Market and social research assistant (Fachangestellte/r für Markt- und Sozialforschung)
You prepare surveys, collect and analyse data and present the results: a 36-month training, paid from the first year, in a research institute or a company.
What a market and social research assistant does
They organise the preparation and running of market studies and social research projects: they gather information, code and check data and produce reports.
Prepare
Gather information on markets and target groups, and design questionnaires and interview guides.
Collect
Train interviewers, organise their work, enter questionnaires and check quality.
Analyse
Code data, check its consistency, process it with statistical software and write reports.
This occupation is for you if…
- you like numbers, data and statistics
- you are accurate and can cope with precise work
- you like organising projects and teams
- you like reporting results to clients
Less suitable if…
- you do not want to work at a screen
- you dislike repetitive checking tasks
- you would rather do mostly manual work
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Questionnaire designInformation researchData codingPlausibility checksStatistical softwareProject organisationData protectionPersonal qualities
AccuracyOrganisationConcentrationCustomer focusCommunicationHow the Ausbildung works
In Germany you learn by working: this is the “dual system”. You are an employee of a company and a student at a vocational school (Berufsschule) at the same time.
Basics of research
- Functions of market research
- Information research
- Data protection
Data and projects
- Data entry and coding
- Project planning
- Intermediate exam
Reports and follow-up
- Analysis and presentation
- Project accounting
- Final exam
Exams and qualification
A written intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) of up to 120 minutes takes place in the middle of the second year. The final exam has three written papers (functions and methods, 120 minutes; research projects, 150 minutes; economics and social studies, 60 minutes) and a discussion of up to 20 minutes. Qualification: IHK certificate (Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
What you need to apply
Education level
German level
Physical fitness
Documents to prepare
- CV and cover letter in German
- Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
- German B2 level certificate
Advantages and difficulties
Advantages
- Paid from the first year
- Analytical work with real data
- Use of statistical software
- Route to the Fachwirt or to university
Difficulties
- A lot of time at a screen
- Careful, repetitive data checking
- Written German for reports is demanding
- Most apprentices already hold the baccalaureate
Where it can lead
Market research employee
Jobs in research institutes, advertising agencies, statistics offices or companies.
Research project lead
Run surveys, supervise interviewers and look after clients.
Marketing Fachwirt or degree
Take the Fachwirt für Marketing (marketing specialist) or study marketing research.
Other trainings: Humanities, education and social work
Not quite convinced by this occupation? Here are related trainings in the same field.
We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany
Four steps to move forward, all run by our own structures.
Take the test online or at the office
The eligibility test is done online on our website, or by visiting our Douala office directly.
Take the testTalk to our team
Germany: +49 (0) 7033 694 18 80
Cameroon: +237 622 20 81 64
DZK, our language centre
Deutschzentrum KAGEDEV (DZK) is our own language centre in Douala. Outside Douala: partner language centres, call us to find the nearest one.
AZUFA is always us
AZUFA is our platform: it connects you with German companies that recruit apprentices and follows your application through to the training contract.
Go to AZUFAFrom German A1 to the first day of training in Germany
Each step is run by one of our structures. You keep the same contact from start to finish.
- 1
Check my eligibility
The test is done online on our website or at our Douala office.
Run by Campus Germany
- 2
Talk to an advisor
Review your profile, your wishes and the chosen occupation.
- 3
Learn German, from A1 to B2
Courses adapted to your starting level, up to the required B2 level. In Douala at our own language centre; elsewhere, with our partner centres.
Run by DZK
- 4
Prepare the application file
CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
- 5
Find the company and sign the training contract
We connect you with German companies that recruit apprentices, and follow your application through to the contract.
Run by AZUFA
- 6
Prepare the visa and paperwork
Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
- 7
Prepare your departure and settling in
Travel, housing and first steps in Germany: we prepare you before you leave.
Run by KAGEDEV e.V.
- 8
First day of training in Germany
You arrive prepared and supported, with a team that has known you since day one.
Stay informed
Join our channels to receive new offers, session dates and advice. These are announcement channels: no private conversations.
Our structures for this occupation
Our platform for recruiting apprentices and skilled staff from Africa: matching with German companies through to the training contract.
Our own German language centre, in Douala. Outside Douala: partner centres.
Training offers for this occupation
No offer is open here at the moment. Browse apprenticeship offers on AZUFA, or receive an e-mail as soon as a partner company recruits.
See offers on AZUFA →Take this sheet with you
A 5-page document to read offline or show your family: the occupation, the training, the pay and the whole pathway, from German A1 to the first day of training.
Download the brochure (PDF)You may be wondering…
What German level is required?
How long does the training last?
Am I paid during the training?
Where can I take the eligibility test?
Where can I learn German?
Do I need the baccalaureate for this training?
What software is used?
Ready to find out whether this occupation is for you?
Take the test online or come and see us at the office. We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany.