Market research data analyst
Market research data analysts study information and statistics collected through surveys.
Also known as: Data analyst, research analyst, market intelligence analyst, statistician, data insight professional
- Starter salary£24,000 a year
- Experienced£50,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 39 a week
What you'll do
As a market research data analyst, you could:
- speak to clients to understand their needs
- write proposals, describing how research will be carried out
- manage relationships with clients and project manage teams
- advise researchers about survey methods and design
- check the quality of the data collected
- analyse data using statistical software and computer models
- present results through talks, written reports, graphs and tables
- explain findings to organisation and company executives
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- customer service skills
- maths knowledge
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- business management skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a market research data analyst
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- a graduate training scheme
- specialist courses run by professional bodies
University
You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification that includes data analysis, like:
- maths and statistics
- marketing and analytics
- business and marketing
- data science
Some market researchers focus on understanding what customers think and feel to get insights into products and services. Relevant degree subjects for this role include:
- psychology
- social sciences
- sociology
If you want to specialise in an area like medical or economic market research, you'll find it useful to have a postgraduate master's degree or PhD in statistics or applied statistics.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
College
You could take a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need to get a job as a data assistant or data officer. Courses include:
- data analytics
- maths and statistics
- T Level in Digital Data Analytics
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You may be able to apply for a place on an apprenticeship, such as:
- Data Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Market Research Executive Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Data Analyst Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Social Researcher Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
These can take around 2 to 4 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You could start as a research assistant and move into statistical work after getting more experience and doing qualifications on the job.
The Market Research Society offers training courses at different levels, depending on your job role and responsibilities.
Other routes
You could get a marketing qualification like those offered by The Chartered Institute of Marketing , which often include a market research focus.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could progress into management, or become a self-employed market research consultant.
You could also work on the development of artificial intelligence software in the collection and analysis of data.
Career tips
A knowledge of social media and website analytics will be useful.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Royal Statistical Society and The Market Research Society , for professional recognition and training opportunities.
Guides for this industry
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