The tasks required of market research analysts include: Establishing research methods and designing formats for data gathering and analysis; collecting data on products or services and consumers' needs and tastes, purchasing power, and buying habits; checking consumer reaction to new or improved products or services; developing and implementing procedures for identifying advertising needs; measuring the effectiveness of advertising and other promotional techniques; gathering data on competitors' products, services, and locations and analyzing their marketing methods and strategies. (competitive intelligence).

There are a variety of settings for a market research career including:

• Practice inside a corporation
• Consulting practice as a solo practitioner (surprisingly common)
• Consulting practice while teaching in academia
• Consulting practice inside a large firm
• Practice inside an ad agency (very common)