Market researcher positions are increasingly becoming an important part of all types of organizations, from private consumer corporations to non-profit organizations and government agencies. Businesses utilize a market researcher’s knowledge to develop and sell products and services, and other types of organizations utilize this knowledge to build reputations, develop relationships with individuals and communities, and accumulate donations or volunteers. To get started in this rewarding and interesting field, prospective market researchers have many options for getting an education.
The Role of the Market Researcher
A market researcher must have a diverse set of skills in order to perform the responsibilities of the position and best meet an organization’s needs and goals. From understanding basic business theory and concepts to knowledge of human behavior, organizations looking for market researchers will search for candidates with the backgrounds to best fit their needs.
A market researcher could perform a number of tasks throughout the day. These tasks include investigating and studying consumer behaviors and trends. For this task, professionals need a background in psychology as well as in research and assessment. An understanding of markets will be helpful in this task as well, and skilled researchers should have a solid foundation in forecasting and analysis.
A candidate for a market researcher position could be required to hold everything from a bachelor’s degree in psychology or business administration to a master’s degree in marketing to a doctorate level degree.
Further Reading: What is a Market Researcher?
PHD In Marketing Psychology
A doctorate level degree provides several benefits for future market researchers. The first is the experience a doctoral student will gain in the process of researching and reporting. Students pursuing a Ph.D. in marketing psychology will also complete upper level courses that can be beneficial for gaining the understanding of human behavior and marketing trends required to perform in a position.
Students in a doctorate program for marketing psychology often complete courses in economics and marketing theory. In addition, students in these programs will complete courses in behavioral decision-making, social psychology, quantitative methods, experimental research design, research analysis, and organizational theory.
MBA In Marketing
An MBA in marketing is also an option for prospective market researchers to consider when deciding what level of education to pursue. In this program, students complete more courses geared toward the business side of the field, with coursework in business forecasting, advertising, sales management, and analytics.
Additionally, many of the courses in this graduate program are designed to help students gain knowledge of decisions and preferences of a consumer market. Courses also typically include introduction to marketing research, brand management, customer relationships, consumer behavior, and marketing insights.
Additional Training and Certification
Whether completing a doctoral level program in marketing psychology or a master’s in business administration with a concentration in marketing, graduates might also consider additional certifications to prepare for market researcher positions such as the Professional Researcher Certification. For additional information, visit the Marketing Research Organization website.
Whichever degree and certification path a future market researcher takes, it is likely that there is a position that is best suited to one’s individual knowledge, skill, and education. Organizations have a variety of needs and demand for market researcher candidates from research to business management, and both degrees can help prepare a graduate for the job market.
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