Marketing Research
Description
Individuals employed in the field of marketing research are involved with providing management with information needed for decision making. Information about consumers, the marketing environment, and the competition are needed to operate effectively in the marketplace today. The marketing researcher may be involved with the decision maker in formulating the problem and identifying the information required by the decision maker for resolving the problem. He/she will generally be involved with designing the research project, including the data collection method(s) to be used and the sample to be taken. Additionally, the market researcher will be concerned with data tabulation, analysis, report preparation, and presentation of findings to management.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities exist within a variety of institutions, manufacturers, retailers, some wholesalers, trade and industry associations, and governmental and other public agencies.
Entry Level Positions
Marketing research entry level positions are commonly found at the assistant market analyst or assistant product analyst level. Because of their technical nature, many entry level positions are targeted for MBA graduates, although prior experience and training may improve an undergraduate's chances.
Requisite Personal Qualities
Strong analytical, methodological, and communications skills are important.