Market research data analyst

Entry Requirements:

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 give insight into products and services. Relevant degree subjects for this role include psychology, social sciences and 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:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

College

You may be able to apply for a junior analyst position with a company after doing a T Level in Digital Business Services.

Entry requirements:

• 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 start by doing a Data Analyst Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, or a Social Researcher Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

These can take 2 years to 3 years and 6 months to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 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.

OtherRoutes

You could apply for a place on a graduate training scheme with a market research company and start as a junior analyst. You'll need a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification to apply.

You could get a marketing qualification like those offered by The Chartered Institute of Marketing , which often include a market research focus.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• 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
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• business management skills
• persistence and determination
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to read English
• the ability to sell products and services
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• active listening skills
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Market research data analysts study statistics and information collected through surveys.

In your day-to-day duties you may:

• speak to clients to understand their needs
• write proposals, describing how research will be carried out
• manage relationships with clients
• advise researchers about survey methods and design
• project-manage teams
• check the quality of the data collected
• analyse the data using statistical software programs and computer models
• present results in a useful way, through talks, written reports, graphs and tables
• explain findings to market research executives

Location : You could work in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £60,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings occasionally

Career Path:

With experience, you could progress into management, or become a self-employed market research consultant.