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
Junior Insights Analyst / Research Assistant
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Basic survey programming, data cleaning, report population, understanding research briefs, foundational statistical concepts.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivers accurate data and reports with minimal supervision.
- Can explain basic research findings clearly to immediate team members.
- Takes initiative to learn new software or research techniques.
- 2
Marketing Graduate Scheme
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Exposure to various marketing functions, understanding of business context, basic data analysis, project coordination.
You're ready to move on when
- Demonstrates a keen interest in customer behaviour and market trends.
- Has completed rotations or projects with a strong analytical component.
- Can articulate how data informs marketing strategy.
- 3
Data Analyst (with Marketing Focus)
2-4 yearsSkills to master
- Strong SQL, data manipulation, statistical modelling, data visualisation, but needs to develop specific market research methodologies and storytelling.
You're ready to move on when
- Proficient in extracting and analysing complex datasets.
- Shows interest in customer sentiment and qualitative data.
- Seeks opportunities to apply data skills to marketing problems.