MARKET RESEARCH & SURVEY DESIGN(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

About MARKET RESEARCH AND SURVEY DESIGN

Marketing research personnel collect, analyze, and interpret data to determine potential sales of a product or service. They prepare reports and make recommendations. They research available printed data and accumulate new data through personal interviews and questionnaires. Occupations within this field include: statistical analyst, media analyst, field supervisor, promotion manager, advertising manager, field representative, sales representative, circulation manager.

Market Researchers provide a company's management with information needed to make decisions on the promotion, distribution, design, and pricing of products or services. The information may also be used to determine the advisability of adding new lines of merchandise, opening new branches, or otherwise diversifying the company's operations. Market research analysts might also develop advertising brochures and commercials, sales plans, and product promotions such as rebates and giveaways.

Survey researchers design and conduct surveys for a variety of clients such as corporations, government agencies, political candidates, and service providers. They use surveys to collect information that is used for research, making fiscal or policy decisions, measuring policy effectiveness, and improving customer satisfaction. Analysts may conduct opinion research to determine public attitudes on various issues, which may help political or business leaders and others assess public support for their electoral prospects or social policies. Like market research analysts, survey researchers may use a variety of mediums to conduct surveys, such as the Internet, personal or telephone interviews, or mail questionnaires. They also may supervise interviewers who conduct surveys in person or over the telephone.

Survey researchers design surveys in many different formats, depending upon the scope of research and method of collection. Interview surveys, for example, are common because they can increase survey participation rates. Survey researchers may consult with economists, statisticians, market research analysts, or other data users in order to design surveys. They also may present survey results to clients.


Occupation Highlights:

• Strong demand is expected for market and survey researchers.
• A master's degree is the minimum requirement for many private sector jobs.
• Quantitative skills are critical.
• In addition to courses in business, marketing, and consumer behavior, prospective market and survey researchers should take other liberal arts and social science courses, including economics, psychology, English, and sociology.
  
  

Earnings (Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook)