CASRO

Several dozen University of Michigan students, faculty and career advisors learned about careers in market research at a campus event on March 12, 2008 organized by CASRO and member companies in the Detroit area: Market Strategies International, Gongos Research Inc., Morpace, Inc., and RDA Group. The University’s Program in Survey Methodology also played a key role in the event. In total, 28 people representing seven sponsor organizations were available to interact with students.

The event began with an educational session for advisors and staff. Andy Morrison, Chairman & CEO of Market Strategies International, provided an overview of the market research industry, including a brief history, drivers for growth, its current size and scope, and key issues now faced by the industry. Each sponsor company leader then provided comments about their companies and the attributes they look for in job candidates. To illustrate the myriad of backgrounds successful researchers have, they also discussed the diverse pedigrees of some of their employees.

An adjacent room featured an expo area, in which sponsor companies hosted tables with displays and company marketing materials. Here they met one-on-one with students and discussed their companies and available jobs and internships.

The event succeeded in its objectives: to create interest in market research among students; provide a realistic hands-on preview of MR tools and access to engaging people; educate students about the PSM program; provide a networking opportunity with students and local market research firms; and establish relationships with key faculty and career counselors so they can effectively inform students about research/internships in the future.

If your company or college is interested in working with CASRO on a similar event, please contact Art Flanagan at
art@casro.org, or 631-928-6954.