What are the pros and cons of working client side?
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Q.		Client-side researchers seem to have the best situation - more regular hours, better pay, more contact with the business changes that result from research... What's the downside and how easy is it to move between the two? (I'm at the Senior Analyst level with about 5 years' experience).
A.		Karen Morgan Says: Although this is still the perception by some, it is just that, a perception. There was a time when internal research departments were well staffed and a work/life balance seemed more the norm than not. However, the combination of a downturn in the economy, rampant mergers and acquisitions and other forces impacting the economic climate, have left market research departments strapped for resources. Many people on the client side have lost staff, don’t have the budgets to hire replacements and are doing the jobs of 2-3 people, working very long hours. Many of the fringe benefits have disappeared and salaries across the board have been stagnant for several years. As always, you should assess this on a case by case basis; company culture, industry etc. Making a move to the client side is not always easy (if you don’t have any prior client side experience). Many industries, particularly pharmaceuticals and CPG, require prior experience in their particular industry; sometimes even specific experience in a particular product/therapeutic area. If you are interested in working in either of these industries, get exposure to big name clients within these industries while on the supplier side. Making a move to other industries, such as hi-tech, is easier and does not always require prior industry specific experience; in fact, with recent trends, tech companies are often simply interested in consumer research experience, and not concerned about industry background. Something to be aware of early in your career, is not to get pigeon-holed. Getting into the automotive industry for instance, before gaining any CPG or similar industry experience, can be dangerous. Many people who have wanted to transfer out of automotive have had a miserable time. CPG is still the most transferable exp. I advise people to start here if possible, as this will open the most doors for you throughout your career. Also, working on known brands will give you more leverage when you make your next move. Phil Reeve says: Grass is not always greener. Client side departments are shrinking and you end up focused on one product or service, and they don’t always get paid the most. There is also a ceiling of how much you can make on the client side.