The basics
What's it like to be a market researcher?
Overview
In order to accurately assess a customer’s wants and needs, companies may hire a third-party market research consulting firm that specializes in their specific industry. These firms advise their employer on marketing strategies, methods for assessing customer satisfaction, and gather data on competitors. A market/consumer research consultant researches their company’s customer demographics, needs, wants, and opinions to determine the best marketing strategies. After researching, they compile the information into reports, graphs, illustrations, and statistics to educate the company on different advertising techniques to entice consumers.
Requirements
In most consulting jobs, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement to apply. However, some jobs may prefer a master’s. Some common degrees include applied economics, consumer merchandising, marketing research, or marketing. Many companies train their consultants on the specific ways to research and consult, so applicants can come from a variety of education backgrounds and apply their knowledge to the new career. Other degrees such as finance can transfer over and be applied to marketing, allowing this career to be very versatile. Important qualities and skills a market/consumer research consultant should possess include a thirst for knowledge, basic mathematical skills, and being able to present information using programs such as Word, PowerPoint, or Google Slides. Having a strong foundation is key to success in this field.
What Can High School Students Do?
- Enroll in classes such as
- AP Statistics
- AP Calculus
- AP Macro/Microeconomics
- Economics of Business
- Join a speech and debate club or hone your English and persuasion skills
- Learn about business and the different aspects of marketing
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