Market researcher
Market researcher interviewer
Market researchers interview people to find out what they think about products, services or issues.
Salary range: £14,000 to £24,000
How to become a market researcher
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by a professional body
College
You could do a college course, which may be useful when looking for a job. Courses include:
- Level 1 Certificate in Customer Service
- Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Working in Customer Service
- Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Marketing
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
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Apprenticeship
You could get into this job through an intermediate apprenticeship in marketing.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More information
Direct application
You could apply directly for jobs. Experience in marketing or customer service may give you an advantage. Employers will be more interested in your personality, your enthusiasm and your communication skills.
Other routes
You can do market research courses through The Market Research Society, which may help you get into this job.
More information
Career tips
Experience in sales or marketing could help you get into this career.
Further information
You’ll find more advice about working in market research through The Market Research Society.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- maths knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of English language
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- going up to people in the street, phoning them or visiting them at home
- persuading people to take part in a survey
- asking people questions and possibly video them
- recording people’s answers
- organising the results and passing them to your supervisor
Working environment
You could work from home or in a contact centre.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a supervisor or area fieldwork manager. You could also become a research assistant in a market research agency or social research organisation.