Becoming a Consultant in the Marketing and Research field can become a lucrative career especially in today's competitive markets. One must consider all the various sectors in this industry. From Qualitative Marketing Research Development to, Conducting and Analyzing Surveys, Survey Research, Project Management, Focus groups, Brand Development, Media Planning/Buying, Public Relations, Media Relations, Copy-Writing to name a few of these diciplines. This career path is attainable with the acquired knowledge and education in the industry. Below you will find common questions asked by professional who are engaging or launching their services. Whether through the Internet, or face-to-face interviews we have pulled some of the most popular questions.
Do I need a Degree to get into Marketing & Research?
Due to the specialization of R&D experts who are currently working in this field will offer several opinions. It is safe to say however that a 4-year degree in Marketing/Advertising with a proven track record in a company is well advised. For example, there are many competent writers who can adhere and offer excellent copywriting skills with a 2-year degree. Talent is the basis in this case. However analysis and qualitative methods can only be acquired with experience and education. Therefore it depends on what sector the Consultant wishes to offer their services. Some Consultants will argue that a university degree including an MBA (Master of Business Administration Degree) can be extremely beneficial for ones credibility. But, perhaps the most important aspect is the experience and vision in the relative field for success.
How many hours does a Marketing and Research Consultant work?
A successful consultant should have good instincts that allow them to recognize market trends and perform analysis based on those trends. This will reflect on how many hours is needed for that learning curve. When staying up to date with the various markets, many time barriers can be broken. Sixty hours a week is not unheard of in this industry. A desirable quality is analytical thinking and the capability to try something new. Out of the box as it were. Understanding trends while presenting solutions can add to the success of any Consultant thus also minimizing the hours spent on wasted research.
Is it wise to open a Consultant Firm?
Some Consultants do not get into the industry until they have several clients. Some on the other hand will work full time and contract out small jobs in order to build their portfolio. Therefore a good portfolio and a place to display the work is Midas. From references, to jobs completed, to links on the world wide web. Show the work in a clean informative manner. Don’t confuse projects, consider having one page with a small discription and one link per job. Be creative when designing an online portfolio. When Discussing a Special focus, make sure to highlight the solution and the changes that were made for that client.
How Much money can I make as a Consultant in this field?
Depending on the career path one chooses, will be the determining factor. This has become a lucrative career path many semi-retired professionals have chosen due to their time in an industry. Some consultants can make as much as $120,000 to $150,000 a year.
