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Market Research Analyst

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A market research analyst helps businesses understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price. They design surveys, collect and analyse data, and interpret trends to advise organisations on marketing strategies and business decisions. Their work involves using statistics and data analysis tools to make sense of consumer behaviour, competitor activity, and market trends. Analysts often present their findings in reports and presentations, making communication skills important alongside analytical abilities. It is a role that suits individuals who enjoy working with numbers, are curious about what drives people to buy things, and can communicate insights clearly.

Market Research Analyst

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Market research analysts in the UK typically earn between £23,000 and £45,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Opportunities

There were over 60,000 market research professionals employed in the UK as of 2023, with demand expected to grow in coming years.

Industries

Market research analysts are employed across sectors such as retail, finance, healthcare, and media, with London and Manchester being key hubs.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Consumer Insights Specialist

Focuses on understanding customer behaviour and preferences through surveys, focus groups, and data analysis, helping companies tailor their products and marketing strategies.

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Social Media Research Analyst

Analyses trends and audience engagement across social media platforms to provide insights on brand perception and marketing effectiveness.

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Product Research Coordinator

Conducts detailed research on competing products and customer needs to support the development and improvement of new products.

Build Your Educational Foundation

Complete GCSEs and A-levels

Focus on subjects like Maths, Business Studies, Economics, or Statistics to build analytical and numerical skills.

Having a strong background in Maths and analytical subjects will help you later in your studies and career. Taking A-levels in subjects such as Business Studies, Economics, or Psychology can also provide useful insights into human behaviour and market trends. Aim for good grades to keep your university options open.

Obtain a Relevant Degree

Pursue a university degree in Marketing, Business, Economics, Statistics, or a related field.

Most Market Research Analyst roles require a degree. Courses that involve data analysis, research methods, and consumer behaviour are particularly valuable. Some universities offer specific courses in Market Research or Data Analytics, which can give you a competitive edge. Consider participating in student research projects or societies to gain practical experience.

Gain Practical Experience

Apply for Internships or Placements

Seek out internships or placement years with marketing agencies, research firms, or large companies.

Internships provide hands-on experience and networking opportunities in the world of market research. Many companies offer summer placements for students, which can help you understand how research is conducted in real-world settings. Make sure to highlight any experience you gain on your CV.

Build Technical Skills

Learn to use data analysis software such as Excel, SPSS, or Google Analytics.

Market Research Analysts often use statistical and data visualisation tools to interpret results. There are plenty of free resources and online courses to help you build these skills. Being proficient in these tools will increase your employability and help you hit the ground running in your first role.

Start Your Career and Progress

Apply for Entry-Level Roles

Look for graduate roles such as Research Assistant or Junior Market Research Analyst.

Entry-level positions in agencies, consultancies, or in-house research teams are a great way to start. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences, including your analytical abilities and any research projects you have completed.

Continue Professional Development

Gain further qualifications and experience to advance your career.

After gaining some experience, you may wish to pursue professional qualifications such as those offered by the Market Research Society (MRS). Attending industry events and networking can also help you progress. With experience, you could move into senior analyst roles, project management, or even consultancy.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Market Research Analyst. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

A Market Research Analyst and a Market Research Data Analyst both focus on gathering, analysing, and interpreting data to inform business decisions related to market trends and consumer behaviour. Their roles are closely aligned in terms of required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities involving data analysis and strategic insights.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • a graduate training scheme
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

You'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification that includes data analysis, like:

  • maths and statistics
  • marketing and analytics
  • business and marketing
  • data science

Some market researchers focus on understanding what customers think and feel to give insight into products and services. Relevant degree subjects for this role include psychology, social sciences and sociology.

If you want to specialise in an area like medical or economic market research, you'll find it useful to have a postgraduate master's degree or PhD in statistics or applied statistics.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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College

You may be able to apply for a junior analyst position with a company after doing a T Level in Digital Business Services.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

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Apprenticeship

You may be able to start by doing a Data Analyst Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, or a Social Researcher Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

These can take 2 years to 3 years and 6 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

You could start as a research assistant, and move into statistical work after getting more experience and doing qualifications on the job.

The Market Research Society offers training courses at different levels, depending on your job role and responsibilities.

Other Routes

You could apply for a place on a graduate training scheme with a market research company and start as a junior analyst. You'll need a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification to apply.

You could get a marketing qualification like those offered by The Chartered Institute of Marketing, which often include a market research focus.

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Career tips

Knowledge of social media analytics will be useful.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Royal Statistical Society and The Market Research Society, for professional recognition and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about working in market research from:

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