Market research is a growing field that provides valuable insights to businesses and organizations. If you’re interested in statistics, analyzing data, understanding consumer behavior, and conducting surveys, then a career in market research may be right for you. Here are some tips on how to get started in this industry.
Get the Right Education
Most entry-level market research jobs require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum education. Helpful majors include statistics, mathematics, economics, psychology, sociology, business, and marketing. Coursework in research methods, data analysis, and statistics will be particularly useful. Consider getting a master’s degree in marketing research, business analytics, or a related field to boost your qualifications.
Internships are also extremely valuable for gaining practical research skills and making industry connections. Look for summer internships at market research firms, advertising agencies, or corporate market research departments while in school.
Develop Important Skills
Along with your education, there are several key skills needed to succeed in market research:
- Data analysis – You need strong analytical skills to interpret quantitative and qualitative data.
- Critical thinking – Ability to assess information objectively and solve problems.
- Attention to detail – Careful data cleaning and analysis requires meticulousness.
- Math and statistics – Essential knowledge includes statistics, sampling, significance testing, regression, and more advanced techniques.
- Research methods – Understand qualitative and quantitative research approaches like surveys, focus groups, interviews, experiments, and more.
- Technology – Proficiency with market research software, statistical and data visualization programs, spreadsheets, databases, and analytics tools.
- Communication – Strong writing and presentation abilities to convey insights from data analysis.
Get Certified
Earning professional certifications can demonstrate your commitment and expertise to employers. Here are some popular options:
- Professional Certificate in Marketing Research from the Market Research Association
- Various research certifications from the Insights Association
- Qualitative Research Specialist from the QRCA
- Advanced Research Methodologies Professional Certification from the MRA
- Google Analytics Individual Qualification certification
Search for Entry-Level Jobs
When you’re ready to start job hunting, look for these types of roles to get your foot in the door:
- Research analyst
- Data analyst
- Market research associate
- Research assistant
- Survey programmer
- Data collection specialist
- Tabulation analyst
Entry-level positions are commonly found at research firms, corporate research departments, and marketing agencies. Use job search platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and professional associations to find openings.
Highlight Your Skills
On your market research resume and in interviews, emphasize skills like:
- Conducting quantitative and qualitative research
- Designing surveys and questionnaires
- Collecting and analyzing data
- Translating insights into recommendations
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Statistical analysis and modeling
- Data visualization and presentation
- Research software proficiency
Provide specific examples of school projects, internships, or volunteer work where you applied these market research skills.
Get Advanced Experience
Once in an entry-level role, gain as much hands-on experience as possible. Seek opportunities to:
- Assist on a wide variety of research projects
- Expand your analytics and research methods skillset
- Work directly with clients and senior researchers
- Lead portions of studies or small projects independently
- Present research findings and recommendations
- Publish research articles or papers
- Pursue training and continued education
This experience will help you advance to more senior positions over time, such as research director, insights manager, or vice president of research.
Conclusion
Breaking into the market research field requires the right mix of education, skill-building, and practical experience. Gain a solid educational foundation in research, statistics, and business. Develop analytical and communication abilities through coursework and internships. Pursue entry-level roles that allow you to apply your skills. Continually expand your expertise through on-the-job training. With passion for numbers and analytics, you can build a rewarding career uncovering consumer insights through market research.