Question

Topic: Career/Training

Breaking Into The Market Research Industry

Posted by Anonymous on 9/3/2009 at 2:48 AM ET 125 Points
Hello,

I am interested in entering the field of market/consumer research but am not sure what route to take. I currently work in an education research agency, but only in their contracts department. I've found an online program offering a Masters in Education, where part of the program requires 5 electives--I can take these from any grad courses--thus, I was thinking of taking: consumer behavior, brand management, market research, managerial statistics, and perhaps one more market related course. But I'm not sure this will help get me into the market research industry. Surely I could go the psychology route, or MBA (which I doubt I would be accepted due to GPA/lack of business/managerial experience), also, don't want to go for MBA because I want a quicker route--MBA could take five years if I do it part time. There are a number of market research certificates offered at different schools, etc, but without experience in industry, don't want to end up spinning my wheels/wasting time. i would pursure education research, especially given that I work in this field, but it doesn't quite inspire like consumer research--and i know I would be good at in this field. I also sent a letter to a managing partner at a research firm in my area, in the hope that she could offer advice--she actually has a Masters in Education, which is what intrigued me about her and motivated me to write her...I'm still waiting on how that pans out. I have about twelve books on the subject, from branding, to consumer behavior, to even market research do it yourself! It's all very interesting/exciting, I just don't know how to break into the industry. Also, being that the market has taken such a nose dive, i have that against me to, what with my lack of any marketing research experience. Any help or guidance would greatly be appreciated! Thanks so much!
Ryan
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RESPONSES

  • Posted on 9/3/2009 at 9:45 AM Accepted
    Hi Ryan -

    As someone who has worked in the market research industry, it is always exciting to see someone who is interested in it, particularly someone with as much enthusiasm as yourself. In the interest of full disclosure, I do have an MBA, so my perspective is probably biased, but I feel it helped me gain entry into certain aspects of the research industry (the quantitative side). In fact, it was in business school that I learned I wanted to pursue market research as a career.

    I would suggest that education aside, get as much experience as you can and network with others. In your current job, see if you can volunteer some of your time to work with the research department - although it's not consumer research, it will give you some exposure to research techniques and methodologies. Look into your local AMA chapter - get involved and network with others. Conduct some informational interviews with people in the field - it is a broad industry, and there are different aspects which may interest you.

    Hope this helps!
  • Posted on 9/3/2009 at 3:36 PM Author
    Thanks so much to both of you, Joy and Andy! Your information helps and I appreciate the quick response time. I had also looked at a website called S.C.O.R.E, which offers similar occupational forum advice, but this site seems more relevant for my interests.

    Joy, I'm very close to a decision in terms of what educational route to take, and will definitely look into volunteering in both my own company's research. I've found an AMA chapter here in San Francisco which has volunteer opportunities and will contact them--thank you!

    Andy, I would love the opportunity to get in touch with your research contacts, that would really help out since it's hard to know what direction to go in. I will send you an email.

    Thanks again for your responses!

    Best,

    Ryan
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