Market research data analyst

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress into management, or become a self-employed market research consultant.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• analytical thinking skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills
• maths knowledge
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• business management skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Mathematics - Market research data analysts work with statistics every day – calculating averages, spotting trends, testing whether results are statistically significant, and building models to predict consumer behaviour. Strong maths skills are essential for interpreting survey data accurately and presenting findings that clients can trust.
• Computer Science - Market research data analysts use statistical software, write queries, and sometimes build computer models to process and analyse large datasets. Understanding programming concepts and how to work with data structures helps them automate analysis and extract meaningful patterns from complex information.
• Business - Market research data analysts need to understand how businesses operate so they can frame their findings in a way that helps companies make better decisions. They work closely with clients to understand commercial goals, and their analysis often directly shapes marketing strategies and product development.
• Psychology - Market research data analysts study why people buy certain products, how they feel about brands, and what influences their decisions. Understanding psychological concepts like motivation, perception, and cognitive bias helps them design better surveys and interpret what the data really says about consumer behaviour.

Also relevant

• Economics - Market research data analysts often analyse how market conditions, pricing, and competition affect consumer choices. Understanding economic concepts like supply and demand, market structures, and consumer theory helps them put their findings into a broader context.
• English Language - Market research data analysts write proposals, produce detailed reports, and present complex findings to clients who may not have a statistical background. Being able to communicate clearly and persuasively – both in writing and in presentations – is crucial for making sure their analysis actually gets used.
• Sociology - Market research data analysts often study how different social groups behave, looking at patterns across age, income, location, and culture. Understanding sociological research methods and how society is structured helps them design surveys that capture meaningful differences between groups.
• Geography - Market research data analysts frequently analyse data by region, mapping where demand is strongest or how consumer preferences vary across different areas. Understanding demographic patterns and how to interpret spatial data helps them advise clients on where to focus their efforts.