Careers in Market Research Market research firms use econometric and statistical techniques to forecast the demand for alternative products. These firms conduct and analyze survey data to estimate the potential market for new or revised products. Some of the higher quality market research firms use sophisticated econometric techniques to estimate the own-price, cross-price, and income elasticities of demands for alternative products. Census data is also used to examine the demographic structure of alternative geographical markets. Higher-level positions in these firms often require a graduate degree in economics or a related discipline. Students interested in pursuing a career in market research should attempt to include the following courses in their undergraduate coursework:
Strong communications skills are also essential for positions of this sort.
Students interested in this type of career are encouraged to develop strong
skills in both written and oral communication. Experience with database,
spreadsheet, and statistical software is also very important.
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