Chad Needs Some Help…Do You Have Any Ideas?
Like most, I tend to receive hundreds of emails during the course of an average day. Typically I will delete 10-15% very quickly and then read the remaining in order of priority by subject and sender.
I received an email from Patricia, our VP of Finance. Since it is close to the end of the quarter, I gave it a very high priority. Her email was actually from someone who had forwarded his résumé. His name is Chad DuPriest.
Chad got our contact information from CASRO. He is a recent graduate and would like some ideas on how to enter the market research industry. Patricia asked if I would help. Without pause I responded yes and asked her to email Chad and have him call me any day around 6:30 am.
Sure enough the phone rings last week and a very respectful and excited Chad is on the phone. We had a nice 15 minute discussion and thankfully I was able to answer all of his questions—perhaps he is saving all the hard ones for the next time we speak.
Here is a little information about Chad:
- He is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University
- Chad has a BA in Communication and a Minor in Business
- He completed a few courses in Statistics and Marketing
Based on my discussion with Chad, I found he is articulate, has the right attitude and has solid follow-up skills.
I had mentioned that I would help him in his quest to get into the Market Research Industry. So Chad, here are 5 things I think you should do:
- Sign up for Quirks magazine The cost is $70 and well worth the investment.
- Sign up for the WorldOpinion Online e-newsletter. This service is free and market research happenings are delivered daily.
- Spend 15 minutes a day on the MRA site. You need to understand the terminology and company names within the industry.
- Google “Market Research Best Practices” and other related words.
- The last one is a little self-serving, but my hope is that readers of the blog will respond, so read all of the comments on this posting.
I find Chad’s approach to be positive and refreshing. You’ve read my advice.
The question is what advice do you have for him?
October 2nd, 2006 at 9:14 am
Is Chad willing to relocate? If so, I know a few market research people here in Southern California that would at least look at his resume.
He might also contact the American Marketing Association (www.marketingpower.com). AMA is heavily populated by market researchers, so it is not a bad place to hang out. Joining a local chapter of the AMA would also not be a bad idea.
October 2nd, 2006 at 9:23 am
Going back to your blog of a few weeks ago, I would advise Chad to get at least a part time job doing market research interviews. This experience is invaluable as it really teaches you how to write an effective questionnaire and how the business works in general.
He might also consider going back to school, namely to the UTA MSMR program (which could also be done part time)
I’d be happy to chat with Chad too if you’d like to pass his name on to me.
October 2nd, 2006 at 10:21 am
Access newspapers from desired locations and check job postings from 6 months to 24 months ago. These positions are likely to be open again as whoever got the job a year (or so) ago is likely promoted and the jobs filled six months ago may be terminated.
October 2nd, 2006 at 10:24 am
And BTW, a BA is sufficient for entry level market research assistant or librarian at fortune 500 firms but an MA or MBA would be required for market analyst. If he goes to the vendor side (ad or research agencies) then a BA/BS might be sufficient for analyst position…depending on the size of the firm. Oh, and also, take your first job - no matter the title or pay - at the most well known firm you can. It’ll boost your career for decades.
October 2nd, 2006 at 12:00 pm
I agree with Tim about AMA. I have hired more staff from my contacts with the local Chapter then any other source.
Chad, you can also forward your resume to me at christinec@fieldwork.com if you are open to relocation. I can forward this on to our 16 Fieldwork locations to see if anyone is hiring.
Lastly, I have a question…
Is it Market Research or Marketing Research? I was taught it is Marketing Research and want to know this as I see it so often both ways.
Thank you.
October 3rd, 2006 at 1:08 pm
All I can say is…WOW! All of you have given me much to think about! I am sifting through all the advice, gaining lots of knowledge about the industry. It seems that the best approach for me right now is to find a part time job doing marketing research interviews (or something along the same lines) and absorb knowledge daily through the publications suggested here. The AMA seems to be a supported organization that I will be looking into as well. Although the idea of relocating is a common theme here, I prefer to stay in Dallas for the time being.
Thanks for all the comments and suggestions - I welcome any more that can be offered!
-Chad
October 3rd, 2006 at 1:08 pm
Chad -
I would encourage you to set up a blog as a “live resume.” A blog can be used to extend your 30-minute or 60-minute interview.
Use the blog to show prospective employees how you approach various situations, your though process to problem solving, that you know the trends in research are and how to use the latest methodologies, etc.
In addition, since a blog is a website and picked up by search engines you never know who may click in and take a look around.
Here are some resouces: http://www.blogger.com - free
http://www.typepad.com - fee based
http://www.wordpress.com - free
Need an example of a good blog and what to write about? You’re reading one!
Good luck.
October 16th, 2006 at 11:35 am
If he is really serious about the MR field, then he should sign up for the MRII/University of Georgia Online training program in Marketing Research. Cost is about $900 for course and books. Go to http://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/is/mr/index.phtml
This is a very comprehensive program.
October 16th, 2006 at 11:37 am
Is Chad interested in Southern California? If so, have him send me his resume. We are looking for someone right now, we have one or potentially two positions to fill and I would love to hear more about him.
October 16th, 2006 at 1:29 pm
While I did see mention of the GA program, my quick perusal didn’t show much for the full time Master’s programs in our industry. You should look into the following programs:
UTA - MSMR program
GA - MMR program
SIllinois U
Wisconsin.
October 17th, 2006 at 3:49 pm
Here’s another resource: Abbott Wool’s Market Segment Resources http://www.awool.com/
American Demographics has a “Resources” “Careers” section that lists jobs in market research and related industries, that may be of interest to you (also agencies, media, interactive, ethnic, loyalty/CRM) http://adage.com/americandemographics/
Finally, get on the e-mail list or join the local AMA chapter for news, events and networking opportunities.
Good Luck, Aim High!