How did you get to where you are now?
Having completed my degree in Sociology, I pursued a career in I.T, specifically networking, as I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do after university. After my first job in an IT helpdesk role, I left after 14 months and joined Worldpanel by Kantar in 2012. Fortunately, this was in a role which allowed me to blend a bit of my degree and IT networking experience. I worked in the Screenwise panel as a helpdesk advisor.
I’m now a Senior Client Delivery Manager. The vast majority of my time is currently spent gearing towards getting the business ready for the launch of MyWorldpanel in the UK. I act as a conduit between our Operations and Commercial divisions to manage requests and requirements for our clients. It might surprise people to know our job is a ‘jack of all trades, master of none’. No day is the same. I may have a plan and a to do list in the morning (on a post it notes as my colleagues know!) which can quickly be scrunched up and need to be re-written!
What makes you get up for work in the morning?
The excitement of tackling existing challenges and finding solutions. Meetings with colleagues and clients working towards achieving successful outcomes.
What keeps you working at Kantar?
Here I am in 2022, having left in 2017! I re-joined in 2021 and I wish I could have returned sooner. It’s the feeling of a supportive and vibrant environment which is why I love working here. At times, you work without realising it’s a job – in a good way. That’s the biggest compliment I can give.
What advice would you give someone looking to work in consumer research and insights?
I was once told; ‘nobody wants to work in market research, you just fall into it by accident’. You don’t necessarily need to have a strong desire to work in consumer research., There’s a huge array of options available from customer service, client management, project management, data analysis and much more. Something for everybody really, and sometimes it’s best to just get your foot in the door and go from there.
What is it like working for a global company?
With us working in a hybrid environment currently, that helps widen the opportunities. I’m currently working with colleagues from around Europe. It’s amazing to be able to connect with different people all working towards the same outcome.