Market Research helps us understand how and why people make certain choices. We get to analyze current and future trends, and provide key insights on where companies should focus their efforts. We asked Daniel Turner, Vice President of MD Analytics, what it’s really like to have a career in Market Research; here’s what he had to say!

Why did you pursue a career in Market Research?

Daniel Turner: I’ve always been a numbers guy, and a curious guy as well. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a statistician to do the stats on the sports newspaper pages, but I realized quickly there were very few job opportunities like this across Canada. And with the Internet that became useless. But by going into market research, I could work with numbers as much as I wanted, and I got to ask questions about a bunch of new topics. Of course, it helps when you happen to be good at those specific things at school, so I kind of went with it! It’s not hockey stats, but the rest is a real good fit!

What is a typical day like for you?

Daniel Turner: It’s more like a typical week, as some of the things vary from day-to-day. I’d say I have on average one client presentation per week, along with other types of in-person meetings every week or so to discuss questionnaires, showcase capabilities, opportunities, discuss proposals, and ultimately move business forward! But what tends to take up most of my time is actually working on questionnaire design, discussing ongoing projects with the team (field prep, report plans etc.) and finalizing reports.

What do you like most about your career?

Daniel Turner: There are many things, perhaps starting with developing client relationships; I really enjoy earning that first project and then the repeat business that follows – which to me is the ultimate testament of client satisfaction. I enjoy getting good feedback from clients along the way, presenting the results of a study and stimulating positive discussion in the room where clients bounce ideas off of each other. I also really enjoy writing a first questionnaire draft and having a sudden good flash when writing conclusions and recommendations for a project, which helps wrap the stories together.

What do you like the least about your career?

Daniel Turner: I really like making clients feel good, so anytime I have to makes requests of them that they might perceive as negative in order to meet project timelines or other research constraints, it makes me feel uncomfortable. Secondly, not being able to spend as much time as I’d like providing feedback to my team so that they can better understand why what they’re doing is important.

If someone was making a movie about your life, who would you want to play you and why?

Daniel Turner: Haha, I don’t know… Even if I did, you’d probably want me to select an American comedian that people know, and not a Quebecer! Maybe Steve Carrell, I like his humor, he’s always funny in his movies, and he seems like a down to earth guy in interviews. With a beard there could be enough of a resemblance between us too!

MD Analytics is always looking for talented individuals, please click here to see if there are any job opportunities that would be a good fit for you!

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