Market Researcher
Comprehensive Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Market and Survey ResearchersEverything from the nature of the job as a market researcher to employment projections and earnings can be found at this page, which was created to provide comprehensive career information, from the U.S. Department of Labor. For the latest wage data, you can access the occupational employment statistics link, which provides national estimates for hourly and annual wage, as well as information on industries with the highest level of employment and income as a market research professional.
Market Research PortalThis all in one resource offers information on getting into the field of market research, as well as a variety of tools to help with a possible career. You will find news in the field, a question and answer forum, market research findings, and tools for conducting market research. Newsfeeds and a range of articles just for students are provided, as well as other major market research career directories.
Princeton Review: Market ResearcherIf you are interested in learning about a day in the life of a market research professional, this site will give you a good overview of the profession and opportunities available. You can also access related pages on what you can expect in terms of income, majors that you might consider in college, or find the career search tool to look for jobs that are available in your area.
Occupational Titles
Market Researcher
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Assistant
Accredited Academic Programs
Princeton Review: Market Researcher, College MajorsIf you are interested in becoming a market researcher, you may want to take a look at this list of possible college majors, including marketing, advertising, and economics. Click on whatever choices interest you to be taken to a comprehensive listing of colleges across the nation offering these majors. Then click on the college contact or web site you would like to access to find out more about a particular academic program.
Salary Levels
PayScale.com: Market Research AnalystThe median hourly rate for a market research analyst according to years of experience is displayed at this chart of PayScale, which also offers you the opportunity to see what a market research analyst may be worth in different parts of the country or according to what kind of organization you might be working in. What makes this site especially interesting, is that salary charts can be viewed depending on your gender, industry, and subject studied in school.
Professional Organizations
American Marketing AssociationThe American marketing association is foremost in the field and offers visitors to this site access to important publications, career and professional development opportunities, and a section specifically for networking, including college chapters. The organization sponsors feature webcasts from this page on new market research approaches.
Marketing Research AssociationThe Marketing Research Association offers education on demand, certification opportunities, and online education center, and media updates from this site. A student membership in the organization is available to college students and entitles you to members-only access and discounts on publications, classified listings, web, and learning seminars. A research distance learning course is also available to students at low cost, as well as a student-focuses newsletter.
Job Opportunity Sources
American Marketing Association: Careers for Undergraduate and Graduate StudentsThis link of the American Marketing Association brings you a collection of online resources for locating career opportunities. If you want to plan your next career move, this may be a good starting place since it includes webcasts on marketing careers, online job seeking, and several links for optimizing your resume and other tools to get a job in the field.
Market Research JobsFrom a supersite on market research, this career portal lets you post your resume, search for the ideal job, and even receive daily announcements of current opportunities. Just follow the free and easy registration process to begin job hunting, or simply explore what is out there.
Licensing & Certification
PRC LicensingEstablished by the Marketing Research Association, the Professional Researcher Certification (PRC) licensing is discussed at this page, including its advantages, answers to frequently asked questions about licensure, and a list of job categories that are entitled to go for PRC certification.
Online Forums & Blogs
Council of American Survey Research OrganizationsAfter a free registration, you have access to a discussion board sponsored by an organization that promotes high standards in the field of market research. Simply enter your user name, e-mail, and password to begin connecting with others interested in market research.
Indeed.com: Market Research Analyst ForumThis forum offers an opportunity for discussion and networking about careers in market research, including boards dedicated to interview preparation, as well as just starting out in the field.
Career Videos
American Marketing Association: WebcastsA complimentary collection of webcasts is available here, where you can view titles by category or search by keyword. After a brief registration, you can instantly access videos about branding and advertising, direct marketing, internet marketing, best practice market research, and strategic market research at this site of on-demand videos.
CollegeGrad.com: Market Research AnalystsThe jobs of market research analysts, including analysis of potential sales and assessment of consumer preferences, are presented at this site. The main job responsibilities of data collection and analysis are explained, as well as the best college background and potential graduate work.