Walnut Academy programme.
At least once a year, we aim to take on a promising group of Academy Executives looking to kick-start their careers in market research. Our Academy Executives embark on a 12 month programme of learning and development. During the Academy year, the aim is to fast-track as much research experience as possible. Are you ready to take on the challenge?
From day one of the Academy, you’ll be working on real client projects – and prepare for a couple of surprises along the way, as we rarely know what the next exciting project will be! You’ll need to be adaptable and ready to work on a wide range of interesting projects with our different sector and method experts. Join us with enthusiasm and willingness to try everything; your day-to-day tasks will cover all stages of the project cycle from project planning, developing questionnaires, monitoring fieldwork, then analysing data and reporting this back to the client.
Your time on the Academy will see you develop your research skills in a support role, and you’ll ‘graduate’ to become a Research Executive on completion of the programme. You will be encouraged to take on responsibility from the start, and make your mark on the business. Most Academy Executives also do a short-term placement in Walnut’s Project Management team, learning how our operations team work to provide the essential momentum needed to enable us to deliver great work to our clients. Of course, you’ll be supported by a dedicated line manager who will help you seek the best opportunities for growth and will ensure you make the most of your Academy year.
As an Academy Executive, you will be coached and mentored during your first year and work towards the industry recognised Market Research Society’s (MRS) Advanced Certificate in Market and Social Research. You’ll also reap the many rewards of working for an innovative agency like Walnut: we’ve placed in the Sunday Times Best Small Companies to Work For, we’ve been nominated for an MRS award for Best Agency to Work For, and we offer a multitude of training courses, as well as holding social and charity events year-around.
Zoe Smith
Favourite Technique: Niche – but the podcast we run for a client! Favourite Sector: Retail Favourite Brand: Lycra I wasn’t sure what to expect when I joined the scheme here at Walnut almost a year ago, but my time so far has been brilliant, both in terms of personal and professional development. The team have provided a supportive, safe, environment to learn, and you are given amazing opportunities to challenge yourself. The academy has provided experience across so many sectors and big-name clients, and it is exciting to see neuro and behavioural sciences come to life in the world of market research!
Hettie Simpson
Favourite Technique: Product testing Favourite Sector: FMCG and Shopper Favourite Brand Worked On: Twinings The Walnut AE scheme gives you the fantastic opportunity to work on a variety of projects with clients across different sectors, building your research skills and developing your knowledge as you go. Everyone at Walnut has been really friendly and welcoming, and always willing to offer help and advice, creating a supportive atmosphere for positive learning and development.
Maryam Hamirani
Favourite technique: Facial Coding Favourite sector: Tech and Media Favourite brand worked on: Orange The Academy has given me the opportunity to try out and experience so many different methods and sectors! It provides a safe and supporting environment to challenge yourself and develop into the researcher you want to be. .
Nick Moreland
Favourite technique: Ethnography Favourite sectors: Retail & FMCG Favourite brand worked on: KFC The Academy scheme is the best way to gain experience of the vast array of projects that Walnut undertake for a huge range of clients in different sectors. There is so much help and support, and you get to work with every team across the business. I would recommend the Academy programme to anyone who is interested in starting a career in market research, it will help mould you into a well-rounded researcher whilst being a lot of fun along the way!
