The job profile of a Market Researcher is quite exciting and challenging. It involves understanding various ways of market research and identification of the correct way of researching so as to come up with accurate results that can be effectively used by an organization. It also involves designing of questionnaires keeping in mind the objective of the research and simultaneously making the form so tactful that the responses to the questions asked in the questionnaire are exact and conform to the objective of the research. The market researcher is responsible for conducting interviews to get information both over telephone and in person. Thus the job may require a lot of traveling. Once the research is over, the Market Researcher is supposed to analyze the results of the research and come up with solution that will help the organization better its performance in some way or the other. The market researcher may have to conduct an extensive survey on upcoming trends in the market or the responses regarding a particular advertisement or some decision taken by the company. It can also be in the form of a feedback on a newly launched product by a company. The results of the market research may be used to devise a new marketing plan, coming up with a new product, new branches on strategic locations, and even diversification. Sales plans and product promotions are often based on the reports of the surveys done by Market Researchers. Gathering accurate public opinion on a given topic and interpreting them with perfection is the basic task performed by the incumbent. The job entails writing reports and preparing statistical charts and graphs. The Market Researcher may have to work under immense pressure and should be prepared to meet deadlines.
Anyone who wishes to become a Market Researcher should possess a degree in Market Research to start with. But mostly, Masters or even a Doctorate in the subject is required to gain better insight into this particular field of work. In addition to having a degree in Market Research, one should also have some formal exposure in subjects like Economics, Consumer Behavior, Psychology or Sociology. Often companies look for candidates with a degree in Statistics or Mathematics.
The range of skills that a Market Researcher should possess is large and diverse. He/she should be good in communication skills and be able to understand the subtleties of the language well so as to design questions that extract desired answers from people. Excellent quantitative skills are also a prerequisite to this position. Good knowledge of sampling theory and tactfulness are expected of people who become Market Researchers. Ability to prepare charts and graphs and convince people to answer the questions correctly will obviously be an added advantage. One should be able to analyze human behavior and the implications of their responses.
The job of a Market Researcher requires constantly upgrading the skills of the personnel. He/she may undergo a certificate program offered by the Marketing Research Association. The latest methodology of conducting research should be learned by the incumbent. One should keep abreast of the new techniques in designing questionnaires and other forms. A good insight into the specific area of research can immensely help a researcher.
Experienced candidates are always preferred to the new ones. One can start his training in this field right from his college days. Participating in college projects, working in an office on a voluntary basis as assistants, and mastering the skills during their internship are a great way to boost your job profile.
The career prospects of a Market Researcher are excellent since it is one of the most specialized jobs available in the corporate sector. An expert in the field can expect to be promoted to the position of Marketing Director. Since this is a very specialized job, these professionals are always in demand.
The earnings of a Market Researcher can vary a lot depending on the person's skills and experience. The median salary earned by a professional in this sphere of work is around $49,000.
The position of a Market Researcher is very demanding and well paying. The growth prospects are high. This is one job that is the least stagnating and requires both good insight and creativity. This rare combination makes it a special job and quite different from any other and not at all a commonplace one.
