Market Researcher
Job Description:Market researchers conduct interviews or surveys to get people's opinions on products or ideas.
Job Category:What you will do:
You could work for advertising agencies, businesses of all kinds or charities.
You’ll usually attend an information session (briefing) before each project.
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- going up to people in the street, phoning them or visiting them at home
- persuading people to take part in a survey
- asking people questions and possibly video them
- recording people’s answers
- organising the results and passing them to your supervisor
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:
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative (drive)
- customer service skills
- excellent written communication skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to record information accurately (organisational skills)
Entry Requirements:
To become a Market Researcher, there are no specific GCSE (or equivalent) subjects required, but having a well-rounded education and developing certain skills can be beneficial for your career in market research. Here are some recommended subjects and other considerations:
- Mathematics: Mathematics is important in market research for data analysis and statistical analysis. A solid foundation in mathematics will be valuable.
- English: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for conveying research findings effectively to clients or colleagues.
- Statistics: While not typically offered, if your school offers any statistics-related coursework, it can be beneficial. Statistics is a fundamental skill for analysing and interpreting data in market research.
- Business Studies or Economics: These subjects can provide you with insights into business operations, consumer behavior, and economic trends, all of which are relevant to market research.
- IT/Computer Science: Proficiency in using computer software and data analysis tools is crucial for processing and analyzing data efficiently.
- Psychology or Sociology: Understanding human behavior and social trends is valuable in market research, as it helps you interpret consumer actions and motivations.
- Foreign Languages: If you plan to work in international markets or with clients from diverse backgrounds, knowledge of foreign languages can be an asset.
Post School
There are no set requirements. Customer service experience or a course in customer service could help you get a job.
You could get into this job through an apprenticeship.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll usually work 6 hours a day. Part time and temporary work are common. You may work evenings and weekends.
You could be a telephone interviewer, working in a call centre or at home. Or you may interview people in the street, in shopping centres or in their homes.
You may need a car to travel.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could become a supervisor or area fieldwork manager. You could also become a research assistant in a market research agency or social research organisation.
Some market research interviewers choose to specialise in areas such as medical research. There may also be demand for interviewers who are fluent in other languages.