Market Researcher

Job overview
Market researchers, also known as research executives, systematically gather and analyse information about a particular company's consumers, markets and competition.

This information is then collated and assessed in order to discover patterns and trends.

Many market researchers are employed by large companies while others work for specialist market research agencies.

What do people do in this occupation?
Typical tasks performed by market researchers include:

• Meeting with clients to discuss the particular areas they wish to be researched and analysed
• Carrying out background research on these specific areas
• Preparing plans and timetables for the data collection and analysis
• Liaising with the client to check that the plans and proposals are satisfactory
• Designing and distributing questionnaires and data collection materials
• Ensuring that interviewers and other researchers are fully briefed
• Analysing the information obtained through the research
• Identifying patterns and trends
• Writing reports on the results of the research
• Presenting the results of the research to the client
• Advising clients about how best to use the results

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Market researchers will need to possess the following skills:

• Good interpersonal skills
• Good communication skills
• Good numeracy and literacy skills
• Good analytical skills
• The ability to see patterns and trends
• Competence with computers and statistical models as market researchers rely heavily upon computer programmes and models to help them assess data
• An interest in human behaviour
• Business awareness and knowledge of different markets
• The ability to work well as part of a team
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to remain flexible
• Be prepared to spend a lot of time behind the desk as most of the work carried out by market researchers is done in an office environment.
• Be willing to travel locally and sometimes abroad in order to meet with potential clients and collect data and information.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure as the job can be stressful at times
• Good time management skills as market researchers are faced with strict deadlines.

What qualifications are needed?
Individuals wishing to enter the field of market research will not need to hold any specific qualifications.

Degrees in subjects such as maths, economics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology will be particularly useful.

Experience in marketing, researching or data analysis will come in handy, as will any position which has allowed the applicant to display good interpersonal and communication skills.