EFFECTIVE PRACTICAL TRAINING — A KEY FACTOR IN PREPARING QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS

During the 2025–2026 academic year, a total of 155 students, including 10 master’s students and 145 undergraduate students, successfully completed their professional practical training at the Republican Center for the Study of Public Opinion “Ijtimoiy Fikr” within the framework of cooperation with higher education institutions. The training was organised in accordance with the Center’s approved schedules. The students participated in practical activities covering all stages of sociological research.

During the training period, the students acquired practical skills in developing sociological research programmes, preparing scientifically grounded questionnaires, designing samples, organising and conducting face-to-face and telephone surveys, working with CATI technologies, applying interviewing techniques, collecting data and monitoring its quality, conducting preliminary analysis using SPSS, visualising research findings, and complying with information security requirements and research ethics. They were also directly involved in the entire research process, from planning sociological studies to conducting the final analysis, which enabled them to reinforce their theoretical knowledge through practical experience.

The trainees demonstrated a responsible approach to their assigned tasks, the ability to adapt quickly to research processes, a high standard of information handling, analytical thinking, and professional discipline. The Center’s specialists highly assessed their level of practical preparation, and the overall results of the training were recognised as positive.

Of particular note is the fact that 16 students who distinguished themselves through their knowledge, professional potential, sense of responsibility, and strong performance were recruited to work at the Center. In particular, 10 student trainees began working as interviewers in the Department of Field Research and Data Quality Control, while 6 students were employed as supervisors in the CATI Research Department. This clearly demonstrates that the practical training system established at the Center not only helps students consolidate their theoretical knowledge but also contributes to identifying talented young people, supporting their professional development, and facilitating their employment.

The practical training system operating at the Republican Center for the Study of Public Opinion “Ijtimoiy Fikr” has established itself as an effective scientific and practical platform for preparing young professionals through modern sociological research methodologies, digital technologies, and applied analytical skills. The Center will continue to expand its cooperation with higher education institutions, support talented students, and consistently contribute to the preparation of competitive professionals for the field of public opinion research in the country.