Happy International Market Research Day!
I had no idea such a day existed... Just like when I was in school, I had no idea that market research even existed.
Things have come a long way since then, with lots of great professional programs producing the next generation of researchers.
But in my earlier days, researchers would often ask each other how they came to the profession, and it was always an unusual series of unexpected events.
It was no different for me.
I had finished a master's in engineering, and for a couple of years, I had a software / consulting company leveraging the work from my thesis.
But business was slow and I was looking for ways to make some extra money.
One night I was out walking with my girlfriend (and now wife) and she had to use the washroom.
We stopped at the Future Bakery on Bloor Street, and while I was waiting, I aimlessly browsed the bulletin board. And then I saw a posting looking for parttime help with Microsoft Office.
I guessed I could do that.
During the interview, I didn't even notice the big mirror, or imagine someone might be behind it. I still had no idea what research was, but it sounded alright.
I was hired, and right away I started to experience all the things that make insights a great career -- interesting and diverse challenges; always changing projects and topics; a mix of art and science.
I was also fortunate to meet some great people who have been great mentors throughout my career.
I ended up going from engineering to spending a decade doing focus groups. Now I guess it has come full circle as we build our own AI tools to have qual at scale in our surveys.
What's your marketing research story?
All the best for your project, Elisabeth :)