The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Competitive Intelligence Analyst (L2)
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Independently managing competitor profiles, delivering complete reports, initial insight generation, and strong data accuracy.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivers high-quality, accurate competitive reports without significant supervision.
- Proactively identifies opportunities for deeper analysis beyond assigned tasks.
- Receives positive feedback from internal stakeholders on the clarity and usefulness of their insights.
- 2
Market Research Analyst
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Designing and executing primary and secondary market research, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and report writing.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven ability to conduct end-to-end market research projects, from methodology design to final recommendations.
- Strong command of statistical analysis and survey design.
- Experience translating research findings into strategic implications for product or marketing teams.
- 3
Strategy Consultant (Junior/Associate)
2-4 yearsSkills to master
- Structured problem-solving, hypothesis-driven analysis, client management, and presentation skills in a fast-paced environment.
You're ready to move on when
- Experience working on multiple strategic projects, often with tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to quickly grasp new industries and business models.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, especially when presenting to senior clients.