How To Become a Research Consultant: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about the steps important to pursuing a career as a research consultant, including education, skills, salary and more.
Research consultants are professionals who provide their clients with expert insights and recommendations based on extensive research. If you have strong research skills and enjoy working with clients to help them solve problems, becoming a research consultant may be the right career for you. In this article, we discuss what research consultants do, the average salary for this position and the steps you need to take to become a research consultant.
What Does a Research Consultant Do?
Research consultants are responsible for conducting research and analysis to support the decision-making process of their clients. They work with organizations in both the private and public sector on a variety of issues, such as policy development, program evaluation, resource allocation and strategic planning.
The duties of a research consultant include:
- Identifying the research needs of their clients
- Designing and conducting research studies
- Collecting data through surveys, interviews, focus groups and other methods
- Analyzing data using statistical software
- Interpreting research findings and communicating them to clients
- Writing reports and presentations summarizing research findings
- Providing recommendations to clients based on research findings
- Monitoring trends and developments in their field of expertise
Research Consultant Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for a research consultant is $78,795. However, salaries can vary based on factors such as the specific industry, company size, and location of the consultant.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job growth for research consultants will be much faster than average over the next decade. This is due to the increasing demand for market research services from businesses. As more companies seek to understand their target markets, they will need the expertise of research consultants to guide them.
How to Become a Research Consultant
Here are several steps you should take to become a research consultant.
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in research, statistics, or a related field
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum education requirement for most research consultant positions. Common degrees that are useful in this field include statistics, psychology, sociology and business administration.
While pursuing your undergraduate degree, consider taking courses in research methods, data analysis and survey design to develop a strong foundation for your career. You may also choose to take additional coursework in your major’s subject area to improve your knowledge of the field.
2. Gain experience working with research projects and data analysis
Many entry-level research consultant positions require candidates to have at least a master’s degree in research, statistics or a related field. However, you can gain valuable experience working with data analysis and research projects by completing an internship or volunteer work while pursuing your bachelor’s degree.
You may also consider taking on freelance work as you pursue your advanced degree. This will help you develop the skills necessary to succeed in this role.
3. Consider pursuing a master’s degree or doctorate in research
While a master’s degree is not always required for this position, many employers prefer candidates who have earned a doctorate or master’s degree in research. Earning a higher degree can help you advance your career and provide you with more job opportunities.
If you decide to pursue a higher degree, consider choosing one that focuses on the type of research you want to perform. For example, if you want to work as an educational researcher, then pursuing a master’s degree in education or a doctorate in education may be beneficial.
4. Develop strong analytical skills
Strong analytical skills are essential for a research consultant, as you must be able to identify trends and draw conclusions from the data provided. You may need to develop charts or graphs to present your findings in an easy-to-understand manner.
You should also have strong writing skills so that you can clearly communicate your analysis of the data to others.
5. Understand the principles of research design
Research design is the process of determining how a study will be conducted and what type of information will be gathered. Research consultants must have a strong understanding of research design principles to ensure that studies are carried out in an ethical and effective manner.
Understanding the different types of research designs, such as surveys or experiments, can help you determine which type of data collection method would be best for each project. You should also understand the importance of sampling techniques and ensuring that studies are unbiased and representative of the population they’re studying.
6. Stay up to date on changes in technology and new developments in the field
Technology is constantly changing, and new developments can make it easier to conduct research or analyze data. Consultants who want to stay up to date on the latest technology and trends in their field should read industry publications and attend conferences and workshops.
Attending these events can also help consultants network with other professionals in their field. Networking is an important skill for consultants because they often work as independent contractors rather than employees of a company. Having a strong network of contacts can help them find work.
7. Join professional organizations such as the American Evaluation Association
The American Evaluation Association (AEA) is a professional organization that provides training and networking opportunities for research consultants. Membership in the AEA can help you stay up to date on industry trends and developments, as well as connect you with other professionals who may be able to provide referrals or recommendations for work.
The AEA offers several levels of membership based on your level of involvement in the field. Associate members are individuals who have an interest in evaluation but do not perform consulting services. Regular members must have at least two years of experience working in the field and must consult regularly. Professional members must have five years of experience and must hold a doctorate degree.
