Graduate Recruitment
Finding your first graduate job is not always easy. If you have found Hasson Associates, you are obviously interested in a career within market research, insight, planning and analysis. It's a good choice as this can offer a rewarding, challenging and creative career. Here are a few hints that might help you get the most from your first job:
What are your expectations for your first research/insight/planning/analysis position?
Whether they are met or not depends on a variety of factors: the type of company you are joining, your goals and ambitions for the future and the changes taking place within the research industry today. Keep in mind during the recruitment process to carefully choose the company that matches your long term career goals, don’t just base your decision to accept a graduate job on salary offered and whether it is near home.
What will the company offer you long term?
Is the company you are joining a larger company that offers a graduate scheme where you will be exposed to various parts of the business and you can choose which area of interest suits you best?
Or, is it a smaller company where you will be thrown in at the deep end, but learn lots in a short time and become more knowledgeable in a key area? Both approaches can work well for a graduate, it depends on what you think will suit you, your personality and your working style.
Longer term career management
It's important for you to maintain your future employability as a graduate by continuing your training and development even after you have settled into research. The key is to remain marketable in what is a highly competitive industry. Try to get involved with research/insight/strategy focused networking/social groups (such as R-Net, Research Club, AQR, Apsco, BIG) and register as a member with the MRS. That way you will be in the know on how the industry is changing and will be seen as part of the industry, not just a bystander! Read the industry press, read the industry blogs and get involved. Look for a mentor either in your company or through networking events.