Research: The next generation

By Drew Welton, recruiter for Research, Insight & Analysis Jobs
 
A growing number of strategy-led research consultancies now offer clients a more innovative approach, sparking a trend where high-calibre candidates working in pure research see new opportunities for a more diverse and creative career at these agencies. So what is causing them to emerge, and what is so appealing to candidates?
 
The appeal of hybrid agencies
 
Within its agency briefs Major Players’ Research, Insight & Analysis team has seen a significant rise in strategic-led research agency positions with around 40% of agency briefs now in this category.
 
This percentage is rising for two reasons. Firstly, a significant number of senior research experts have taken the plunge to set up their own boutique agencies, keen to experiment in a more flexible environment. Secondly, the boutique model offers clients the whole research package – research, insight and – the third element – strategy, as well as savings in both time and money.
 
Rigid position of traditional research
 
But it is the desire to think outside the box which is so appealing to our candidates. Major Players’ candidates are increasingly clamouring to work in this newer branch of the industry, aware that an emphasis on collaboration and creative data collection gives them a much broader understanding and outlook.
 
The highly structured hierarchies at many of the big research agencies mean candidates report fragmented roles and an institutionalised approach to progression. Traditionally, gaining an in-house position to oversee a brand’s entire research strategy was the ‘holy grail’ for researchers. However, now the strategic sector also offers new opportunities for talented researchers. This is only bolstered by the ultra-competitive client-side insight market.
 
Creative insight
 
One such full service agency is Redblue, which was set up by Lindsey Greig and partners in April 2007. “We work on a wide variety of projects but focus on new product development and customer experiences, mainly in the media and telecoms industries. It sounds corny but our strap-line is ‘We love research’ and we genuinely do. A lot of our work centres on business strategy and we believe that research that doesn’t lead to business change is not worth doing.
 
“I left my previous role to set up Redblue because I wanted to carry on being a researcher rather than just a manager. We are very collaborative, hands on and design each project from the ground up. We often use a combination of methodologies in one study, using a variety of statistical and qualitative techniques. There are no set rules, we encourage everyone to think creatively yet robustly when it comes to project design.
 
“We look for people who are passionate about research, are inquisitive and never take things at face value. We do see fairly knowledgeable candidates but you need to want to know why things are happening and question what data means, not just what it says. Some young researchers want to run before they can walk but you need to learn your craft – you must have the detail to down in order to build the bigger picture correctly.”
 
Moving on up
 
Competition is fierce and we find senior candidates willing to take a £10,000 salary cut to make the move in-house. So candidates must go that extra mile to make the move into insight and strategy. Take an interest in current events and keep up to speed with the latest news in your industry via trade publications and blogs. Dedication and real passion for research are essential for making a career move into strategy.
 
Are you a researcher looking to make your next career move? Then get in touch, search for the latest jobs, or speak with one of our specialist consultants. 
 

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