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Member Spotlight – Michelle Carter

22 May Posted by SWMRA in Cactus Call | Comments Off on Member Spotlight – Michelle Carter
 

Michelle_Carter

Name: Michelle Carter
Title: Vice President, Data Collection
Company: Decision Analyst
Current City: Arlington, TX
Hometown: Arlington, TX

Years in the market research industry: I just recently celebrated my 25th anniversary at Decision Analyst

What duties does your current job position include?
I am responsible for all national and international projects involving other research companies as subcontractors. I also oversee our Mail Processing Center where we fulfill our home use tests, client mailings, and survey mailings.

What’s the best aspect of your current job position?
I love that every day is different. I enjoy working with people in different markets all over the world.
…and the worst (if there is one) ?
It’s hard coming up with a creative Halloween costume each year. It’s serious business here at Decision Analyst!

What do you see coming in the market research industry during the next five years?
That’s hard to say. Over the past 25 years, I have already seen it change so much. With technology changing as rapidly as it is, who knows what we will be doing in 5 years! I would expect more research techniques centered around geofencing/location. I also think images will play more of a role in research related to in-the-moment. People take pictures now more than ever. They certainly share them now more than ever, so gathering insights via images seems to make sense.

How did you first come to work in market research?
Honestly, when I started college, I needed a job that would work around my class schedule. Decision Analyst had a phone center back then and the calling shifts were in the evening. It was a perfect fit. Needless to say, I turned that temporary job into a career!

What led to you to joining the MRA?
I wanted to network with the suppliers that I was working with, so I signed up for my first Las Vegas conference back in the 90’s.
I previously served three years on the Southwest Chapter Board of Directors. In 2005, I was awarded the MRA Chapter Service Award for my contributions to the Southwest Chapter.

To what other professional organizations do you belong?
Although I don’t personally belong to any other professional associations, I am currently interested in and follow the guidelines of CASRO, ESOMAR, QRCA, and AMA.

What is your educational background?
I attended the University of Texas at Arlington.

Where else have you worked in the past – including non-MR positions?
Well, since I started my career at Decision Analyst at such a young age, it was typical teenager jobs like Six Flags and the movie theater.

What do you do in your spare time – hobbies or activities?
I love spending time with my family. My husband is a firefighter and paramedic. My son recently graduated from high school. My daughter is in high school and plays for their softball team. We love watching her games, going camping, and doing just about anything else that is outside. I enjoy reading. I also enjoy doing volunteer work with my church and with a support group for my son’s genetic disorder.

Do you have any unusual talents?
Does drinking upside down to get rid of the hiccups count?

What would others be surprised to know about you?
I was a cheerleader in high school and on the college dance team.

Favorite book or movie?
The Blind Side

What is your ideal vacation?
Being in Hawaii with my husband and children…without electronics!

Final comment or quotable:
I enjoy working in this industry and with the wonderful people in it!