Market Research Analyst
What is the work like?
As a market research analyst or statistician, it would be your job to analyse statistics that have been collected through market research surveys. This could be consumer, industrial or social and political research commissioned by all types of client in industry, business and government.
Your work would involve:
- writing proposals describing how you will carry out the research
- advising researchers about survey methodology and design
- checking that the data that has been collected
- analysing the data using statistical software programmes and techniques
- presenting the findings through talks, written reports, graphs and tables
- explaining the results to research executives (who may have little mathematical or statistical knowledge)
- helping research executives present the findings in a way that the client can understand and use.
Job titles can vary, for example in many cases you might be known as a data analyst.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a market research analyst you will need a degree in statistics, or a related subject that involves statistics, such as maths, business studies or economics. The most useful courses focus on the practical applications of statistics.
To get onto a statistics degree you will usually need at least five GCSEs (A-C) plus three A levels including a good grade in maths, or equivalent qualifications. Contact colleges or universities about exact entry requirements.
Many market research analysts also have a Masters degree (MSc) or PhD in statistics or applied statistics. You may find it useful to take an MSc if your degree is not closely related to statistics, or if you want to specialise in an area like medical or social science statistics.
See the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) website for a list of degrees and Masters degrees that they accredit, and the Market Research Society website for details of Masters degrees that they accredit.
You will find it useful to have work experience in research, advertising, data analysis, or as a market research interviewer.
You could start as a research assistant in a market research company, and move into statistical work after gaining more experience. Some larger companies offer structured graduate training schemes for new starters.
What further training and development can I do?
You will mainly develop your skills on the job, and your employer may also give you the chance to attend training courses from outside organisations throughout your career.
Your training may include the chance to gain qualifications from the Market Research Society (MRS), such as:- Advanced Certificate in Market and Social Research Practice – for researchers at the beginning of their careers
- Diploma in Market and Social Research Practice – for experienced researchers.
You can study for the Advanced Certificate full- or part-time at some universities or training centres, or by distance learning. The Diploma is available part-time or by distance learning. See the MRS website for information.
You could also attend specialist short courses from other organisations such as:- the Social Research Association (SRA) – offers one-day courses in various research methods
- the Association for Qualitative Research (AQR) – offers a three-day foundation course for people new to qualitative research.
After at least five years' experience as a market research analyst, you can become a Chartered Statistician (CStat) with the Royal Statistical Society. The RSS also provides a programme of professional development programme for members. Contact the RSS or see their website for details.
Where can I go for more information?
London
WC1X 8UP
Tel: 020 7812 0634
31 St Neots Road
Eaton Ford
St Neots
Cambridgeshire
PE19 7BA
Tel: 01480 407227
London
EC1Y 8LX
Tel: 020 7638 8998
London
EC1V 0JR
Tel: 020 7490 4911
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Graduate salaries start at around £20,000 a year.
- Salaries for senior posts can range from £40,000 to £55,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your standard working hours would be Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with occasional overtime needed to meet project deadlines.
The work is mainly office-based, but you may travel to visit clients at times.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent mathematical and computer skills
- the ability to analyse and interpret statistics
- good spoken and written communication skills
- creative problem-solving skills
- accuracy and attention to detail
- good organisational and time-management skills
- the ability to work well under pressure.
What opportunities are there?
You could work for market research agencies and consultancies, or in a company's in-house market research department. You could also find opportunities with social research bodies such as the Government Statistical Service.
Jobs may be advertised in the national and industry press, through the RSS, by specialist recruitment agencies and graduate recruitment websites.
With experience, you could progress into management, or become a self-employed market research consultant.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and further reading (links open new window):
Research
Market Research Portal
MR Web
Datatech
The Supply Curve
Social Research Association Vacancies
Marketing
Marketing Week
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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