Name: Adam Isaacson
Job title: Research Executive
Age: 24
University: Nottingham
Degree: Politics: 2:1

After graduating from university Adam Isaacson took a year out. Upon his return he joined Ipsos MORI on the Trainee Development Programme.

I knew from the day I left university what I didn’t want to do but wasn’t exactly sure of what I did want. I had an idea that I wanted to join a company which would encourage me to continue learning, one which was friendly and open, and one with a truly international presence with possibilities for working abroad. After much investigation, I realised that a career in market research would allow me to pursue these goals while offering an exciting alternative to the more ‘traditional’ routes out of university and into a profession. I looked into prospective employers and applied to a few of the leading market research agencies in the UK.  I chose to join Ipsos MORI because it offered me the chance to work in a friendly and relaxed company with some really interesting clients.

Training

The first part of the Trainee Development Programme is dedicated to training. It is a fantastic time to learn the skills and theories you will need when you are placed into your department, as well as a great time to meet your fellow trainees and form a bond with them. There is an intensive period of seminars and workshops aimed at teaching, from the beginning, the core ideas underpinning market research as a whole and, more particularly, what role you will play in the market research process as an Ipsos MORI trainee. This atmosphere of friendly learning and openness is replicated throughout the Company where directors’ doors really are ‘always open’ and those who are knowledgeable are keen to pass on that expertise to you as a trainee.

Projects Worked On

I have worked on a wide range of projects and hence have become a bit of an expert on a range of products and services including Film and DVD advertising, heartburn and indigestion products and even womens hair removal methods! Consequently, the workload is always changing, as are the commercial issues at stake. This helps to promote an atmosphere, especially among the trainees, of continual learning and developing and because of this the work is never staid or dull.