experience, working for both private and public sector organisations.
I hold a PhD in Organizational Pscyhology and have a strong track record in designing and delivering high calibre research services for a wide range of audiences.
Research projects include:
• Managing local/regional employment surveys for Training & Enterprise Councils
• Researching higher education courses for a leading career software organisation
• Handling information enquiries for a local Business Link
• Preparing labour market reports for Local Authorities & European Social Fund bids
• Carrying out evaluation studies for employment and training projects
• Contributing to the development of a university social science research database
• Undertaking qualitative interviews with both low-skilled and professional workers
I have a wide range of experience in using different quantitative and qualitative research methods. This includes questionnaire design, running focus groups and undertaking face-to-face, telephone and online interviews.
PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS INCLUDE:
Cooper, H. (2011) Interview Skills (Young Jobhunters Series). London: Trotman Publishing.
Cooper, H. (2016). Taxi! Understanding narratives of cab driving work as a bounded career. Paper presented at NICEC, University of Derby, Sept 2016
Cooper, H. & Mackenzie Davey, K. (2011). Teaching for life? Midlife narratives from female classroom teachers who considered leaving the profession. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 30, 83-102
Pritchard, K., Mackenzie Davey, K. & Cooper, H. (2019). Aesthetic labouring and the female entrepreneur: ‘Entrepreneurship that wouldn’t chip your nails.’ International Small Business Journal, 37(4), 343-364