My experience as a graduate at Day One

Article by Alessandra Costantini, Research Executive, Day One Strategy

What attracted me about Day One and the market research industry?

Having moved to the UK to study for a master’s degree, during which I had the opportunity to work on my own research project for a year, I became passionate about the research world and knew that I wanted to find a job within this field.

There are many facets of the research industry that appeal to me, such as being involved in a variety of different quant and qual projects, collaborating within a multi-disciplinary team and constantly learning different topics, methodologies, insights and advanced technologies.

Having a master’s degree in anthropology, I would have never thought I would end up working for a company focused on healthcare market research. However, being open-minded to the various opportunities the job market was offering, I came across a job advert by Day One Strategy for new graduates that caught my attention. After researching the company and website, I knew I had found what I was looking for.

Out of the multiple aspects of Day One Strategy that intrigued me, these would be the most significant:

Women-owned company: feeling represented in the industry by other women and working for a company that contributes to gender equality is inspiring.

• Use of AI and innovation: being able to integrate the use of cutting-edge technologies and AI tools to deliver deeper research insights makes the work exciting and forward-looking.
• Ability to progress: knowing that hard work is rewarded based on performance rather than the amount of time spent in a graduate scheme is undoubtedly a highly attractive prospect for new graduates.

What past experience did I have before joining Day One?

I was working as a music teacher in my hometown in Italy until the pandemic pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and explore a new place, culture, and way of living. Not knowing what the future might hold, I made the decision to move to the UK and start a master’s degree.

My passion for research truly surfaced during my studies in anthropology, especially during my internship, when I was working on a social project focused on the challenges young people face in finding employment. This interest heightened after graduation, when I embarked on a solo journey around Scotland. To make the most of my time off, I volunteered with ‘Equality in Tourism,’ an NGO dedicated to advocating for gender equality in the tourism sector. This experience allowed me to blend travel with meaningful work, contributing to a research project aimed at addressing gender inequalities in tourism enterprises.

Although these experiences provided a valuable introduction to the research world, when I joined Day One as a graduate I quickly realised how much more there was to learn about the market research industry – significant training was required to get up to speed. Looking back now, I’m amazed at how much I’ve learned in just one year and how my quantitative and qualitative skills have grown thanks to the incredible support from the Day One team.

What are the three achievements I’m most proud of from my grad experience at Day One?

1. Presenting at a project debrief for the first time: public speaking can be intimidating, especially if English isn’t your first language. Stepping out of my comfort zone and successfully presenting made me incredibly proud.

2. Leading a research phase on using AI to analyse facial emotions: this opportunity made me feel valued and trusted by my team, and it was a significant milestone in my professional growth.

3. Being promoted to Executive after just one year as a graduate: being recognised for my hard work was incredibly rewarding and a huge boost to my overall well-being. 

What was the biggest challenge I faced, and how did I manage it?

Stepping into a research-based role in the healthcare industry was a significant challenge, especially without a medical background. This experience pushed me to quickly adapt, learn, and grow in a complex field. I started to be involved in a range of quantitative and qualitative projects across different therapy areas, which meant I had to quickly familiarise myself with industry jargon, abbreviations, market research techniques, and specialised terminology. It was a steep learning curve and my brain was constantly in overdrive, processing all the new information.

So, how did I handle this? A simple yet effective strategy made all the difference: I dedicated a notebook to track my daily learnings. Taking quiet time at the end of each day to review and consolidate everything proved invaluable. This practice not only helped me absorb information more effectively but also allowed me to hit the ground running with new projects, making my work more efficient. In an environment overflowing with information, this step was crucial for organising my thoughts and learnings and staying prepared for the next challenge.

What advice would I give to future graduates who want to join this industry?

Navigating the dynamic world of market research can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. For those just stepping into this field, here are some insights I’ve gathered during my first year as a graduate:

Stay organised: tools like ‘OneNote’ can be a game-changer for tracking project tasks, and starting your day early with a prioritised to-do list can make all the difference. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of crossing off completed tasks!

Embrace continuous learning: with new methodologies, tools, and AI technologies emerging constantly, staying mentally flexible and proactive is key. Don’t shy away from trying something new – no matter your experience level, there’s always more to discover and learn!

Invest in your professional development: dedicate time each week to reading articles on research, healthcare and technology. Sources like LinkedIn, FiercePharma, PubMed, and MedPage Today are great starting points to keep you informed and ahead of the curve.

Prioritise your wellbeing: simple habits like keeping your workspace tidy and well-lit, going for a 10-minute walk when feeling overwhelmed, or placing your laptop out of sight during weekends can help you refresh your mind and maintain productivity.

Seek support: if a task is taking too long, it might be time to rethink your approach. Don’t hesitate to ask colleagues for tips – they may have the perfect solution to improve efficiency. At Day One, we’re lucky to have a team that’s always ready to lend a hand!

In conclusion, the right level of ambition is essential for anyone looking to start a career in market research. If you’re driven, eager to learn something new every day, and thrive in a fast-paced, rewarding environment, then this dynamic field could be the perfect fit for you. So, embrace the challenge and take the leap into the world of market research!