At HRW, we’re passionate about helping build careers and guiding individuals on their journey into market research. Recently, we welcomed Alex , a The University of Manchester student, for his first work experience week with us. During his time with us, Alex sat with Holly, Senior Marketing and Communications Executive, to share his experience working at HRW, Can you briefly describe some of the tasks you were involved in during your work experience? I had the opportunity to meet each team individually, which gave me a understanding of their day-to-day tasks and how the company operates. From the first day, I was given tasks such as joining internal calls where the team worked on proposal and debrief writing. This experience provided me with a real sense of the team’s weekly activities and how they prioritize tasks to meet tight deadlines and exceed client expectations. What new skills or knowledge did you gain from this experience? Were there any specific projects or tasks that you found particularly interesting or challenging? Much of my week was dedicated to learning, as I had no prior experience in market research. I spent a lot of time with different teams to understand their role and how it contributes to the end result. On my first day, I met Alice, who was my mentor for the week. She explained what HRW does, who its clients are, and how qualitative and quantitative data are utilized within the industry. One standout moment for me was a call with Rory, the AI lead, where I learned how AI can be used in studies and its marketing potential. Additionally, a call with the Marketing team, which is a personal interest of mine, provided insights into marketing a niche industry, measuring success, and understanding how consumer reception of information impacts everything. How would you describe the work environment and company culture at the HRW? On my first day, everyone was incredibly welcoming, and we all went out for lunch together, which gave me a chance get to know everyone on a personal level. What stood out to me was how approachable and supportive everyone was, regardless of their position in the company. I felt confident asking questions to anyone, whether they were a Research Executive or a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The team were really accommodating, offering to have further calls with me to make sure I understood everything which was really beneficial. Were you able to apply any skills or knowledge from your academic background or previous experiences to your tasks during your work experience? How do you think this experience will benefit you in your future career? At first, I didn’t think I knew much about market research, but I realised my Psychology studies had given me an understanding on things like qualitative and quantitative research, demographics, and screenings, so, I was able to get involved and help interpret the data. The brainstorming sessions were a highlight for me, watching everyone share ideas, feed off each other’s creativity, and collaborate to hit their goals was inspiring. It really drove home the power of teamwork and how much can get accomplished when everyone pitches in. To find out more about HRW and our current vacancies, click here Apply Now!