On behalf of everyone at Advantage Research, congratulations to all the graduates in the class of 2023!
Our staff at Advantage has over 90 years of combined experience, so we thought we could offer a few tips for any graduates who are starting a career in market research. A few things to keep in mind as you navigate the post-graduation phase to make the most of your transition into the professional world:
The Value of Mentors. Find people who can guide you and provide valuable insights based on their experiences. Their guidance can help you make informed decisions and navigate career challenges. This should include both fellow market researchers and people in other disciplines—they all have something to offer!
School Never Really Ends. Learning doesn't stop after graduation! The market research field is constantly evolving and embracing new technologies and approaches. Stay updated with industry trends, grow your skillset through courses and workshops, pursue professional certifications to stay competitive, and embrace change as a catalyst for growth.
Say “Yes” A Lot. Many organizations will have opportunities to take on additional work and responsibilities that are beyond market research. Say yes to as many of these opportunities as possible at the start of your career—it tells the higher-ups that you are a team player and an ambitious person, and you will grow as a professional by being exposed to things that are beyond your regular responsibilities.
Embrace Feedback. Feedback is a valuable tool for growth. Be open to constructive criticism, seek feedback from colleagues and superiors, and continuously work on improving your skills and performance.
Learn to Make Good Talky Words. Effective communication is important in any profession, but it’s absolutely vital in market research. Hone your speaking, presenting, and written communication skills by writing and presenting whenever possible. Organizations like Toastmasters International are a great resource for growing as a presenter, and they can be a good networking opportunity as well. Speaking of…
Network, Network, Network. Build meaningful connections within market research, within your industry, and within the area where you live. Attend networking events, join professional organizations, and utilize social media platforms to expand your network. You'll be surprised how many times in your career that who you know ends up being just as important as what you know!
Polish Your Personal Brand. Define your unique value proposition and establish a strong personal brand. Curate your online presence, especially your LinkedIn profile, to showcase your skills and accomplishments effectively. This becomes even more important in a discipline like market research that is not as common or mainstream as other jobs.
Be A Person First and A Professional Second. Remember when you were a child and you would think to yourself, “When I grow up I’m going to _____”? Congratulations, you are now grown up and the time to do those things is NOW! It is important to find a healthy work-life balance by pursuing interests and hobbies outside of work. Doing so will help you to take care of your physical and mental well-being to maintain productivity and avoid burnout, and will provide motivation to push through the more difficult times at work.
Remember, graduation is just the beginning of an exciting adventure. With these tips in mind, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the professional world and thrive in market research. Good luck!
Комментарии