The Client pathway

Pursuing a career in market research within clientside organisations offers the unique opportunity to directly influence brand strategies and business decisions. As part of a internal research team, you provide critical insights into consumer behaviour, market trends and competitive landscapes, helping shape product development, marketing campaigns and customer experiences.

The Clientside Career Pathway

+ C-suite l Business strategy and leadership, MBA, Fellowship + Management l  Financial planning, team leading, influencing + presentation skills, project + client management, Certified Member + Specialist skills l Cross functional management, drives insights acrross fields including CX/UX, data science and analytics + Core skills  l Storytelling, behavioural science, AI, comms skills, client engagement, desk research, CX/UX, Membership + Personal qualities l  Market mindset, customer facing, strategic thinker, excited by targets/growth, storyteller and good persuasion skills + First steps l The Certificate in Market Research, Advanced Certificate in Market Research + Entry points l  Apprenticeship, degree, entry level client role

White Paper by the MRS Senior Client Council: Recruiting and Retaining Client-side Insights and Analytics Talent for Success

The MRS Senior Client Council has produced a White Paper that seeks to underline the fundamental skills required in a modern, highly-effective client-side, Insights & Analytics team, how those skills can be nurtured and retained. The paper offers contemporary thoughts on how Insights function leaders can begin to think and plan for future talent strategies where AI tools and applications impact our ways of working.   Download the Skills White Paper here. Read the associated article 'Collectively Building Impactful Working Cultures' on Research Live.

Becoming a client side researcher

Working closely with marketing, product development, and leadership teams, you become a key player in driving business growth. The insights you gather from consumer data and research studies allow brands to innovate, optimise, and remain competitive. This proximity to decision-making gives your work immediate impact, as your research directly informs important business moves.

Additionally, the role offers exposure to diverse projects, from analysing market trends for new product launches to improving brand positioning and customer engagement strategies. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the brand's goals, challenges, and long-term vision, which provides a deeper connection to the outcomes of your work.

For those passionate about consumer insights, data analysis, and brand strategy, working in research and insight for client brands offers a rewarding, influential, and impactful career path.