Market research data analyst Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

As a market research analyst, it would be your job to analyse statistics that have been collected through market research surveys. This could be consumer, industrial or social and political research commissioned by all types of client in industry, business and government.

Your work would involve:

• writing proposals describing how you will carry out the research
• advising researchers about survey methodology and design
• checking that the data that has been collected
• analysing the data using statistical software programmes and techniques
• presenting the findings through talks, written reports, graphs and tables
• explaining the results to research executives (who may not have specialist mathematical or statistical knowledge)
• helping research executives present the findings in a way that the client can understand and use.

Job titles can vary, for example you might be known as a data analyst, statistician or insight professional.

Hours

You would typically work standard office hours, Monday to Friday, with occasional overtime if necessary to meet project deadlines.

The work is mainly office-based, but you may sometimes travel to visit clients.

Income

Graduate starting salaries are around £22,000 a year. With experience, earnings can rise to between £25,000 and £35,000. Salaries for senior posts can range from £40,000 to £55,000.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You will need a degree in statistics or a related subject that involves statistics, such as maths, business studies or economics. The most useful courses focus on the practical applications of statistics.

To get onto a statistics degree you will usually need at least five GCSEs (A-C) plus three A levels including a good grade in maths, or equivalent qualifications. You should contact universities to find out about their exact entry requirements.

Many market research data analysts also have a Masters degree (MSc) or PhD in statistics or applied statistics. You may find it particularly useful to take an MSc if you want to specialise in an area like medical or social science statistics.

See the Education and Qualifications section of the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) website for a list of degrees and Masters degrees that they accredit.

You will find it useful to have work experience in research, advertising, data analysis, or as a market research interviewer.

When looking for your first graduate job, you could start as a junior statistician/analyst, perhaps on a structured graduate training scheme offered by some of the larger companies. Alternatively you could start as a research assistant, and move into statistical work after gaining more experience.

Training and development

You will mainly develop your skills on the job, and your employer may also give you the chance to attend training courses from outside organisations throughout your career.

Your training may include the chance to gain qualifications from the Market Research Society (MRS), such as:

• Advanced Certificate in Market and Social Research Practice – for researchers at the beginning of their careers
• Diploma in Market and Social Research Practice – for experienced researchers.

You can study for the Advanced Certificate full-time or part-time at some universities or training centres, or by distance learning. The Diploma is available part-time or by distance learning. See the MRS website for information.

You could also attend specialist short courses from other organisations such as:

• the Social Research Association (SRA) – offers one-day courses in various research methods
• the Association for Qualitative Research (AQR) – offers a three-day foundation course for people new to qualitative research.

After at least five years' experience as a market research analyst, you can become a Chartered Statistician (CStat) with the Royal Statistical Society. The RSS also provides a programme of professional development for members. Contact the RSS or see their website for details.

Skills and knowledge

To be a market research data analyst you should have:

• excellent mathematical and computer skills
• the ability to analyse and interpret statistics
• good spoken and written communication skills
• creative problem-solving skills
• accuracy and attention to detail
• good organisational and time-management skills
• the ability to work well under pressure.

More information

Market Research Society (MRS)
15 Northburgh Street
London
EC1V 0JR
Tel: 020 7490 4911
www.mrs.org.uk

Royal Statistical Society (RSS)
12 Errol Street
London
EC1Y 8LX
Tel: 020 7638 8998
www.rss.org.uk

Social Research Association
175-185 Gray’s Inn Road
London
WC1X 8UP
Tel: 020 7812 0634
www.the-sra.org.uk

Association for Qualitative Research (AQR)
Davey House
31 St Neots Road
Eaton Ford
St Neots
Cambridgeshire
PE19 7BA
Tel: 01480 407227
www.aqr.org.uk

Opportunities

You could work for market research agencies and consultancies, or in a company's in-house market research department. You could also find opportunities with social research bodies or the Office of National Statistics.

• Office for National Statistics

Jobs may be advertised in the national and industry press, and through the RSS, specialist recruitment agencies and graduate recruitment websites.

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

You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and further reading (links open in new window):

• Research
• Market Research World
• MR Web
• Datatech
• The Supply Curve
• Social Research Association
• Marketing
• Marketing Week