User researcher

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• applying directly
• a graduate training scheme

University

You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• psychology
• human computer interaction (HCI)
• digital marketing
• product design
• graphic design

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Volunteering

You can volunteer at user research sessions to get some experience. This will be useful, especially if you do not have a degree.

You can also get involved in the online user experience (UX) community and find a mentor to help you.

DirectApplication

You can apply directly to user research or digital design companies, or go through a specialist agency.

To apply, you'll need experience in:

• user-centred design practices
• running user research sessions in person and online
• different user research methods
• presenting user research findings in different formats

OtherRoutes

You could apply for a place on a user research or marketing company's graduate training scheme if you have a degree, for example in digital marketing or product design.

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of English language
• maths knowledge
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• excellent written communication skills
• customer service skills
• business management skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of sociology and anthropology for understanding society and culture
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• complex problem-solving skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

User researchers collect, analyse and test data to design websites, software and applications based on user needs.

On a daily basis you could:

• plan and design user research testing sessions
• recruit users for testing sessions and carry out research
• get an understanding of users' needs, motivations and any problems with a service or product
• use research results to identify new product and design ideas
• work as part of a large product development team
• help colleagues understand user behaviours
• present user insights to project stakeholders at all levels

Location : You could work in an office, at a client's business or from home.

Salary:

Starter : £24,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings occasionally

Career Path:

With experience you could move into a management role and supervise a team of user researchers. You could also work on larger, more complicated projects as a head of user experience or research.

You could become a business analyst, or product or service designer.