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
The following Level 2 intermediate and Level 3 advanced apprenticeships are relevant to this role:
- Level 2 Customer service practitioner
- Level 3 Customer service specialist
- Level 3 Marketing assistant
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Volunteering
Charities often recruit volunteers to help with market research activities. This could give you valuable experience for job applications. You can find opportunities on sites like Do It.
Direct Application
You could apply directly for jobs. Experience in marketing, call centre operations or customer service may give you an advantage. Employers will be 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.
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Career tips
Experience in sales or marketing could help you get into this career. For some roles it may be an advantage to be able to drive.
Further information
You'll find more advice about working in market research through The Market Research Society.