I. Marketing & Opinion Research Industry -- See Part I
Two Basic Types of Research
The Research Process

II. Companies Involved in Marketing and Opinion Research - See Part I

III. How to Enter the Industry

IV. Resources

III. How to Enter the Industry

Consult our classifieds and internship listings for a variety of current jobs/positions that are available to marketing and opinion researchers.

Possible Degrees

• Marketing Research
• Business Administration
• Liberal Arts
• Statistics/Math
• Qualitative Analysis
• Computer Science
• Social Science
• Communications

  Helpful Skills

• Previous business experience (internship)
• Analytical, selling or interpersonal experience
• Experience in design, math and statistics
• Conceptual writing skills
• Attention to detail
• Presentation skills
• Basic computer skills

IV. Resources

MRA Programs and Services

Publications

• Communication Responsibilities During the Data Collection Process
• Field Auditor Guidelines
• Incidence Guidelines
• Glossary of Terms Used in Marketing and Opinion Research
• Recruiting and Facility Management Qualitative Handbook

Public Relations:

• Guidelines and Practices to Promote Respondent Cooperation
• Consumer Education Brochure
• Respondent Thank You Card
• Code of Data Collection Standards
• Best Business Practices

Video Training

• Welcome to the World of Marketing and Opinion Research
• The Professional Interviewer

Other Resources:

• Alert! Newsletter
• The Blue Book Research Directory
• MRA Membership Directory, The Connector
• MRA Web site - Provides links to many marketing and opinion research firms, as well as other organizations and associations.
• Classified Advertising/ Job Openings

Education and Training

Academic: A list of schools offering degrees and certificates is available through MRA’s Web site.

Corporate: There are several companies that offer training programs for the industry.

Associations offer a wide variety of meetings, seminars, conferences and publications that benefit marketing researchers.

Industry Sponsored

• The Principles of Marketing Research - Independent Study Program - Offered through the University of Georgia, 1-800-325-2090. Complete details at www.principlesofmarketingresearch.org.
• The Professional Interviewer - This data collection video training program is offered through MRA. Upon completion of the course and a score of 80% or higher on the test, a certificate of completion is issued. Call 860-257-4008 for further details.
• National Conferences - MRA sponsors two national conferences: the Annual Conference, held in the Spring; and the Fall Education Conference. When you attend these meetings, you will: discover the latest tools and how to apply them to your business; develop skills and expand your knowledge of marketing research; and establish a network of research professionals.
• Chapter Meetings, Seminars and Conferences - Twelve chapters nationwide supplement your national membership and provide education, networking and problem solving at the regional level. They are the foundation for national leadership.