Insights to research and practice from developing and deploying an early career engineers’ trajectory survey

Abstract

Online surveying is a commonly used research method to explore and validate theoretical constructs. The ease with which online questionnaires can be developed and deployed has led to their adoption by many academics. This survey method has many positive effects and negative effects that must be considered by the researcher before and during deployment. PURPOSEWe created the Career Trajectory Survey (the Survey) to facilitate a better understanding of the career trajectory of early career civil engineers. This paper draws upon our experiences, intending to serve as both a theoretical and practical resource for other researchers planning to conduct an online survey. In particular, we assess the considerations about deploying online questionnaires to individuals outside the academic context. METHODThe Survey questionnaire was deployed to persons with an Engineering Bachelors degree who were located within Australia over an eight week period from May to July 2021. This deployment was undertaken after questionnaire validity checks were performed during a pilot survey. The 10-15 minute online questionnaire utilised the Qualtrics platform, with over 340 valid responses received. Invitations to participate were sent to engineering associations, engineering organisations and individuals through a social media campaign. Valid respondents were offered the opportunity to enter a major prize draw. OBJECTIVESThis paper presents the Survey deployment plan, its ongoing amendments and insights gained. The basis for deploying a questionnaire to individuals working in industry differs significantly from deployment inside of the academic setting. The issues of participant recruitment, incentives, contacting industry organisations and engineering associations, and the possible pitfalls of a social media campaign are presented. This paper intends to serve as a practical resource for other researchers, particularly those working individually or in small groups, without official sponsorship. RECOMMENDATIONSWe recommend that the deployment plan of any online questionnaire remains flexible. During this phase the data should be regularly interrogated, allowing for potential deployment changes as required. We advocate for the implementation of strong survey security protocols. Moreover, we advise of the typical low response rates of online surveys, the need for adaptability and the benefits of an advocate.