Finding your first graduate job in Market Research is not always easy. Whether you are looking forward to entering the workplace and becoming the next industry leader or horrified at the thought of getting up at 7am on a daily basis, here are a few hints that might help you get the most from your first research job:

What are your expectations for your first 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. Carefully choose the company that matches your long term career goals, don’t just base your decision to accept on a graduate job on salary offered and whether it is near where your friends are going to be working.

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 then you can choose which area 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 of research? Both approaches can work well, 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 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 focused networking/social groups (such as R-Net, Research Club, AQR, 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.