consumer insights & strategy manager?

Hi, anyone with experience in market research/consumer insights willing to share their wisdom?

I am thinking of joining an international market research agency as an account executive. My plan would be to stay for ~4 years then exit to a consumer insights and strategy management role at a big FMCG company. Those jobs seem to have a starting salary of around 100-150k.

Is my plan realistic? Any advice on the industry?

My salary as an account executive would be 55k. How much could I expect to earn after 4 years, as an account manager or perhaps even an account director? Presumably there are bonuses for bringing in new business/satisfying clients - what kind of numbers could I expect?

What would be the next step after the insights and strategy role? It seems like (based on LinkedIn stalking) that most people get "stuck" in that role (staying manager, sometimes moving up to senior manager or head of division) and never enter more senior executive roles?

The only C-suit executive, my ultimate goal, with a consumer research background that I am aware of is Irene Rosenfeld. Seems like a background in brand managment, high finance or management consulting is far more common. If you had the opportunity to work in brand management or consulting (things that may still be on the cards for me), would you rather have gone down that route?

Thanks

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (145) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”