International Market Researcher

Working Schedule

• International Market Researchers work full-time with travel sometimes required, causing them to be away from home some nights, weekends, or holidays. 

Typical Duties

• Perform in-depth market analysis of various countries to understand their business environments, cultural nuances, and consumer behaviors  
• Conduct surveys and focus group interviews to learn about consumer needs and pain points  
• Address inquiries from internal teams about market specifics, potential barriers, competitor activities, and growth opportunities  
• Conduct competitor analysis. Use findings to help with planning and decision-making 
• Attend trade fairs/conventions to gather insights and identify market trends  
• Analyze data from various sources. Create comprehensive market reports and forecasts  
• Identify potential market segments within target countries that align with the company’s product or service offerings  
• Present findings to stakeholders, highlighting potential opportunities and risks  
• Forecast potential market growth. Recommend entry/exit strategies for specific regions  
• Provide insights on pricing strategies based on market dynamics, competitor pricing, and consumer purchasing power in different countries  
• Collaborate with product development teams. Help tailor products/services for specific international markets  
• Advise marketing teams on appropriate advertising and promotions
• Analyze feedback post-product launch to refine future market strategies  

Additional Responsibilities

• Join international research and industry-specific organizations
• Stay up-to-date on regulatory and compliance changes. Ensure business strategies align with local laws  
• Use statistical software to find and analyze data, and forecast consumer trends and behaviors
• Participate in continuous learning to keep up with new research methods and tools

Soft Skills

• Accuracy
• Active listening
• Analytical 
• Attention to detail
• Business acumen
• Communication skills
• Curiosity 
• Detail-oriented
• Empathy
• Flexibility 
• Independent 
• Integrity
• Motivation
• Objectivity
• Patience
• Problem-solving skills

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of software programs for:

1. Business intelligence
2. Data Analytics 
3. Database management
4. Datamining
5. Enterprise resource planning
6. Financial analysis
7. Project management
8. Sales and marketing
9. Spreadsheets

• Ability to analyze international market trends
• Copywriting and editing skills
• Digital marketing and social media marketing skills
• Experience in web design
• Familiarity with international trade agreements, regulations, tariff codes, and customs procedures
• Fluency in target country languages
• Knowledge of export documentation and shipping logistics
• SEO/SEM skills
• Technical expertise in the products and services being sold
• Understanding of currency exchange and international banking practices
• Understanding of product compliance with foreign standards
• Knowledge of HTML 

• Agriculture and food producers
• Apparel and fashion brands
• Commodity traders
• Exporting houses
• Manufacturing companies
• Multinational corporations 
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Technology firms
• Trading companies
• Wholesale distributors

International Market Researchers may travel extensively, leading to time away from family. Because of the cultural immersion aspects of their work, they have to watch out for potential misunderstandings. Their dedication to staying updated on global trends also requires long hours, making burnout a possibility. They must be adaptive and culturally aware, as businesses rely on them to navigate global markets. 

As Trade.gov notes, international market research is “a key piece of successful export planning,” and it’s “important to critically review and assess demand for your product, as well as factors related to a given export destination.” Thus, researchers must master both quantitative and qualitative research, understand socio-cultural influences on consumer behavior, and communicate complex data effectively. Beyond gathering data, International Market Researchers provide strategic insights that can help businesses flourish—or hurt them if the insights are wrong. 

With the rise of e-commerce, all types of market researchers must focus more on online consumer behaviors, cross-border commerce dynamics, and the effectiveness of digital marketing.

Meanwhile, with growing global concern for sustainability, businesses are being evaluated for their environmental and societal impacts. Market research hones in on these preferences for sustainable products, ethical sourcing, and compliance with green regulations.

Many companies are adopting localization strategies, recognizing that global markets require tailored approaches. Thus, researchers have to analyze local cultures and preferences to guide their employers’ businesses in adapting products, services, and strategies for specific regions.

International Market Researchers may have always been interested in advertising and sales, as well as the cultures of other countries. They’re often creative, curious, and persuasive people who enjoy learning new things and using their insights to help others.