Overview
Market research is the analytical process of gathering, logging, and interpreting customer, competitor, and market data to help businesses identify, communicate, and trade with their key audiences. It enables organisations to understand customer requirements, behaviours, and buying habits, which is crucial for making informed business decisions. For this reason, a market research graduate career is highly sought after.
Market research is divided into two primary techniques:
- Qualitative research – Focuses on small groups to explore opinions, subconscious motivations, and consumer psychology.
- Quantitative research – Uses large datasets to generate statistically analysed insights about consumer behaviour and market trends.
The UK market research sector has seen steady and consistent growth, driven by technological advancements and innovative data collection methods. The rise of online data collection, behavioural analysis, business intelligence, and predictive analytics has expanded graduate opportunities in this field. Companies are increasingly looking for faster and cost-effective ways to deliver results, creating exciting new roles for analytical and creative graduates.
Average Manufacturing Graduate Salary
Manufacturing Graduate Career Path
A career in market research typically follows a well-structured progression path. Graduates start as Research Executives and can move up to Senior Research Executive within three years. From there, management responsibilities can come quickly, leading to roles such as Research Manager, Account Director, or Head of Insights.
Market research provides graduates with the unique opportunity to combine analytical abilities with communication skills. The sector attracts individuals interested in data-driven decision-making, consultancy, and consumer behaviour. Common Job Roles in Market Research:
- Research Executive – Assists in data collection, survey design, and report generation.
- Senior Research Executive – Takes on more client-facing responsibilities and oversees project analysis.
- Research Manager – Manages research projects, leads teams, and interacts directly with clients.
- Market Intelligence Analyst – Uses data analytics to identify market trends and customer insights.
- Consumer Insight Specialist – Focuses on interpreting customer behaviour to improve business strategies.
- Data Analyst – Works with large datasets, using statistical tools to uncover patterns and trends.
- Brand Strategist – Utilises research insights to develop brand positioning and marketing strategies.
Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research Careers:
The career requirements differ based on whether you specialise in quantitative or qualitative research:
Quantitative Research:
- Focuses on data analysis and numerical insights.
- Graduates must be comfortable working with large datasets, statistics, and analytics.
- Commonly pursued by those with business, economics, mathematics, or statistics backgrounds.
- Employers look for candidates who can interpret data and translate it into business strategies.
Qualitative Research:
- Involves face-to-face interactions, focus groups, and in-depth consumer studies.
- Requires strong people skills, psychological insight, and analytical thinking.
- Often suited to graduates in psychology, sociology, anthropology, or social sciences.
- Strong writing ability and a deep understanding of behavioural trends are highly valued.
Market research is also expanding beyond its traditional boundaries to include behavioural economics, AI-driven analytics, and real-time consumer tracking, creating exciting new career opportunities for graduates.
Qualifications and Skills Needed
What proportion of candidates as a percent we place into Manufacturing graduate careers and the typical qualities graduate employers look for.
GRB Placements for Manufacturing by Degree
Typical Candidate Attributes
A degree is not always essential, but most market research firms prefer graduates from analytical or business-related backgrounds. Key Skills for a Career in Market Research:
- Strong analytical and numerical skills – Ability to interpret complex datasets and identify trends.
- Excellent written and verbal communication – Ability to present research findings clearly.
- Attention to detail & accuracy – Essential for ensuring data integrity and meaningful insights.
- Problem-solving & critical thinking – Ability to analyse consumer behaviours and market trends.
- Interpersonal & teamwork skills – Engaging with clients, conducting interviews, and leading focus groups.
- Business awareness – Understanding how market research impacts commercial decisions.
- Creativity & strategic thinking – Ability to generate insights that influence business growth.
- IT literacy – Proficiency in Excel, SPSS, SQL, Python, R, and data visualisation tools is an advantage.
Best Degrees for a Career in Market Research:
For quantitative research, the following degrees are highly valued:
- Business/Management
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
For qualitative research, degrees in these fields are beneficial:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Social Sciences
- Geography
Having relevant coursework or internships in research methodologies, statistics, or data analysis will improve your chances of securing a graduate role.
Application & Recruitment Process
Manufacturing companies hire graduates through structured schemes and direct applications for specialist roles. Many large firms recruit up to a year in advance, so early applications are recommended. Typical Application Process:
Online Application & CV Submission – Tailor your CV to highlight technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and relevant work experience.
Aptitude & Technical Tests – Numerical reasoning, mechanical reasoning, and problem-solving assessments may be included.
Video/Telephone Interview – Focus on your interest in manufacturing, technical knowledge, and problem-solving approach.
Assessment Centre – Includes group exercises, case studies, and practical problem-solving tasks.
Final Interview – May involve meeting senior managers or technical specialists to discuss career aspirations and industry knowledge.
Key Tips for Success:
- Research the company – Understand its products, supply chain, and technological innovations.
- Showcase relevant skills – Highlight engineering, project management, or analytical experience.
- Demonstrate problem-solving ability – Be prepared to discuss real-world examples of overcoming challenges in technical or operational settings.
- Be open to different locations – Many manufacturing plants are located in industrial hubs rather than city centres.
Is a Career in Manufacturing Right for You?
Manufacturing is a fast-paced, innovative, and evolving industry that requires individuals with strong problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and business acumen. It offers diverse career opportunities, from hands-on engineering roles to management, R&D, and logistics. A manufacturing graduate career could be the perfect fit if you:
- Enjoy solving technical challenges and improving processes.
- Are detail-oriented and thrive in structured, process-driven environments.
- Have an interest in engineering, design, production, or supply chain management.
- Want to work in a dynamic industry with opportunities for global exposure.
- Are excited by innovation, automation, and the future of smart manufacturing.
With its strong job prospects, competitive salaries, and opportunities for progression, the manufacturing sector remains an attractive career choice for graduates seeking stability, challenge, and career growth.
Application & Recruitment Process
Market research firms hire graduates through structured graduate schemes, direct applications, and internships. Large firms recruit well in advance, so early applications are recommended. Typical Application Process:
- Online Application & CV Submission – Highlight relevant research projects, analytical skills, and business awareness.
- Psychometric & Numerical Reasoning Tests – Often required for quantitative research roles.
- Video or Telephone Interview – Focuses on communication skills, critical thinking, and research knowledge.
- Assessment Centre – Includes group exercises, case studies, and data interpretation tasks.
- Final Interview – Involves presenting a research case study or discussing a real-world business problem.
Key Tips for Success:
- Research the company – Understand its clients, research methods, and industry specialisms.
- Showcase problem-solving skills – Be prepared to analyse data and present actionable insights.
- Highlight transferable skills – Employers value critical thinking, commercial awareness, and attention to detail.
- Prepare for technical questions – You may be asked about data analysis tools or market research methodologies.
Is a Career in Market Research Right for You?
A market research graduate career offers a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment. The sector is ideal for individuals who enjoy analysing data, understanding consumer behaviour, and influencing business decisions. This career may be a great fit if you:
- Have a strong interest in analytics, psychology, or business strategy.
- Enjoy interpreting complex data and finding meaningful patterns.
- Possess strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Thrive in a fast-paced environment where insights drive key business decisions.
- Are interested in consumer trends, brand development, and market intelligence.
With competitive salaries, clear career progression, and opportunities to work with top global brands, market research remains an exciting and rewarding career choice for graduates.
Sources for Further Information
The Society of Chemical Industry www.soci.org
Society of Manufacturing Engineers www.sme.org
British Institute of Regulatory Affairs www.bira.org.uk
Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining www.iom3.org