London Market Research Jobs
A large number of London employers rely on market researchers to further their aims and the field has turned into a big-money industry over recent years
Generally speaking, day-to-day responsibilities of a market research job include drawing-up research plans, meeting with clients, carrying out interviews or surveys and analysing data in an effort to identify any potential patterns or trends.
Professional and Academic Requirements
Strictly speaking, there are no minimum academic requirements for embarking on a career in market research. That said, most employers, particularly at London's biggest and most-prestigious market research companies, will ask for a degree or at least some significant experience in a similar line of work.
Graduates with demonstrably strong numerical skills - with a maths, economics or IT degree for example - are at an advantage, as are those with backgrounds in psychology and sociology.
Once in the field, market research professionals are able to boost their career prospects by taking a range of short courses and qualifications.
These include programmes run by the Chartered Institute of Marketing and the Market Research Society, and employers are often willing to pay for any fees for talented and ambitious workers and offer on-the-job support to complement classroom learning.
Personal Attributes
A good market research professional will be required to have excellent numeracy skills, with the gathering and analysis of often-complex data a key part of the job.
Alongside this, the line of work calls for good interpersonal skills so as to carry out interviews and surveys and the ability to work effectively as part of a team yet also independently on one's own initiative.
All employers will also value a keen sense of creativity and the ability to come up with new research projects and parameters rather than simply carrying out designated tasks.
Potential Rewards
Since most positions are offered only to graduates, market research jobs in London pay relatively well, with newcomers to the field likely to land a starting salary in excess of £20,000.
Over time and with experience and extra qualifications, this can rise steadily, with the best market researchers enjoying pay levels on a par with other advertising industry high-flyers.
Alongside the pay package, jobs in market research give numerically literate individuals the chance to put their skills to the test on a daily basis, while the fact that most posts are offered in large companies means that a range of additional benefits, for example free gym membership and attractive pension schemes, are also likely.
Possible Drawbacks
Market research is largely a desk-bound, nine-to-five role and, though the projects may vary, working conditions tend not to.
One other possible drawback is that research projects are usually carried out to strict deadlines, meaning the work can at times be stressful.
Biggest Employers
All sorts of businesses want skilled market research professionals to track how well their product or service is being received by consumers.
These include advertisers such as Clear Channel or JCDeaux who employ maths or psychology graduates to better-target their campaigns, retailers such as the Arcadia Group who are keen to assess the impact of their products, as well as charities and manufacturers.
Additionally, the Government Statistical Service also employs market research personnel to collect and analyse data on a wide range of issues.
