How to Become a Market Researcher
Overview & Salaries
Recommended Degree:
The right degree for you depends on the industry and company you apply at.
Those looking for an entry position will likely need a bachelors degree in business administration, business analysis, finance or financial analysis. If you are looking to get into a competitive or advance position, then a master’s degree along with internship experience can help you stand out in the hiring process.
Start your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited colleges below that offer programs to help get you started as a market researcher.
How Much Does a Market Researcher Make?
$60,330 (national median salary, to see salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab up top)
Expected Growth from 2012-2020:
+131,500 additional people employed
Specialization Options:
Analysis and management
(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS Social Work page)
The Best Places to Become a Market Researcher
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics market research analysts are employed throughout the economy.
The following industries employ the most market research analysts:
- Professional, scientific, and technical services 29%
- Finance and insurance 11%
- Information 8%
- Wholesale trade 8%
- Management of companies and enterprises 8%
Employment and Information Data for Market Research
Why Become a Market Researcher
If you’re interested in a market research career we have great news for you: Employment of market research analysts is expected to grow an incredible 41% from now until 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Market analysts play an important function in finance. The ability to understand the performance and analysis of financial markets is a key driver in identifying trends and discovering what influences market behavior.
Recommended Courses to Help You Become a Market Researcher
- Elements of Corporate Finance
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Components of an IPO
- Investment Banking Fundamentals
- Fundamentals of Equity Valuation
- Financial Markets, Instruments, and Institutions
- Introduction to Venture Capital
- Debt and Other Financing Sources
- Market Efficiency
- Financial Markets Outside the U.S.
Degree Options for Market Research Careers
Certificate
A certificate program for market research focuses on the basics of data analysis and interpretation. Most programs will teach techniques on how to collect, analyze and interpret industry data. These programs also prepare students to pass the Certified Research Analyst exam.
Bachelor’s Degree
While economics, business and marketing provide good preparation for a career as a market research analysts, there are no undergraduate degree requirements to work in this filed. However, it is highly recommended students tackle a good deal of math and analytics courses such as statistics.
Graduate’s Degree
Because market analyst jobs demand a high degree of expertise many companies and firms look for a post-secondary degree or a Master of Business Administration. Quantitative skills are paramount in this position so many programs highlight mathematics, statistics, sampling theory and survey design and computer science.