Market research statisticians, sometimes called data analysts, analyse data that has been collected through market research surveys. This could be consumer, industrial or social and political research commissioned by all types of clients in industry, business and government.

Their work involves:

• writing proposals describing how the research will be carried out
• advising researchers about survey methodology and design
• checking the data that has been collected
• analysing the data using various statistical software programmes and techniques
• presenting the findings in various ways such as talks, written reports, graphs and tables
• explaining the results to research executives, who may have little mathematical or statistical knowledge
• helping research executives present the findings in a way that the client can understand and use.

Please also see the Market Research Executive profile for more details of that role.

Hours and Environment

Market research statisticians usually work basic hours of Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, but they may often need to work longer hours to meet deadlines for projects and campaigns.

The work is mainly office-based but they may sometimes travel to visit clients.

Skills and Interests

To be a market research statistician you should:

• have excellent mathematical and computer skills
• be able to analyse and interpret statistical data
• have good spoken and written communication skills
• be able to solve problems in a creative way
• pay attention to detail
• be well-organised and able to manage your workload to meet deadlines
• work well under pressure.

Entry

You will usually need a degree in statistics, or a related subject that involves a large amount of statistics, such as mathematics, business, management or economics. The most useful courses focus on the practical applications of statistics.

To enter a statistics degree you will usually need three A levels/three to four H grades including maths, plus at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) or equivalent qualifications. Other qualifications may be accepted - contact colleges or universities about exact entry requirements.

Many market research statisticians also have a Master’s degree (MSc) or PhD in statistics or applied statistics. You may find it useful to take an MSc if your degree is not closely related to statistics, or if you want to specialise in an area such as medical or social science statistics.

Please see the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) website for a list of accredited degrees and Master’s degrees.

You will find it useful to have work experience in research, advertising, data analysis or as a market research interviewer.

You may be able to start as a research assistant and move into statistical work after gaining more experience. Some larger companies may offer structured graduate training schemes for new starters.

Training

You will be trained on the job by your employer, possibly through a structured graduate training scheme.

You can also work towards qualifications from the Market Research Society (MRS):

• Advanced Certificate in Market and Social Research Practice – for researchers at the beginning of their careers
• Diploma in Market and Social Research Practice (replaces the former Diploma of the Market Research Society from 2007) – for experienced researchers.

You can study for the Advanced Certificate full- or part-time at certain universities or training centres, or by distance learning. The Diploma is available part-time or by distance learning. See the MRS website for information.

You may also attend specialist short courses from organisations such as:

• the Social Research Association (SRA) – offers a range of one-day courses in various research methods
• the Association for Qualitative Research (AQR) - offers a five-day foundation course for people entering qualitative research.

After at least five years' experience as a market research statistician, you can become professionally certified as a Chartered Statistician (CStat) with the Royal Statistical Society. The RSS also provides a Continuing Professional Development programme for members. Contact the RSS or see their website for details.

Opportunities

Market research statisticians can work in:

• market research agencies and consultancies
• in-house market research departments in industrial or commercial companies
• government or social research bodies (the Government Statistical Service is a major employer – see their website for recruitment information).

Jobs are mainly advertised on graduate recruitment websites, in the MRS magazine, 'Research', through the RSS, and through specialist recruitment agencies.

Many market research firms are to be based in London and the south-east.

Statisticians could progress into managerial jobs, which will often still involve quite a lot of hands-on statistics work. Experienced statisticians could also become self-employed consultants.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Graduate salaries start at around £20,000 a year.
Salaries for senior posts can range from £40,000 to £55,000 a year.

Further information

175-185 Gray’s Inn Road
London
WC1X 8UP
Tel: 020 7812 0634 12 Errol Street
London
EC1Y 8LX
Tel: 020 7638 8998 15 Northburgh Street
London
EC1V 0JR
Tel: 020 7490 4911 Davey House
31 St Neots Road
Eaton Ford
St Neots
Cambridgeshire
PE19 7BA
Tel: 01480 407227