Know-How Exchange : Career/Training

It is not essential to have an MBA to become a market researcher. You just need to learn the skills that market researchers need to do their jobs.

MBA programs often don't teach these skills directly, either. Most market researchers learn the skills from a mentor at a company that specializes in market research.

There are many kinds of market research too. You would probably want to become familiar with most or all of them, and then hone in on one or two where you can really focus your attention.

Of course, all of this is dependent on what it is you want to do with your career long-term.

I also agree that an MBA is not a requirement.

But when a company hires someone from outside to do market research, they likely would look for someone who has education or experience in market research. The education doe snot need to be an MBA (likely a BS in marketing or marketing research would be enough - perhaps even an adult education certificate in marketing research).

The requirements can sometimes be less should you be transferring inside the company you currently are at. If perhaps you can start adding a marketing research component to your job, you may be able to grow into a full time marketing research position at the company.