Three Occupations in the Federal Consulting Services Arena - Part II

Choosing an industry in which to work is often as important as choosing an occupation. And over the next several years, the best advice for some workers may be to choose an industry that sells advice: consulting.

The management, scientific, and technical consulting services industry comprises businesses that offer specialized advice to other businesses. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in this industry is expected to grow by 83 percent—representing a gain of more than 800,000 jobs—over the 2008–18 decade. This represents both the fastest projected rate of growth and the largest expected job gain of all detailed industries. And even during the recent recession, this industry has proven resilient, recovering nearly all of the jobs it lost in the downturn.

This three-part blog highlights three occupations in the consulting services industry: management analyst, market research analyst, and environmental scientist and specialist. Keep reading to learn more about these workers. The occupational profiles describe what they do, how much they earn, and how they prepare for the work. You'll also find sources of additional information at the end of the article.

Three occupations in consulting services

Workers in the management, scientific, and technical consulting services industry provide advice and assistance to businesses and other organizations. Some offer advice about general business management on topics such as finances, personnel, marketing, distribution, and other business operations. Others provide advice about environmental, scientific, and technical issues.

For each occupation, the median wage was higher than the $33,190 median for all occupations in May 2009. Strong job growth is expected to continue as businesses seek advice about planning and logistics, implementing new technologies, and complying with regulations on workplace safety and the environment. Other trends, such as continued globalization and increased security, are also expected to spur demand for workers in this industry.

Market research analysts

Market research analysts help organizations understand what types of products or services people want and how much they will pay for them. Organizations consult market research analysts for gathering data on competitors, examining prices, and studying distribution methods. These consultants then analyze past practices to predict the organization's future sales.

Market research analysts design surveys and decide which procedures to use for collecting the data they need. Most surveys are conducted online and by telephone, but other collection methods include focus group discussions, mail responses, and setting up booths in public places, such as shopping malls. Trained interviewers usually conduct the surveys under the direction of a market research analyst.

In their work as consultants, market research analysts make recommendations to their client organization. These recommendations give the organization vital information to help them make decisions about promoting, distributing, and designing products or services. The information also may help determine whether the organization should add new merchandise, open new offices, or diversify operations in other ways.

Organizations also consult market research analysts for help in developing advertising brochures and commercials, sales plans, and product promotions. The type of promotion, such as a rebate or giveaway, is based on the analyst's expertise about the targeted consumer group.

Employment, outlook, and wages. There were about 226,410 market research analysts employed overall in May 2009, according to BLS. Of those, about 24,870 (11 percent) worked in the management, scientific, and technical consulting industry.

Because of the wide applicability of market research, these analysts were employed in many industries. In addition to management, scientific, and technical consulting firms, large numbers of market research analysts were employed in the management of companies and enterprises, computer systems design and related services, insurance carriers, and other professional, scientific, and technical services.

Overall employment of market research analysts is projected to grow 28 percent over the 2008–18 decade, according to BLS, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth will be driven by organizations which, seeking to expand their sales, increasingly consult marketing experts.
The median annual wage of market research analysts in management, scientific, and consulting services was $56,850 in May 2009, according to BLS. The lowest earning 10 percent in this industry made $31,890 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $108,330 or more.

Skills and training. Market research analysts study data, so being precise and detail-oriented is important. They also must be persistent to solve problems independently. These analysts sometimes oversee survey interviews or participate as members of a team, so they must also work well with others. Good communication skills are necessary for formulating proper language in surveys and for presenting findings orally and in writing.

A bachelor's degree is the usual educational requirement for many market research analysts. A master's degree is usually required for consultants in technical positions.

In addition to completing courses in business, marketing, and consumer behavior, prospective market research analysts should take social science courses, including economics, psychology, and sociology. Courses in mathematics, statistics, sampling theory and survey design, and computer science are important for the quantitative side of the work. Market research analysts often have advanced degrees in business administration, marketing, statistics, communications, or related disciplines.

Aspiring market research analysts should pursue an internship or part-time job in a consulting firm or other organization. This work will help them gain experience in gathering data, conducting interviews or surveys, and writing reports on their findings.

For additional information visit Dreamfedjob.com