Market Research Executive
Job Description:Market research executives help clients find out about people's views on consumer products or political and social issues.
Job Category:What you will do:
In your day-to-day duties you may:
- meet clients to discuss research projects
- create plans or proposals and present them to clients
- manage a budget
- design questionnaires, discussion guides and organise surveys
- give instructions to interviewers and researchers
- do desk research like online or print publications
- monitor the progress of surveys
- analyse data and present results to clients
- advise clients how they can best use the research
Skills:
You’ll need:
- maths knowledge
- business management skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
As well as:
- the ability to use your initiative (leadership skills)
- customer service skills
- excellent written communication skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- analytical thinking skills (creative skills)
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
Entry Requirements:
To become a Market Research Executive, specific GCSE (or equivalent) subjects are not typically required. However, having a strong educational foundation in certain subjects can be beneficial for developing the skills and knowledge necessary for this career.
Market Research Executives analyse market data, conduct surveys, and gather information to help organisations make informed business decisions. While specific subjects are not mandatory, here are some subjects that can be helpful:
- Mathematics: Strong mathematical skills are important for data analysis, statistical analysis, and interpreting market research data.
- English Language: Effective communication skills, including written and verbal communication, are essential for documenting research findings, preparing reports, and presenting results to clients and stakeholders.
- Business Studies or Economics (optional): Courses related to business principles, economics, and marketing can provide a foundational understanding of business operations and consumer behavior.
- Statistics (optional): Understanding statistical concepts and methods is valuable for data analysis and survey design.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency in using computer software for data collection, analysis, and visualisation is important in market research.
- Psychology (optional): Knowledge of psychological principles can be relevant when studying consumer behaviour and attitudes.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- a graduate training scheme
- specialist courses run by professional bodies
- an internship
University
The type of subjects you can study depends on whether you’re interested in quantitative or qualitative research. Quantitative research involves collecting numbers and facts. Qualitative research is about gathering impressions, opinions and views.
For quantitative market research work, you may find it useful to get a degree in:
- maths
- statistics
- business
- management
- economics
For qualitative jobs, you may find it helpful to have a degree in:
- psychology
- sociology
- geography
- social sciences
- anthropology
Degrees in English or marketing are usually useful. A science or engineering subject may help for some specialist industrial jobs.
College
You could do a college course which would teach you some of the skills you need in this job. Relevant courses include:
- Level 3 Diploma in Marketing
- Level 4 Diploma in Professional Marketing
Apprenticeship
You could do a Market Research Executive Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, or a Social Researcher Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
These can take from 1 year and 6 months to 3 years and 6 months to complete.
Work
You could work as a market research assistant or interviewer without a degree. You’ll still need to be very good at:
- communicating
- numbers
- IT programmes
You could also start as a research assistant in an agency and get promoted to executive or account manager as your experience grows. You’ll usually be expected to take further qualifications.
Other Routes
You could get your first job as a market research executive through a graduate training scheme. Some larger employers run training schemes for new recruits.
You could also do specialist courses through professional bodies.
You may be able to get a paid internship with a company where you’re given a project to complete. This will allow you to develop your skills and show an employer what you’re able to do.
Career tips
Being able to speak different languages could be an advantage for international work.
Whatever your qualifications, you’ll find it useful to have experience in:
- marketing
- sales or advertising
- interviewing for market research
Working Hours and Environment:
Typically you could work 35 to 40 hours a week, occasionally including evenings or weekends.
You could work in an office or at a client’s business.
Career Path & Progression:
You could move into people or project management, or become a self-employed market research consultant.
You could also work in advertising or marketing promotions.