What are Some Career Options in Marketing Research?

Marketing research requires a logical mind and the ability to extract useful information from statistical data. A myriad of career options are available if you make marketing research your career. With a bachelor's degree in marketing or business administration, you could work for retail firms, professional organizations, advertising agencies or even the government.

<h3 id="section---MarketingResearchCareerOverview">Marketing Research Career Overview</h3> <p>In marketing research, professionals collect and analyze information that companies use to make business decisions. To enter the field of marketing research, you should be a logical person who has a strong analytical background and excellent statistical abilities. You'll generally need a college degree, perhaps a Bachelor of Business Administration. Starting from there, you have many career options. </p> <p>Marketing research jobs are found in a variety of business settings, including non-profit organizations, retail companies, manufacturing, professional and trade groups and the government. Advertising agencies and consulting firms also look for people with marketing expertise. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutSomeCareerOptionsInMarketingResearch">Important Facts About Some Career Options in Marketing Research</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> </th><th> Marketing Assistant </th><th> Market Research Analyst </th><th> Marketing Research Manager</th></tr> <tr><td> Median Salary (2023)* </td><td> $40,375 </td><td> $57,064 </td><td> $85,597</td></tr> <tr><td> Required Education </td><td> Associate's degree; but bachelor's degree preferred </td><td> Bachelor's degree </td><td> Bachelor's degree</td></tr> <tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Organization; computer competency; analytical thinking </td><td> Critical and analytical thinking; attention to detail; clear communication </td><td> Leadership; organization; computer competency</td></tr> <tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Administrative assistants; marketing associates; technical writers </td><td> Account managers; project managers; financial analysts </td><td> Project coordinators; management consultants; data analysts</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)**</td><td> 8% decline (secretaries and administrative assistants) </td><td> 19% growth </td><td> 10% growth (marketing managers)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Sources: *PayScale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---CareerOptions">Career Options</h3> <p>In the field of marketing research, you can move up the ropes from entry-level assistant positions to high-level management or director jobs. Below you can find descriptions of what your job duties may involve as you advance through positions in marketing research. </p> <h3 id="section---MarketingAssistantAnalyst">Marketing Assistant Analyst</h3> <p>Marketing researchers often begin their careers as assistant analysts, working alongside experienced market research personnel. They help analyze data or evaluate the performance of marketing campaigns. Assistant analysts get on-the-job training, building on what they learned in college. </p> <h3 id="section---MarketingAnalyst">Marketing Analyst</h3> <p>After gaining experience, you may become a full-fledged marketing analyst. A marketing analyst has more responsibility than an assistant. He or she develops and updates models for profitability and campaign projects. Marketing analysts help the marketing department plan and execute campaigns by gathering and providing pertinent information. </p> <h3 id="section---MarketingResearchProjectManager">Marketing Research Project Manager</h3> <p>Marketing analysts can rise through the ranks of an organization as they gain experience. An advanced degree is helpful to obtaining an advanced position. Staying informed about new developments in statistical analysis and related fields is essential. Project managers and directors develop and run their own research studies. They supervise the work of marketing analysts and assistant analysts.</p>