Market researcher: Employers and vacancy sources

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• Senior market researcher: Lisa

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The majority of positions are found in market research agencies or consultancies. These specialist agencies manage and oversee research projects commissioned by a range of organisations, including businesses, advertising and PR agencies, local and central government and charities.

Many of the marketing research agencies are located in and around London and in the South East of England. Agencies range in size from two to several hundred employees offering specialist or general consultancy.

Opportunities also exist client-side within industrial and commercial organisations, such as manufacturing, pharmaceutical and retail companies, as well as in advertising agencies and charities. Roles in these settings may involve coordinating and contracting out the research on behalf of the company or assisting in the development of marketing strategies.

Research institutions and government departments also employ market researchers. For more information on working for local authorities or government departments, see government social research officer.

The AQR Directory and Handbook  and Research Buyers Guide  provide details of market research agencies and consultants, as well as background information on the different sectors.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Association for Qualitative Research (AQR)   
• Ipsos MORI   
• Marketing  
• Marketing Week   
• MRWeb  
• Research Buyers Guide    
• Research Job Finder  
• Royal Statistical Society (RSS)  
• Social Research Association (SRA)   
• Guardian Jobs  
• Job vacancies may also be advertised in some local press.

Recruitment agencies commonly handle vacancies. Specialist agencies often require some experience. Vacancies for graduates may be advertised as research assistants or as graduate trainees.

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and cover letters and interviews.