Tips for New Market Researchers
It’s been a year since I started working at Level 7 and in Market Research, so it’s only right that I now pass on some advice to the next rookie out there. This is the recipe, the secret sauce if you will, to growing not only as an employee but more specifically a market researcher (if you’re into that kind of thing).
Without further ado, here are my top 4 tips for rookie researchers:
1. Double check, then double check again.
I know, it’s tedious and after having stared at the same 200 numbers for the past week your eyes are starting to bleed the data together, but I cannot stress enough the importance of proofing your work. Not only is it crucial to proofread for spelling errors, but also to make sure that the data you’ve inputted to whatever report you created correlates PERFECTLY with the original data.
The absolute LAST thing you want is for clients to find your errors and have it reflect poorly on your company. That’s what the power of double checking is for. After completing a report or deliverable for a client, go back through and check it again, and then again, and then wait a day and look it over AGAIN. Then and only then is it ready to send to a boss/manager for further editing.
A wise boss once told me (I’m paraphrasing), If you can afford to, it’s much better to take extra time to proofread, than to rush to send over an error-ridden deliverable.
2. Find new ways to learn.
This one right here is key. There are always new things to learn and become proficient in, which that will make you more valuable for your company. It’s a win-win.
Step 1: you MUST know Excel and PowerPoint. They will be your best friends and there are a lot of helpful functions to learn in those two applications, so if you’re not already an Excel Rockstar, become one (that’s what the Internet is for).
Step 2: if you haven’t already taken the time to learn SPSS, you might as well stop reading for a brief moment and sign up for an SPSS course (again thanks to the Internet and YouTube you can become a pro in no time).
3. Don’t be afraid to ask.
You don’t know what you don’t know and the only way to know - is to ask. A lot of the industry specific knowledge you’ll gain is from asking questions and learning on the job. Unfortunately, you don’t come out of college already an expert in the field, so it’s probably smart to ask questions at any point of confusion. This serves two purposes: learning about your industry and ensuring that what you’re doing is actually right.
Especially when it comes to crunching numbers, it can’t hurt to ask to make sure you’ve got the proper formulas, and to widen your understanding of the data you’re analyzing.
4. Learn how to take constructive criticism.
Remember how I said you weren’t going to be an expert overnight? Well, remember that. You will be corrected and critiqued. It comes with the rookie territory. If you weren’t given constructive criticism, you would never grow, as it is in any industry. There are probably ten other more sophisticated, advanced ways to convey what your data showed, besides the one you chose, so welcome the red pens and feedback.
Constructive criticism does not equate to a personal attack on your character, I promise. It’s the editor of your document trying to make you better. So, take the feedback, read it and make the correction. When you really take the time to understand the WHY behind the red pen, you can begin to slowly nuance your techniques, and you’ll begin to see fewer and fewer red marks.
There you have it, four tips for new market research rookies (or any industry newbie). Really, all it boils down to is channeling a growth mindset. Find ways to learn and grow in any shape or form. Be inquisitive, and curious, and enjoy the ride. If you open up your mind to find ways to learn in your industry (and life for that matter) the benefits will be twofold: you will be more valuable personally, and for your company.
