Getting into the field of market research involves developing a mix of skills, education, and relevant experience. Here the recruiters at Smith Hanley Associates provide a market research career guide to help you successfully enter this field.
Understand Market Research
- As a first step in your market research career guide learn about the two main types of market research:
- Quantitative Research: Data collection, statistical analysis, and surveys.
- Qualitative Research: Focus groups, interviews, and ethnographic studies.
- Familiarize yourself with key tools and applications in industries like consumer goods, healthcare, or technology.
Develop Relevant Skills
Market research requires both analytical and interpersonal skills. Build competencies in:
- Analytical Tools: Excel, SPSS, SAS, R, or Python for data analysis.
- Survey Tools: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or Google Forms.
- Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, or Google Data Studio.
- Soft Skills: Communication, critical thinking, and storytelling.
Get the Right Education
- Bachelor’s Degree: Focus on fields like marketing, business, economics, psychology, sociology, or statistics.
- Master’s Degree (Optional): Specialize further with a degree in market research, marketing analytics, or business administration (MBA).
Gain Experience
- Internships: Seek internships in marketing, research agencies, or related fields.
- Entry-Level Jobs: Look for roles like research assistant, analyst, or junior data analyst.
- Freelance Projects: Gain experience through freelance work or by conducting small-scale research studies.
Leverage Networking
- As part of your market research career guide join in market research associations like:
- Insights Association
- ESOMAR
- American Marketing Association (AMA)
- Attend industry events, webinars, or networking meetups to connect with professionals.
Build Your Portfolio
- Build your market research career guide by showcasing your work with case studies, data analyses, or survey results.
- Highlight specific accomplishments, such as increasing customer insights or improving survey methodologies.
Certifications
Enhance your credentials with certifications like:
- Certified Market Research Professional (CMRP)
- Professional Researcher Certification (PRC)
- Certifications in analytics or survey tools.
Target Specific Sectors
- As part of your market research career guide you should tailor your approach based on your interests (e.g., healthcare, foodservice, technology).
- Research companies or agencies specializing in your preferred sector.
