61B2 Career Guide
61B2: Research Psychologist
Career transition guide for Air Force Research Psychologist (61B2)
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Real industry tech roles your 61B2 background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.
Data Scientist
Data
Your background in research psychology, particularly your experience with statistical analysis, modeling, and data interpretation, directly translates to the work of a Data Scientist. You are skilled in planning research projects, selecting methods of approach, conducting experiments, and analyzing results. The experience you have with tools such as MATLAB and SPSS in the Air Force also aligns with data science tools such as Python (NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn) and R.
Typical stack:
Analytics Engineer
Data
Your experience in research and behavioral analysis, combined with your skills in statistical analysis and data interpretation, provides a strong foundation for becoming an Analytics Engineer. Your experience with experiment design, technical writing, and reporting are also relevant, as is your understanding of database and statistical tools.
Typical stack:
Technical Program Manager
Product
Your experience in managing scientific programs, projects, and activities, coordinating research efforts, and your skills in planning, organizing, and directing laboratories and staff agencies make you a good fit for a Technical Program Manager role. Your experience with Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) translates to project management software.
Typical stack:
Skills You Already Have
Concrete bridges from 61B2 experience to tech-industry practice.
- MATLAB (Matrix Laboratory)→ MATLAB, Python (with scientific computing libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas)
- SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences)→ SPSS, SAS, R (statistical computing language)
- DoD High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP) resources→ Cloud-based high-performance computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and commercial supercomputing facilities
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) such as ArcGIS→ ArcGIS, QGIS (open-source GIS software)
- Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES)→ Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana)
Skills to Learn
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not generic.
How VWC fits
Vets Who Code accelerates the parts we teach — software engineering fundamentals, web development, AI tooling. For everything else above, the path is doable independently with the resources we link to.
See VWC ProgramsCivilian Career Pathways
Top civilian roles for 61B2 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Research Scientist
Management Consultant
Skills to develop:
Data Scientist
Skills to develop:
Technical Writer
Skills to develop:
Market Research Analyst
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 61B2 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
This role involves constructing experimental models and employing mathematical techniques, including simulation and optimization theories, to analyze complex systems and predict outcomes.
You can understand and create models of complex systems to predict behavior and optimize performance, a skill highly valued in various industries.
After-Action Analysis
The role requires analyzing research findings, evaluating the effectiveness of psychological operations, and preparing technical reports with recommendations for future projects.
Your ability to dissect complex projects, identify areas for improvement, and create actionable recommendations translates directly to improving efficiency and outcomes in a civilian setting.
Resource Optimization
Managing scientific programs, projects, and activities involves optimizing resource allocation to achieve research goals and coordinating efforts with various agencies.
You excel at managing resources efficiently to maximize impact, a crucial skill for any organization looking to improve productivity and reduce waste.
Adversarial Thinking
Designing and conducting research to analyze foreign target audiences to support psychological operations requires anticipating potential challenges and developing counter-strategies.
Your ability to anticipate challenges and develop counter-strategies is highly valuable in fields where strategic planning and risk mitigation are essential.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Market Research Analyst
SOC 19-3022You've been analyzing complex data to understand target audiences, which directly translates to identifying consumer trends and preferences for businesses.
Management Consultant
SOC 13-1111You've been planning and managing research projects, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing changes, which is exactly what management consultants do to optimize business processes.
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051You've got experience analyzing theories and research findings to determine applications, which makes you perfect for turning raw business data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
Policy Analyst
SOC 13-2099Your background in developing concepts, methods, techniques, and policy in influence operations positions you well to research, analyze, and recommend policies to improve government or organizational effectiveness.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Graduate Level Psychologist Training, Various Locations (e.g., Wright-Patterson AFB, Lackland AFB)
Topics Covered
- •Research Methodologies & Design
- •Statistical Analysis & Modeling
- •Psychological Operations Principles
- •Behavioral Analysis Techniques
- •Experimental Design & Data Interpretation
- •Technical Writing & Reporting
- •Program Management & Evaluation
- •Interdisciplinary Scientific Applications
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires study of the PMI PMBOK guide, focusing on the five process groups (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, Closing) and ten knowledge areas (Integration, Scope, Schedule, Cost, Quality, Resource, Communications, Risk, Procurement, Stakeholder).
Requires in-depth knowledge of research regulations, compliance, and financial administration specific to academic and government research settings. Focus on areas like IRB, IACUC, and grant management processes.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| MATLAB (Matrix Laboratory) | MATLAB, Python (with scientific computing libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas) |
| SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) | SPSS, SAS, R (statistical computing language) |
| DoD High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP) resources | Cloud-based high-performance computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and commercial supercomputing facilities |
| Geographic Information Systems (GIS) such as ArcGIS | ArcGIS, QGIS (open-source GIS software) |
| AFRL proprietary modeling and simulation software | Commercial modeling and simulation software (e.g., AnyLogic, Simio), depending on the application domain |
| Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) | Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana) |
| Psychological Operations Toolkit (specific tools vary) | Audience analysis and social media analytics platforms (e.g., Brandwatch, Meltwater), survey design and analysis tools (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey) |
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