Her Story
About Victoria
Victoria Hoverman serves as Senior Research Director at Ipsos. With over 17 years of experience in research, she began in academia at George Mason University before moving into the private sector. She previously conducted contract research for the federal government at Westat and market research at Nielsen for under two years. Hoverman earned her bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in sociology, as well as a master's degree and PhD in sociology, all from George Mason University. Her expertise centers on social science research, survey research, sociology, and psychology. She is affiliated with the American Association for Public Opinion Research and the JOIC Program on Survey Methodology, a partnership between the University of Maryland and University of Michigan. Hoverman values empathy, kindness, and relationship building in her work and attributes her success to wonderful mentors and a supportive family, including her spouse. She notes that limited resources present ongoing challenges in her field.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Victoria
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say a big part was having wonderful mentors. I don't think anybody really achieves greatness without having a great support system, both professional mentors as well as family. My spouse is very supportive. Also, sometimes it's a matter of just persevering, getting out of your own head, taking some risks and trying new things even if you don't get it right or fail, because you can learn from it. Having people to encourage you to stretch and take that leap.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
A good dissertation is a done dissertation - it doesn't have to be perfect. Also, the importance of being invested in your people, taking time to be curious, connect with people, build relationships, show empathy and care for teams and colleagues. That really allows you to do your best work and inspires the kind of leader I want to be.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is limited resources, whether staffing or ability to staff people full-time due to budget issues or institutional constraints. This risks burnout, overworking people, or not being able to do your best work because you're pulled in too many directions. It's a tough balancing act to get approval for more support while taking care of the people you have and having enough to execute the work properly.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Treating people with empathy and kindness, taking time to really listen and connect with others. All of that type of communication and connection, relationship building really just helps with all of the other pieces of whatever you're trying to do.
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