How to Become a Research Analyst for Books and Movies

Microsoft Research

Being a research analyst is a demanding job that requires keen attention to detail. The job typically entails researching a variety of subjects that are of interest to the company the analyst works for. The information that is learned as a result of this research is then put into a written report to detail the findings of the research. Almost every industry has research analysts as part of their core staff, and the book and movie industries are no different.

Instructions

1. Decide what type of research analyst you would like to become. There are research analyst positions with different areas of focus, and deciding what your level of expertise should be will help you plot the course of your education. There is no such thing as a Research Analyst degree, so it is important to consider what job you want in advance, so you can mold your courses around that career choice. Even though you know you would like to be a research analyst for books and movies, you should know if you want to focus more on the financial side of the industry, the operational side, the advertising and publicity side, or whatever specialty you prefer.

2. Earn a Bachelor's degree in a field of study that matches the type of research analyst you want to be. All research analysts work with numbers to a degree, so some accounting classes are recommended. People who will specialize in financial research analysis will require more of a mathematics background, while those who will be operations-oriented research analysts should focus on business-administration courses. It also would not hurt to take additional courses related to writing or filmmaking, since you will ultimately be analyzing books and movies.

3. Continue your education to receive an advanced degree. You can technically work as a research analyst with nothing more than your bachelor's degree, but most employers will be looking at candidates who hold a Master's. Remaining competitive means continuing your education--again, following the path that matches your career goals. That means obtaining a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) if you prefer to do operational work, or a Master of Science in Finance (MSF) if you prefer working in a financial setting. Obtaining a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) degree is another viable option.

4. Apply for an internship with a local company. You may have to work for free, but working as an intern will usually earn you college credits and will provide you with real-world experience while you are in school. Obtaining an internship as a research associate will provide you with that experience and pave the way for your future career. Going to college in Los Angeles provides you with an advantage at this stage, since you want to become a research analyst for books and movies, and Los Angeles is one of the main media centers in the world. Once you have earned your Master's degree, you can apply to be a research analyst at any company you wish to work for, including the one where you already have a foot in the door.

Tips & Warnings

• Being a research analyst requires a balance between analytical skills and communication skills. Begin honing these skills at an early age to give yourself a clear advantage in the marketplace.