What are the most important skills to develop in your first year of market research?

One skill I learned early in my market research career that I found invaluable was active listening. It's a learned behavior for sure and takes practice. Listen to understand, not to respond. This allows you to formulate the best follow up probes that get you to the true topic of the discussion which is often multi-faceted.

The most important skill i learned in my first year was to read widely, to understand the context of the articles and to read between the lines. Also, to be able to document the relevant information in easily understandable format is equally important

From what I have seen, most market researchers did not set out to work in this great field when they first planned their career. We ended up in research because we possess similar interests and competencies that create a successful market researcher. In my view, this includes perpetual curiosity, analytical and critical thinking, and the ability to collaborate with others (while remaining objective.) My advice then to the first year researcher would be to reflect on what made them interested to become a market researcher, and then find ways to demonstrate these traits to the organization. Ask lots of questions, listen carefully to stakeholders, and then formulate ways to meet their needs. That would be a good first year.

Even more importantly….become a data translator. It’s not just about quant or qual data anymore, it’s about being able to navigate and analyze disparate data sets…with ease. The more comfortable you are working with multiple data sources, the more valuable your skill set.

In my days as Market researcher I found that the analytical skills I had inherited from my Finance academic background and job experience revealed to be of critical importance. If you squeeze or "torture" enough the numbers, they will ultimately tell you the story. From reading very well the numbers, you will understand the customer behaviors if not even the reason for those behaviors

As a 3D Artist and Interior Design Consultant, analytical skills are paramount in my work. I utilize data-driven insights to understand client preferences, market trends, and spatial dynamics. Analyzing architectural blueprints, client feedback, and cultural influences allows me to craft spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. I employ various software tools to interpret spatial dimensions, lighting simulations, and material costs. By honing my analytical skills, I ensure that my designs not only meet artistic standards but also align with practical needs and budgetary constraints.

In addition, market researchers often encounter complex problems and need to come up with creative solutions. Developing strong creativity skills helps in problem-solving and will help you identify the right research methodologies and approaches to address these challenges.

My favorite class at University was “Critical Thinking”- literally the only 8am class I had that I never missed. If you’re just starting out in research then I strongly recommend reading Richard Feynman’s books- the best of which (in my opinion) is The Pleasure of Finding Things Out. Feynman’s work really challenges you to look at this from different angles as data can tell many different stories!

Creativity is at the heart of my work as a 3D Artist and Interior Design Consultant. In the realm of interior design, I constantly explore innovative concepts and design solutions. I blend colors, textures, and spatial arrangements uniquely, transforming spaces into captivating environments. Utilizing cutting-edge software, I bring imaginative ideas to life in three dimensions. Collaborating with clients, I encourage open dialogue, allowing creative ideas to flow freely. By embracing diverse inspirations, experimenting with unconventional design elements, and pushing the boundaries of conventional aesthetics, I ensure each project I undertake is a testament to originality and artistic innovation.

I have long said that the first year will determine if someone will stay and love a research and insights career...or not. Let's face it - this business is not for everyone, and certainly not for the faint of heart. By the end of the first year, one of the most valuable lessons is to appreciate that the plan you have in the morning rarely matches the list of accomplishments at the close of the day. That will be true more days than not, and perhaps even most days. Be intellectually curious. Learn to roll with new thoughts and ideas. Change course as the research requires...and excellence demands. Embrace adaptability and learn to love the excitement of never really knowing what each new day will bring. Enjoy the adaptability ride!

As a new market researcher, the most important skill is simply willingness to have a go and not be fazed by unexpected things that happen during a research project. Putting your hand up and trying will accelerate your learning and growth faster than any training course!

Adaptability also means flexibility. You may be working across 3, 4 or 5 or more different projects at a time. Being able to move across different study types and subjects is paramount to success, particularly on the supply side of the business.

Conflicting ideas often emerge during collaborative projects, demanding tact and understanding. By fostering open dialogue and active listening, I navigate diverse viewpoints, ensuring every stakeholder feels heard and respected. Understanding the nuances of conflicting perspectives allows for innovative compromises. I utilize diplomacy, empathy, and clear communication to uncover root causes and negotiate solutions. Emphasizing a win-win approach, I transform conflicts into opportunities, fostering stronger collaborations and yielding designs that reflect the harmonious integration of diverse ideas and preferences.

Conflict is part of growing. Apart from making sure everyone is heard, and people can freely counter each other. I have navigated it by drawing a line between personal and company related conflicts and then resolving the conflicts under the guardrails of what will work best for the company. Usually gives the most amicable solution

In market research, no matter how big or small your project is, conflicts in ideas and approaches are pretty common. But don't worry, because dealing with these conflicts through teamwork and good listening skills is the secret sauce for successful research. It's all about practice. So, if you start honing these skills early on, you'll become a pro at handling tough situations without missing out on the crucial details. And most importantly, you'll ensure that everyone's opinions and needs are considered, both from within and outside the team. Keep that in mind for a smooth ride in the world of market research!

One of the most critical components to the evolution of my career was to try many different roles across many different verticals. By not pigeonholing myself too early I was able to get a better sense of the types of work I enjoyed (quant! Tech solutions!) and the sectors I was most interested in (entertainment!).

In my experience As the most important capabilities, as a market expert, you must have the ability to understand the information needs of each business, define a market study plan, define the study process, estimate the time required to implement the market study project, and also estimate the time required for it.

It is essential to be able to tie the research, business impact, and recommendation together. To do this, you must understand the business and business need. This goes beyond understanding the research tasks at hand, but what will the research try to solve or provide: insights on new markets, drive customer loyalty, competitive landscape trends, etc. In my opinion, it is essential that you understand the "why" of the work, so get comfortable asking questions! This allows you to better analyze the data and present findings with actionable insights. There will be times when you will be asked for quick insights and fast turnarounds, but skipping the "why" almost always elongates a project. Always take the time to understand the "why".